Question: What Alternative Do I Have For Pasta If I'm Trying To Cut On Carbohydrates?

February 5, 2010

Answers

Helen Pitlick's picture

I bought pasta made from lentils at a natural foods store once; I can't remember the name of the brand, but it was pretty good. It obviously didn't taste exactly like pasta, but it was a decent substitute and packed with protein. Otherwise, I'd say to just eat less pasta. eat half the pasta you would usually eat and substitute the rest with steamed veggies.

Barnaby Dorfman's picture

Spaghetti squash can be combined with tomato sauce for a lower carb option. They also make noodles out of soy, essentially tofu, which is high inproteain and low in carbs. Finally, look for Shirataki noodles, they are made from a Konnyaku potato and have zero carbs: http://www.foodista.com/food/2M8W8RGB/shirataki-noodles

Curt's picture

Eat more fruits, vegetables, soy or other legumes.

letizia mattiacci's picture

I second the suggestion of eating less pasta but what is as important for your health is also to reduce the amount of fat. So use vegetables, herbs tomato and a little olive oil rather than meat, cheese and cream

Victoria E Reid's picture

Plain pasta makes simple carbohydrates that turn to sugar real fast. Might I suggest you use Whole Wheat pasta, half the amount you usually make for yourself and add more veggies to your sauce. You will have a complex carb and double you veggie intake, can that be a bad thing?

MyLastBite's picture

Hi. I eat low-carb at home most of time (since I dine out so much) and the best recommendation I can offer is SPINACH! I use it instead of pasta and rice all the time.

Alisa Mcpheron's picture

Hi Catherine! I have a couple suggestions- Quinoa is awesome and super good for you.You can usually find it where the rice is at the grocery store. I sometimes use it to bind turkey meatloaf or meatballs instead of bread crumbs-just mix in the cooled, cooked quinoa in with the raw meat etc. Also kale is really, really good for you. My friend who is a nutrition coach turned me onto roasted kale-INCREDIBLE! you can see a video here http://saucycarrots.com/

Paprika's picture

Sauteed zucchini grated in long thin strips works like a charm.

Anuradha Venkatesh Chenji's picture

-Baked (or boiled) sweet potato with the skin is a great high fiber carb to substitute for pasta.
-wild rice
-whole wheat rotis (flat, unleavened Indian bread)
-broken-wheat porridge cooked in water ( 1 measure broken wheat to 1.75 measures of water - cook till tender).

Lavendare's picture

I use a vegetable peeler and make long thing slices out of yellow squash and zucchini. Stop when you get to the seeds. Then quickly saute in some olive oil. Season with salt, pepper and herbs of your choice and/or grated cheese. They twirl on your fork just like pasta and if you cook them al dente, you will never miss the pasta. The flavor of the vegetables is so mild it plays well with just about any sauce you top it with. Plus you have the added benefit of a nutritional boost from fiber and vitamins. Try it...I know you will love it. My family calls them "Squ-oodles".