Using your Noodle

Carb smart guide to choosing your noodles.

Fact: Most people cannot even taste the difference between regular and whole wheat pastas. That means there is no excuse to not starting eating healthier. Furthermore, most people eat pasta at least one time a week. That’s about 52 times per year! If you think about it, this is a small change that can make a huge difference in your diet and your overall health.

It’s important to be informed. There are many different types of noodles and pastas that people should be aware of. First we will look at whole wheat and whole grain pastas. Many people assume that they are the same, but in reality there are slight differences. Whole wheat products go through a refining process that can remove some of the nutritional value, while whole grain products do not go through a refining process. That means there is no loss of fiber, vitamins and minerals in whole grain products. Of course, I am not knocking whole wheat products because compared to white and refined grains, where there is a loss of 75% of the protein and about 25% of the fiber, whole wheat is a great alternative. Clearly, the decision should be an easy one. Another type of noodle you must be aware of is soba noodles. Soba noodles are full of protein and amino acids, especially compared to other types of noodles and pastas. This noodle is made from buckwheat flour which is high in iron and zinc and is completely gluten free. Now that you understand the difference between some of the healthiest and most delicious noodles, you can make an educated decision when making your next meal.

Let’s use these noodles! Now that we are equipped with noodle knowledge, it is important to use them in delicious dishes. Personally, pastas and noodles are a staple in my life because they are inexpensive and quick cooking, which is perfect for a busy and slightly lazy college student. Due to these benefits, I eat them multiple times per week. One of my go-to recipes is soba noodles with broccoli rabe and a little bit of olive oil. It’s quick and easy for a weekday meal, but for something a little more special try Honey-Jalapeno Chicken with Sesame Soba Noodles courtesy of the Food Network.