Most nutritionists aren't convinced. For starters, pasta is a lot easier on blood sugar levels than starchy foods like potatoes or white bread. And half a cup of cooked pasta contains only 99 calories. Go easy on creamy sauces in favor of tomato sauce and you'll keep the fat grams down. Better yet, when preparing a pasta dish, combine it with cooked chickpeas or beans - a classic combination the Italians call pasta e fagioli .
Beans are especially fiber-rich.
And since they contain complete protein, they're a great alternative to meat. All rights reserved.