Pasta

m_kipp
m_kipp Posts: 86 Member
edited November 18 in Food and Nutrition
Hey everyone, what is the lowest calorie pasta? Does anyone have one that they really like where you can eat more for lower calories? Thanks!!
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Replies

  • mccindy72
    mccindy72 Posts: 7,001 Member
    Pasta is pasta. 'carbs is carbs'..... The truth being that learning to eat in moderation means you have to learn that although you love pasta, you need to weigh yourself out that one dry serving, cook it up, and stick with just that. There aren't any pastas that are lower in calories, or fewer carbs, or give you the option to eat much larger portions. The idea of eating in moderation for weight loss is to learn to eat less of everything.

    Unless you want to learn to love spaghetti squash as the 'noodles' in your pasta dishes.
  • mizzlarabee
    mizzlarabee Posts: 134 Member
    There are some pastas like shiritaki noodles and others that are very low calorie. Not quite wheat pasta but it does the trick. You can find them at Whole Foods.
  • Need2Exerc1se
    Need2Exerc1se Posts: 13,575 Member
    I like Fiber Gourmet brand pasta. Because when comes to calories, a carb is not a carb and Fiber Gourmet has 20g of fiber per 2 oz serving, and half the calories of regular pasta. And it tastes like regular al dente pasta to me.
  • mccindy72
    mccindy72 Posts: 7,001 Member
    There are some pastas like shiritaki noodles and others that are very low calorie. Not quite wheat pasta but it does the trick. You can find them at Whole Foods.

    This is true. Fair warning, try one package first to see if you like them. You either do or don't. I've talked to some people who really like them. I didn't - I found them repulsive, slimy and chewy.
  • mizzlarabee
    mizzlarabee Posts: 134 Member
    mccindy72 wrote: »
    There are some pastas like shiritaki noodles and others that are very low calorie. Not quite wheat pasta but it does the trick. You can find them at Whole Foods.

    This is true. Fair warning, try one package first to see if you like them. You either do or don't. I've talked to some people who really like them. I didn't - I found them repulsive, slimy and chewy.

    Agreed!
  • m_kipp
    m_kipp Posts: 86 Member
    Well, I ask because my wife is out of town and I am a HUGE pasta freak and she is not. So I want to have some this week but I don't want to go crazy like the old days. Keeping it under my daily calories. Not so worried about carbs this week. Thanks!
  • mizzlarabee
    mizzlarabee Posts: 134 Member
    kipp_it wrote: »
    Well, I ask because my wife is out of town and I am a HUGE pasta freak and she is not. So I want to have some this week but I don't want to go crazy like the old days. Keeping it under my daily calories. Not so worried about carbs this week. Thanks!

    Ah fair! Just keep your portion modest and you should be just fine :)
  • m_kipp
    m_kipp Posts: 86 Member
    Ah fair! Just keep your portion modest and you should be just fine :)

    Yeah that is the key. I am going to be good on that. In the old days, I'd have 3 bowls. If red wine and pasta were diet foods.....I would weigh 80 lbs....my fav stuff!

  • Need2Exerc1se
    Need2Exerc1se Posts: 13,575 Member
    kipp_it wrote: »
    Ah fair! Just keep your portion modest and you should be just fine :)

    Yeah that is the key. I am going to be good on that. In the old days, I'd have 3 bowls. If red wine and pasta were diet foods.....I would weigh 80 lbs....my fav stuff!

    I hear ya! I had that for dinner last night, and I'll be having leftover pasta (minus the wine, because that is frowned upon at work) today for lunch. I eat pasta several times a week.
  • Altagracia220
    Altagracia220 Posts: 876 Member
    Barilla whole grain angel hair pasta is 180 calories per 2 ounce serving. I add a half cup of Classico light alfredo sauce, 90 calories, and 4 ounces of grilled chicken breast, 110 calories and voila quick, simple chicken alfredo pasta adding up to 380 calories. Sometimes I add crushed red pepper for a kick.
  • Need2Exerc1se
    Need2Exerc1se Posts: 13,575 Member
    jazmin220 wrote: »
    Barilla whole grain angel hair pasta is 180 calories per 2 ounce serving. I add a half cup of Classico light alfredo sauce, 90 calories, and 4 ounces of grilled chicken breast, 110 calories and voila quick, simple chicken alfredo pasta adding up to 380 calories. Sometimes I add crushed red pepper for a kick.

    The calories on the chicken sound low. According to the USDA, 4 oz of grilled chicken breast (boneless, skinless) has 171 calories.

    http://ndb.nal.usda.gov/ndb/foods/show/1179?manu=&fgcd=
  • Altagracia220
    Altagracia220 Posts: 876 Member
    jazmin220 wrote: »
    Barilla whole grain angel hair pasta is 180 calories per 2 ounce serving. I add a half cup of Classico light alfredo sauce, 90 calories, and 4 ounces of grilled chicken breast, 110 calories and voila quick, simple chicken alfredo pasta adding up to 380 calories. Sometimes I add crushed red pepper for a kick.

    The calories on the chicken sound low. According to the USDA, 4 oz of grilled chicken breast (boneless, skinless) has 171 calories.

    http://ndb.nal.usda.gov/ndb/foods/show/1179?manu=&fgcd=

    It says it on the bag that it comes in.

    http://stopandshop.peapod.com/pd/Natures-Promise/Chicken-Boneless-Skinless-Breast-with-Rib-Meat-/24-oz/688267083037/
  • mccindy72
    mccindy72 Posts: 7,001 Member
    jazmin220 wrote: »
    jazmin220 wrote: »
    Barilla whole grain angel hair pasta is 180 calories per 2 ounce serving. I add a half cup of Classico light alfredo sauce, 90 calories, and 4 ounces of grilled chicken breast, 110 calories and voila quick, simple chicken alfredo pasta adding up to 380 calories. Sometimes I add crushed red pepper for a kick.

    The calories on the chicken sound low. According to the USDA, 4 oz of grilled chicken breast (boneless, skinless) has 171 calories.

    http://ndb.nal.usda.gov/ndb/foods/show/1179?manu=&fgcd=

    It says it on the bag that it comes in.

    http://stopandshop.peapod.com/pd/Natures-Promise/Chicken-Boneless-Skinless-Breast-with-Rib-Meat-/24-oz/688267083037/

    make sure you weigh it! ;)
  • mccindy72
    mccindy72 Posts: 7,001 Member
    jazmin220 wrote: »
    Barilla whole grain angel hair pasta is 180 calories per 2 ounce serving. I add a half cup of Classico light alfredo sauce, 90 calories, and 4 ounces of grilled chicken breast, 110 calories and voila quick, simple chicken alfredo pasta adding up to 380 calories. Sometimes I add crushed red pepper for a kick.

    The calories on the chicken sound low. According to the USDA, 4 oz of grilled chicken breast (boneless, skinless) has 171 calories.

    http://ndb.nal.usda.gov/ndb/foods/show/1179?manu=&fgcd=

    Probably because some of the packaged stuff is pumped with liquid to get it to 4 oz, rather than just being solid meat.
  • smelius22
    smelius22 Posts: 334 Member
    I ate a cup of cheese tortellini last night for 180 calories. Mmmm!
  • mizzlarabee
    mizzlarabee Posts: 134 Member
    kipp_it wrote: »
    Ah fair! Just keep your portion modest and you should be just fine :)

    Yeah that is the key. I am going to be good on that. In the old days, I'd have 3 bowls. If red wine and pasta were diet foods.....I would weigh 80 lbs....my fav stuff!

    Omg! You're telling me! Pasta + red wine is the best combo
  • mccindy72
    mccindy72 Posts: 7,001 Member
    kipp_it wrote: »
    Ah fair! Just keep your portion modest and you should be just fine :)

    Yeah that is the key. I am going to be good on that. In the old days, I'd have 3 bowls. If red wine and pasta were diet foods.....I would weigh 80 lbs....my fav stuff!

    Omg! You're telling me! Pasta + red wine is the best combo

    Oh, my, yes.
    I can't eat gluten or dairy, but I have found I can make my own great pasta, and Walden Farms has a half-*kitten* dairy free, calorie free alfredo sauce that I buy and add garlic, parmesan and chicken to that goes wonderfully with wine.
  • Need2Exerc1se
    Need2Exerc1se Posts: 13,575 Member
    mccindy72 wrote: »
    jazmin220 wrote: »
    Barilla whole grain angel hair pasta is 180 calories per 2 ounce serving. I add a half cup of Classico light alfredo sauce, 90 calories, and 4 ounces of grilled chicken breast, 110 calories and voila quick, simple chicken alfredo pasta adding up to 380 calories. Sometimes I add crushed red pepper for a kick.

    The calories on the chicken sound low. According to the USDA, 4 oz of grilled chicken breast (boneless, skinless) has 171 calories.

    http://ndb.nal.usda.gov/ndb/foods/show/1179?manu=&fgcd=

    Probably because some of the packaged stuff is pumped with liquid to get it to 4 oz, rather than just being solid meat.

    OIC Interesting. So less protein too, I suppose.
  • mccindy72
    mccindy72 Posts: 7,001 Member
    mccindy72 wrote: »
    jazmin220 wrote: »
    Barilla whole grain angel hair pasta is 180 calories per 2 ounce serving. I add a half cup of Classico light alfredo sauce, 90 calories, and 4 ounces of grilled chicken breast, 110 calories and voila quick, simple chicken alfredo pasta adding up to 380 calories. Sometimes I add crushed red pepper for a kick.

    The calories on the chicken sound low. According to the USDA, 4 oz of grilled chicken breast (boneless, skinless) has 171 calories.

    http://ndb.nal.usda.gov/ndb/foods/show/1179?manu=&fgcd=

    Probably because some of the packaged stuff is pumped with liquid to get it to 4 oz, rather than just being solid meat.

    OIC Interesting. So less protein too, I suppose.

    Yep. Sad, isn't it?
  • Noelv1976
    Noelv1976 Posts: 18,948 Member
    Unless you buy whole wheat pasta, don't think there's a difference. I love my elbows though.
  • AlisonH729
    AlisonH729 Posts: 558 Member
    I love pasta. But I have to bulk it up with vegetables because a serving just isn't enough.

    And yes, I am one of those people who use zucchini noodles. (You know, like you would make with a Veggetti.) But they are NOT a substitute for real pasta, neither is spaghetti squash. I mix them with spaghetti. One large zucchini to 2 servings of pasta is about right. But I find that they give off a fair bit of liquid so they work best with tomato based sauces. + Turkey meatballs.

    If I want a cream sauce I try to make it with Greek yogurt. I particularly like this Carbonara recipe. I even make it with deli ham. Then I usually serve it over shells or bowties with peas.
  • NewMeSM75
    NewMeSM75 Posts: 971 Member
    mccindy72 wrote: »
    There are some pastas like shiritaki noodles and others that are very low calorie. Not quite wheat pasta but it does the trick. You can find them at Whole Foods.

    This is true. Fair warning, try one package first to see if you like them. You either do or don't. I've talked to some people who really like them. I didn't - I found them repulsive, slimy and chewy.

    I tried them. It was like chewing rubber bands. They were nasty!
  • Tried30UserNames
    Tried30UserNames Posts: 561 Member
    jazmin220 wrote: »
    [
    The calories on the chicken sound low. According to the USDA, 4 oz of grilled chicken breast (boneless, skinless) has 171 calories.

    http://ndb.nal.usda.gov/ndb/foods/show/1179?manu=&fgcd=

    It says it on the bag that it comes in.

    http://stopandshop.peapod.com/pd/Natures-Promise/Chicken-Boneless-Skinless-Breast-with-Rib-Meat-/24-oz/688267083037/[/quote]

    The USDA numbers are for 4 oz cooked chicken. Is the Nature's Promise chicken cooked or raw weight? That could be the difference. 4 ounces cooked chicken is probably about 5 ounces raw chicken.
  • KarenJanine
    KarenJanine Posts: 3,497 Member
    There are some higher protein brands of pasta (Tesco sell their own brand in the UK). Although the calorie content is similar, the increased protein may make it easier to fit into your macros:

    Tesco higher protein fusilli, 100g as sold:
    25g Protein, 60g Carbs, 1.8g Fat, 366 cals

    Tesco regular fusilli, 100g as sold:
    12.5g protein, 73g Carbs, 1.4g Fat, 360 cals

    In terms of taste and texture it's not much different to regular pasta, but requires a bit less cooking time.
  • Altagracia220
    Altagracia220 Posts: 876 Member
    mccindy72 wrote: »
    jazmin220 wrote: »
    jazmin220 wrote: »
    Barilla whole grain angel hair pasta is 180 calories per 2 ounce serving. I add a half cup of Classico light alfredo sauce, 90 calories, and 4 ounces of grilled chicken breast, 110 calories and voila quick, simple chicken alfredo pasta adding up to 380 calories. Sometimes I add crushed red pepper for a kick.

    The calories on the chicken sound low. According to the USDA, 4 oz of grilled chicken breast (boneless, skinless) has 171 calories.

    http://ndb.nal.usda.gov/ndb/foods/show/1179?manu=&fgcd=

    It says it on the bag that it comes in.

    http://stopandshop.peapod.com/pd/Natures-Promise/Chicken-Boneless-Skinless-Breast-with-Rib-Meat-/24-oz/688267083037/

    make sure you weigh it! ;)

    Always. :)
  • thankyou4thevenom
    thankyou4thevenom Posts: 1,581 Member
    There are some higher protein brands of pasta (Tesco sell their own brand in the UK). Although the calorie content is similar, the increased protein may make it easier to fit into your macros:

    Tesco higher protein fusilli, 100g as sold:
    25g Protein, 60g Carbs, 1.8g Fat, 366 cals

    Tesco regular fusilli, 100g as sold:
    12.5g protein, 73g Carbs, 1.4g Fat, 360 cals

    In terms of taste and texture it's not much different to regular pasta, but requires a bit less cooking time.

    Didn't know that stuff existed. Thanks!
  • Gska17
    Gska17 Posts: 752 Member
    I like Fiber Gourmet brand pasta. Because when comes to calories, a carb is not a carb and Fiber Gourmet has 20g of fiber per 2 oz serving, and half the calories of regular pasta. And it tastes like regular al dente pasta to me.

    I'm on the fence about ordering this. I might bite the bullet today.
  • lemurcat12
    lemurcat12 Posts: 30,886 Member
    mccindy72 wrote: »
    jazmin220 wrote: »
    Barilla whole grain angel hair pasta is 180 calories per 2 ounce serving. I add a half cup of Classico light alfredo sauce, 90 calories, and 4 ounces of grilled chicken breast, 110 calories and voila quick, simple chicken alfredo pasta adding up to 380 calories. Sometimes I add crushed red pepper for a kick.

    The calories on the chicken sound low. According to the USDA, 4 oz of grilled chicken breast (boneless, skinless) has 171 calories.

    http://ndb.nal.usda.gov/ndb/foods/show/1179?manu=&fgcd=

    Probably because some of the packaged stuff is pumped with liquid to get it to 4 oz, rather than just being solid meat.

    Also it's a cooked entry from the USDA, whereas the entry on the package is usually raw. Chicken loses weight when you cook it (more if there was excess water).

    One common mistake (not saying it was made here) is using the raw numbers but weighing after cooking.
  • NewMeSM75
    NewMeSM75 Posts: 971 Member
    edited May 2015
    GingerSka wrote: »
    I like Fiber Gourmet brand pasta. Because when comes to calories, a carb is not a carb and Fiber Gourmet has 20g of fiber per 2 oz serving, and half the calories of regular pasta. And it tastes like regular al dente pasta to me.

    I'm on the fence about ordering this. I might bite the bullet today.

    Mine comes in tomorrow.... I'm excited. I ordered both the pasta and some snacks to try.
  • m_kipp
    m_kipp Posts: 86 Member
    Steph38878 wrote: »
    Mine comes in tomorrow.... I'm excited. I ordered both the pasta and some snacks to try.

    Let us know how it is!!!

This discussion has been closed.