Join the Pasta Revolution

Don’t Let Your Spaghetti Be Lonely

By Erin Jones

It may have shocked you to hear Mireille speak very fondly of pasta in French Women For All Seasons. Yes, French women do eat pasta--in fact, this famous French woman loves it! Poor pasta has gotten a bad rap in the last few years. Carbohydrate-conscious diet plans have branded it as the ultimate offender. But did you know that pasta can actually be good for you? When enjoyed moderately and accompanied by the right foods, it can make a highly nutritional, and perfectly balanced meal--with no danger of making you fat.

There are some ground rules to abide by when it comes to pasta dishes. First, you must shed your notions of the typical American-sized dish. An acceptable portion is 1 - 2 cups of cooked pasta. Most restaurants in the U.S. serve dishes that contain about 4 - 5 cups, which is more than two serving sizes.

Secondly, the idea of serving pasta all by itself is wholly American. In most of Europe, pasta is almost always paired with some vegetables, beans, olive oil, cheese, chicken and/or meat. The balance of protein and added fiber from the vegetables help to break down the carbohydrates in your body. In fact, the combination of grain from the pasta, fiber from the vegetables and protein in meat or cheese can provide the perfect balanced meal in one simple dish.

Here are some additional nutrition facts about pasta that will make you say, "More pasta, please!"


 

• One cup of cooked pasta has about 40 grams of carbohydrates, less than one gram of total fat, no cholesterol, and contains only 200 calories.
• Pasta contains six of the eight essential amino acids your body needs per day.
• Eat your pasta the Italian way: al dente. Overcooked pasta swells and has a higher GI* (glycemic index) value. The glycemic index ranks carbohydrates based on their effect on our blood glucose levels as they break down in our bodies. Lower GI foods, such as pasta and white rice, raise our glucose and insulin levels less than higher GI foods such as white bread and sugared cereals. To familiarize yourself with the glycemic index, visit The Glycemic Index Web site.
• All pastas are incredibly rich in folic acid, a nutrient considered vital for pregnant women.
• Whole-wheat and whole-grain pastas are the most nutrient rich.
• Pasta is a good source of fiber, which has been known to maintain the health of our bowels and digestive tracts, and may even prevent colon cancer.
• The complex carbohydrates in pasta help sustain energy.
• And here's another benefit of pasta, to all you busy women out there: it's relatively fast to prepare and is easily made into a large meal to satisfy an entire family.

Remember, as with all things, pasta is meant to be enjoyed in moderation. Pay attention to your portion size and make sure to pair it with a 'partner.' If you prefer not to put your meat or vegetables in the pasta, just be sure to eat them on the side as part of a balanced meal.  

Try some of Mireille's pasta dishes tonight!

• Spaghetti with Cauliflower
• Fettuccine with Scallops and Asparagus
• Macaroni with Spinach and Pancetta