Can You Eat Pasta On A Weight-Loss Diet? Here's What Experts Say

Pasta is probably the second most popular Italian dish across the globe (the first being pizza). And if you are like us, then a plateful of cheesy pasta can make you happy at any given time. But as per popular belief, the cheese, carbs and gluten in pasta recipes affect our body negatively. This is exactly why several fitness enthusiasts prefer keeping it off their meal plan. What if we say that pasta can be healthy too?! Yes, that's right! As per a report, published in The Sun, pasta, if eaten in the right amount, can help you lose weight. In fact, it can easily be a part of the balanced diet as well, the report adds.

Also Read: 7 Mistakes You Should Avoid To Make Restaurant-Style Pasta

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Can you eat pasta on a weight-loss diet?

Emma Beckett, a nutritionist from the University of Newcastle, says, "Studies have shown that people lose more weight when their diet includes pasta on a daily basis." Let us elucidate further.

You probably know that our body needs a certain amount of macronutrients - protein, carbohydrates and fats - on a daily basis to keep going. The amount, however, varies as per body size, gender and how much energy we exhaust. Hence, health practitioners always suggest including every nutrient in our daily diet to maintain a healthy regime.

Nutritionist and Macrobiotic Health Coach, Shilpa Arora weighs in, "No food group is good or bad; moderation is the key. A balanced approach to eating and energy expenditure is critical".

Taking it all under consideration, we say, make a conscious decision about eating pasta even when you are on a weight loss diet.

Also Read: Craving For Pasta? Transform These Veggies Into Pasta And Enjoy Your Meal Guilt-Free

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Nutrients In Pasta | How Much Fat, Protein And Carbs Are There In 1 Cup Pasta:

As per USDA data, a cup of cooked pasta, which is about 145 grams, has 1.3 gm of total fat, 43 gm of total carbohydrates and 2.5gm of dietary fibre and 8.1 grams of protein.

What Is The Right Way To Eat Pasta To Shed Extra Kilos:

• Nutritionist Emma Beckett suggests that instead of quitting pasta completely, one must consider reducing the portion size.
• You can also switch to wholegrain pasta (which has higher fibre content) to add to your healthy diet regime, she adds.
• However, gluten-free pasta is not recommended for a weight loss diet. Gluten-free pasta has lesser protein content than wheat pasta. Although it remains a healthier choice for people with gluten intolerance, gluten-free pasta may not be a great option to add to a weight-loss diet.

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Here're 5 Pasta Recipes For You:

Pasta Aglio Olio:

This classic pasta recipe needs olive oil, loads of garlic and some fresh parsley. Toss everything together with some chilli flakes and salt and relish. Some people also add veggies to make the dish healthier and wholesome. Click here for the recipe.

Coconut Pasta:

This pasta recipe includes a hint of coconut in it. Prepare a sauce with coconut milk, semolina, olive oil, butter, garlic, ginger and onion and toss the boiled pasta in it. Enjoy the dish hot. Click here for the recipe.

Goda Masala Pasta:

This desi-style pasta spells indulgence. Mix the aromatic Maharashtrian goda masala to cooked pasta and enjoy the flavours to the fullest. Click here for the recipe.

Chicken And Mushroom Pasta:

If you are looking for a protein-rich option, here we have a pasta recipe that includes chicken and mushrooms in it. Besides, add heavy cream, chicken stock, herbs and spices in it. Click here for the recipe.

Broccoli Pasta Salad:

This is probably the most delicious way to include veggies in your kid's diet. This pasta salad is less oily and includes the goodness of broccoli and baby corn in it. Click here for the recipe.

Prepare these yummy pasta and indulge! But remember, maintain a healthy portion size, because moderation is the key!

_{Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.}