Gluten-Free and Low Calorie Pasta Noodles

According to studies, every year an average American normally consumes around 20 pounds of pasta. This 20 pounds of plain pasta contains about 12,000 calories, which would obviously increase when you include the heavy sauces and cheese that usually come with it.

Because pasta contains a lot of calories, eating huge quantities of this food item can lead to increase in weight. Aside from that, significant amounts of pasta can also result to slow digestion, as well as constipation.
No one can argue that pastas are indeed very delicious. So if you are one of those people who are not yet ready to totally avoid eating pasta, you might want to consider these alternatives to cut down on your calorie intake.

Shirataki Noodles

The shirataki noodles are made from Japanese yam or the konjac plant. This type of noodles commonly has 0 calories and is very rich in fiber. Some forms of shirataki noodles are partly made from tofu and has very little calorie content.
This kind of noodles does not have any flavor and may come in various shapes, such as penne, angel, and fettuccine. One of the most noticeable differences between shirataki noodles and traditional pastas is that this type of noodles is packed in liquid and you don’t have to cook it. All you have to do is to rinse the noodles and you can readily include it into your dish.
Shirataki noodles serve as a great alternative for people who are allergic to gluten, those who are trying to lose weight, as well as those who need to decrease their cholesterol and control their diabetes.
Spaghetti Squash

As the name suggests, the insides of spaghetti squash look like spaghetti when baked. This can be a good alternative for spaghetti noodles because one cup of it only contains about 42 calories and 0.5 grams of fat. The main reason for its low calorie content is the fact that it is 92% water. Because of its low fat and calorie content, spaghetti squash is perfect for those who want to slim down.
This alternative also has another benefit—it is rich in fiber. Consuming foods that are rich in fiber can help you lose weight, prevent constipation, decrease cholesterol levels, and improve digestion.
Zucchini Pasta

Perhaps, you have already tried using zucchini in other dishes. However, you should know that it can actually be turned into pasta with the use of a spiral slicer. Through this very inexpensive kitchen device, you will be able to easily have perfectly shaped zucchini noodles that can be an excellent substitute for traditional noodles.
This replacement option is great for those who are trying to lessen their weight because a cup of it only has 19 calories. In addition, because it is rich in potassium, it can effectively regulate blood pressure and reduce a person’s risk of stroke and heart diseases.
Final Thoughts

These three alternatives can be considered as a much healthier choice, especially for people who have sensitive health conditions. They can be used just like regular pastas, and also taste great with traditional pasta sauce or olive oil and herbs. Through these substitutes, you will be able to still enjoy your favorites without compromising your health.