Whole wheat pasta

traciz78
traciz78 Posts: 19 Member
in Food and Nutrition
What's the info on whole wheat pasta? I know that I need to stay as far away from white flour products as I can, but is whole wheat pasta ok? Pasta is my weakness, and if I don't have an alternative, I am afraid I will give in very soon! I am a calorie counter, but I am trying to watch sugar and sodium and everything else that will hinder my weight loss, as well as jeopardize my ability to obtain a healthier lifestyle.

What are your feelings on whole wheat pasta?

Replies

  • Acg67
    Acg67 Posts: 12,142 Member
    What's the info on whole wheat pasta? I know that I need to stay as far away from white flour products as I can, but is whole wheat pasta ok? Pasta is my weakness, and if I don't have an alternative, I am afraid I will give in very soon! I am a calorie counter, but I am trying to watch sugar and sodium and everything else that will hinder my weight loss, as well as jeopardize my ability to obtain a healthier lifestyle.

    What are your feelings on whole wheat pasta?

    My feelings are it's best to be avoided at all costs

    Sugar and sodium won't really hinder your fat loss unless you have a medical condition requiring you to keep them in check. And there is no real reason to avoid white flour products
  • taso42
    taso42 Posts: 8,980 Member
    Most (all?) pastas will have a nutritional label. That should tell you what you need to know about how it can fit into your daily nutritional goals. So just read the label, and log accordingly.

    As for white flour, why do you need to avoid it?
  • YoungDoc2B
    YoungDoc2B Posts: 1,593 Member
    I don't see why you can't have regular pasta, as long as it fits within your calories goals.
  • Capt_Apollo
    Capt_Apollo Posts: 9,026 Member
    what acg said. sometimes i like the flavor of whole wheat pasta, but it also depends on the sauce and the protein with the dish.

    you don't have to stay away from white flour products at all. everything in moderation.
  • jenilla1
    jenilla1 Posts: 11,118 Member
    I hate the nasty texture of whole wheat pasta myself. Try the high fiber white pastas like Barilla Piccolini. Those taste just like regular pasta but are high in fiber so your blood sugar doesn't spike. I have a digestive disorder and I'm supposed to avoid gluten, so I use brown rice pasta myself because I'm a pasta freak and I have to have it. :drinker:
  • SoozeE512
    SoozeE512 Posts: 439 Member
    I've known a lot of women who have lost weight cutting out white flour products and switching to whole grains. So in my opinion, it's worth switching.
  • Acg67
    Acg67 Posts: 12,142 Member
    I've known a lot of women who have lost weight cutting out white flour products and switching to whole grains. So in my opinion, it's worth switching.

    post hoc ergo propter hoc
  • traciz78
    traciz78 Posts: 19 Member
    Thank you for the feedback! I think that the white flour thing is just what I've collected from conversations and "advice" from friends and family trying to help me.
  • CEHayes73
    CEHayes73 Posts: 221 Member
    I'm trying to make my eating changes ones I can live with for the long term. I switched to brown rice, and I like it fine, but when I tried to switch to whole wheat pasta, I found it completely unappealing. So I eat the white pasta, watch the portion size, and try to serve it with lots and lots of veggies, and a bit of lean protein. I know a lot of people say we need to avoid those high starchy 'white foods', but if I really don't like it, it doesn't matter how 'healthy' it is, I just won't eat it. There are lots of vegetables I like, but I hate kale. Really can't stand it. I tried kale chips - they tasted like cabbage scented paper. I tried steaming -yuk, and I tried sauteed with garlic and olive oil, and still it made me want to gag. So I gave up, and made myself a lovely spinach salad. I hate 'wasting' calories on food I don't enjoy. Now I'm not tempted by junk foods, unless they're the ones I really love, and then I make sure I have the calories, and indulge in moderation.
  • SoozeE512
    SoozeE512 Posts: 439 Member
    I've known a lot of women who have lost weight cutting out white flour products and switching to whole grains. So in my opinion, it's worth switching.

    post hoc ergo propter hoc

    You may look great eating 5 donuts a day, but for a lot of people, that would be setting them up for failure. Again, just in my opinion. I'd rather be healthier on the inside than look healthy on the outside.
  • AblazeRiver
    AblazeRiver Posts: 47 Member
    Honestly, pasta in general is not evil as far as weight loss goes, especially if you exercise. The carbohydrates give you lots of energy and fuel for your muscles to work. And sugars (real sugars, not HFCS or sweeteners) are good for you, you need them for energy as well. The big issue with pasta honestly, is portion control. Buy a digital food scale, and weigh it out before you cook it. 200 cals for pasta plus ~50 cals for sauce makes for a very filling and enjoyable meal.

    If you don't mind a change in texture, try Shirataki Noodles ( I think the brand is called House Foods, it's on the HungryGirl website ), they're made out of tofu I believe, and they're only ~50 cals. Again, it's a different texture but it works nicely in stirfry and baked pasta dishes!

    Best of luck!


    EDIT: the shirataki has a weird smell out of the package, but once you drain/rinse them off and boil them, it goes away completely.
  • issyfit
    issyfit Posts: 1,077 Member
    I've switched to shiratake noodles and spagetti squash when I want a pasta like dish.

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