Comfort foods often have a bad reputation. You naturally assume that tasty foods will ravage your diet and prevent you from getting the essential nutrients you need. While pasta typically falls into the "comfort food" category, the truth is actually a bit more complex.
Pasta has a lot to offer in terms of nutrition. It's also big on flavors, easy to make, and affordable for just about every family. That's why you should make this popular dish a staple of your home menu, as it offers numerous benefits at dinner time.
1. Pasta Is One of the Essential Food Groups
Your dinner plate should feature a combination of the five essential good groups: fruits, vegetables, proteins, dairy, and grains to maintain optimum wellness. Pasta falls into the grain category, an important complex carb your body needs. Eating whole grain pasta offers even more benefits, including enhanced fiber intake and reduced risk of heart disease.
2. Adults and Children Love to Eat It
Finding a meal that both the adults and kids in your family love is often challenging. You don't want to turn your kitchen into a takeout restaurant, so it's crucial to find a meal everyone can agree on. Pasta is beloved by kids and adults alike, making it a perfect selection for your family. Kids love the fun shapes and shredded cheese topping, while adults will appreciate the hearty meal after a long day.
3. It Can Reduce Your Appetite
Hunger pangs are no joke, especially when you're trying to lose weight. While you may have heard it's best to avoid carbs in this case, pasta can actually benefit you during your weight loss journey. Because grains are so filling, you're less likely to succumb to snack cravings soon after eating. Try eating it for a healthy lunch and following up with a light dinner.
4. You Can Pair It With Just About Anything
Pasta is an amazingly versatile dish, which means you can combine it without virtually anything. Meat lovers in your home will adore spaghetti and meatballs or lasagna. If you have any vegetarians in your brood, their pasta can be paired with delectable roast veggies or meat substitutes. Pasta can also be a simple dish, with some butter, herbs, cheese, and a light drizzling of olive oil.
5. It's a Budget-Friendly Meal
Meal planning on a budget is often easier said than done, especially with rising costs in grocery stores. Fortunately, pasta is a highly affordable dish, especially considering its many health benefits. Dried pasta is incredibly inexpensive, making it a welcome addition to your family. You can keep plenty of it in your pantry for quick, tasty meals.
6. Helps Regular Blood Sugar
Pasta also has a low glycemic index, which means it reduces the rate at which sugar enters the bloodstream. For people at risk of diabetes, foods with a low glycemic index are essential. Additionally, these foods are also great for managing your weight, thanks to their hunger-busting capabilities.
7. Pasta Is Low in Fat and Salt
On its own and when paired with the right ingredients, pasta is a low-fat and low-salt dish. Just be careful about home much salt and butter you add to recipes when preparing meals. You can also substitute flavorful herbs and olive oil for a healthier alternative.
Family meal planning has never been easier when you make pasta an essential staple. Keeping plenty of pasta around also means your family can whip up their own meals if you're working late. Despite its simplicity, pasta offers big flavors, important nutrition, and an easy way to fulfill your appetite when you're feeling famished.