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In the past, carbohydrates have gotten a bad rap for being a leading culprit in weight gain. However, studies have shown that carbs are actually one of the three main macronutrients you need to include in your diet, and are vital for living a healthy life. However, while there are healthy carbs such as fruits and vegetables, oatmeal, and other whole grains, there are some carbs that dietitians warn to avoid if your long term goal is to lose weight.
White pasta is the worst carbohydrate for weight loss according to registered dietitian Lisa R. Young. While there are variations of pasta which can add value to your diet such as a whole grain or chickpea pasta, white pasta is stripped of any nutritional value and consists of mostly empty calories. Young adds that white pasta contains no fiber, unlike other variations, so it likely won’t keep you full for long.
Not only is white pasta lacking in nutritional value, it is also easy to overeat as pasta serving sizes can be confusing and restaurant portions typically exceed 3 cups! If you still want to enjoy this Italian staple, Young recommends opting for a whole wheat pasta, or a soba noodle if you’re gluten free to satisfy the same craving with a little added fiber.
You may have grown up on white pasta, so it can be difficult to train your palate to enjoy whole wheat pasta in the same capacity. To spice up the flavor, add a delicious marinara sauce overtop, or load up your dish with veggies to add some density which will keep you full and satisfied into the evening.
When building your plate for a healthy meal, a balanced diet should include a carbohydrate, healthy fat, and protein source. While white pasta does fall within the carb category, your weight loss goals will benefit from a more thoughtful choice of noodle to provide slightly more nutritional value. Altering your lifestyle for weight loss doesn’t have to mean ditching your favorite foods--sometimes it can be as simple as making thoughtful switches to healthy alternatives.
