Lower calorie pasta?

The_Ugly_One

Creamette makes a penne pasta that is 150 calories per 56g rather than the usual 200 calories per 56g. No taste difference. 100 fewer calories over two servings that I can spend better elsewhere, like spaghetti sauce!

Cbestinme

JinjoJoey wrote: »

You can find Shirataki noodles at most Walmart stores. I just started buying them last month and although, they aren't identical to real pasta, obviously, they're pretty damn good. The ones I buy at Walmart are 15 calories per serving and two servings per bag. It's a pretty big bag for 30 calories. Last night, I had two bags for 60 calories and a chicken broth cube for 5 calories. All in all, 65 calories for something that tasted extremely close to Ramen noodles. I've also had them with spaghetti sauce which is pretty darn good too, all things considered. I was a pretty picky eater in the past as well, so the fact that I don't mind having these should tell you something. I've not tried the 0 calorie ones, though. Like others have mentioned, just rinse them thoroughly in a strainer before you boil or whatever. Once you season them with something, add a sauce or broth, you don't notice any odd flavors anyway. I'm, honestly, so happy I found these things!

Great points thanks!

Ramen noodles like Japanese ramen (or the packages for boiled water?

Cbestinme

chocolate_owl wrote: »

Lord007 wrote: »

Cbestinme wrote: »

Are these shirataki noodles a specialty item in special stores?

You can find Shirataki noodles at Asian markets. They're typically in a refridgerated section, near tofu and the like. I like them. They do have a "ocean " odor if not rinsed very thoroughly, because of the solution it's stored in, so they're best consumed with a bolder sauces, i.e marinara, and flavors. A 2 serving bag is about $2. (It only has <10 calories per serving)

You can also find them in regular grocery stores, usually by the tofu. In my Kroger that's in the produce section, in Sprouts it's close to the dairy. Agree that they need to be rinsed very, very thoroughly and covered up with bold flavors, and also agree that they work a lot better in stir-fry than as pasta.

Excellent will know where to look, thanks!

Cbestinme

Steph38878 wrote: »

Fibergourmet pasta. Half the calories, great taste, half the calories.

Sounds really advanced, is that the name on the packaging? Is it in regular stores?

Cbestinme

abitofbliss wrote: »

I use veges in place of noodles.

Onions, peppers, zucchini, garlic cloves - Sauteed in red sauce is delish (just made this last night) with grilled chicken parm. I also like to make ground beef with broccoli&cheese sauce - Tastes like hamburger helper to me.

Yummy!

Cbestinme

fishshark wrote: »

i make pasta work. as ive said 10000 times im italian and pasta was one of the first thingsi learned to make. I save it for days im active and if i really "need" it i go for a bike ride or walk or whatever. there is not a replacement for real pasta.. for me.

Good tips. Agreed!!

pamsumtrav

Try Carba Nada pasta made by Al Dente. They can be bought online and in some grocery stores, especially in the mid west. I spent the summer in the upper peninsula of Michigan this summer and picked up several bags.

They are not as low as the shirataki noodles or noodles, but nice for a change.

NewMeSM75

Cbestinme wrote: »

Steph38878 wrote: »

Fibergourmet pasta. Half the calories, great taste, half the calories.

Sounds really advanced, is that the name on the packaging? Is it in regular stores?

Unfortunately not in stores. I buy online. I usually build a small box to get a discount since they don't go bad. They taste more like regular pasta.

Cbestinme

Great tips thanks everyone will be on the look out for

pamsumtrav wrote: »

Try Carba Nada pasta made by Al Dente. They can be bought online and in some grocery stores, especially in the mid west. I spent the summer in the upper peninsula of Michigan this summer and picked up several bags.

They are not as low as the shirataki noodles or noodles, but nice for a change.

Great suggestion will keep an eye for them

Cbestinme

janejellyroll wrote: »

I have seen the shirataki noodles at Asian markets and Whole Foods. I think you can also order them online.

I ordered my Vegetti (inexpensive spiralizer) online, but I've also seen them at discount stores in the kitchen section. It works fine, although there are also much more expensive models.

I usually just eat one serving of pasta when I have it -- or half of a serving. I find that it satisfies me when I have lots of vegetables with the meal -- either a big salad on the side or some roasted vegetables mixed with the pasta and sauce. Although if you want to "spend" your calories on pasta, there's nothing wrong with that. Just arrange your other meals for the day to make it fit.

tried this half serving (100 calories only!), and went really crazy with veggies, that seemed to work, will have to try a few more times

Will also be fun experimenting with other noodles

Thanks everyone!!

MelissaPhippsFeagins

Spaghetti squash.

leahs828

Check out Carba Nada Al Dente, I order it on Amazon in bulk!

she_lived_wholly_forevermore

Miracle noodles are ok. Zero cals but the texture is kinda weird. I've discovered kelp noodles which were 15 cals for the entire bag and I enjoyed those more.

Cbestinme

More cool options, thanks!! fun tasting times ahead

avskk

Can I just say what a pleasure it's been to read this thread and see your enthusiastic embrace of people's advice and suggestions, @Cbestinme ? Because it was indeed a pleasure.

LucasEVille

We use Soba noodles instead of spaghetti and love it.

Meghanebk

Yup, lots of veggies (whatever's laying around or in my freezer)- I find it more satisfying if they're simmered in the sauce, not just dropped in right before serving. Extra garlic and spices too. Without a spiralizer, grated veggies like zucchini cook fast too.

Have you tried eating slower with a smaller utensil? It really does work for me. Use a small fork or spoon, and actually taste each bite. Focus on the food, not tv, computer, whatever other distractions are around (maybe not people though). Gives your stomach and brain time to chat and realize you're eating enough.

Cbestinme

Great responses everyone thanks so much!!

Cbestinme

Lol, for sure that would work!!

mccraee

no replacing real pasta for me. But I do stretch it using my spriralizer (zoodles) or w/ raw shredded cabbage. I like the crunch

I have kids so there is some pasta around my house

leejoyce31

janejellyroll wrote: »

Some people find shirataki noodles to be a good replacement for pasta. They have zero calories, but the taste and the texture can be really off-putting to some people. Even those who eat them won't say they taste exactly like pasta.

When I'm wanting to reduce the calories in a dish, I will often make vegetable noodles with my spiralizer. Zucchini or cucumber work really well, I've also seen people do butternut squash, sweet potatoes, or even beets.

Or you can just follow the advice above and remind your body that your brain is in charge of what you eat. I find that mixing lots of vegetables and protein (beans or tofu for me, you can use whatever you enjoy) with my pasta helps me be satisfied with a reasonable serving.

I'm addicted to the shirataki noodles/rice. I just started eating this a couple of weeks ago. I eat the House Foods brand that has tofu in it. The tofu makes the texture better.

I also use the Better Than brand and Miracle brand for the rice.

leejoyce31

Cbestinme wrote: »

janejellyroll wrote: »

Some people find shirataki noodles to be a good replacement for pasta. They have zero calories, but the taste and the texture can be really off-putting to some people. Even those who eat them won't say they taste exactly like pasta.

When I'm wanting to reduce the calories in a dish, I will often make vegetable noodles with my spiralizer. Zucchini or cucumber work really well, I've also seen people do butternut squash, sweet potatoes, or even beets.

Or you can just follow the advice above and remind your body that your brain is in charge of what you eat. I find that mixing lots of vegetables and protein (beans or tofu for me, you can use whatever you enjoy) with my pasta helps me be satisfied with a reasonable serving.

Are these shirataki noodles a specialty item in special stores?

Zucchini pasta sounds interesting - I may have to ask how you make the vegetable noodles?

I did throw in lots of vegetables in my meal it was 800 calories total, half for the pasta alone, other half for yummy stuff, protein, veggies, sauce

I think the advice is maybe add even more vegetables? Ok lol. Or *gasp eat only one serving of pasta? Before brain trains body to be happy with less, what tricks are there?

I purchase my rice from Amazon. I think lots of people purchase from Asian stores. I purchase the House Food brand from Whole Foods or Kroger in the section near the tofu.

leejoyce31

JinjoJoey wrote: »

You can find Shirataki noodles at most Walmart stores. I just started buying them last month and although, they aren't identical to real pasta, obviously, they're pretty damn good. The ones I buy at Walmart are 15 calories per serving and two servings per bag. It's a pretty big bag for 30 calories. Last night, I had two bags for 60 calories and a chicken broth cube for 5 calories. All in all, 65 calories for something that tasted extremely close to Ramen noodles. I've also had them with spaghetti sauce which is pretty darn good too, all things considered. I was a pretty picky eater in the past as well, so the fact that I don't mind having these should tell you something. I've not tried the 0 calorie ones, though. Like others have mentioned, just rinse them thoroughly in a strainer before you boil or whatever. Once you season them with something, add a sauce or broth, you don't notice any odd flavors anyway. I'm, honestly, so happy I found these things!

I agree. I'm delighted I found them. I use them with everything. I haven't had them with any Asian dishes at all. I've had the rice with white bean chili and beef pot roast. It was to die for.

Yesterday I had the noodles with beef in a merlot gravy. Today, I am having the spaghetti today with laughing cow cheese and delicate squash on top. Can't wait!

rsclause

Only pasta that I can fit in is Spaghetti squash. I have actually grown to like it.

kekeke123

soy noodles or lentil noodles!!

cathipa

Edemame noodles may not be lower calorie, but are high in fiber and protein. Zucchini or sweet potato spiralized or spaghetti squash make great pasta substitutions without the guilt

Treece68

http://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-cook-spaghetti-squash-in-the-oven-178036

Cbestinme

wow thanks again so many more cool options, lentil & edamame noodles, spaghetti squash!! will have to try all these - yummy variety! & merlot gravy sounds so tasty!!

not_my_first_rodeo

I eat real pasta still. Just a lot less of it.