Healthier Pasta Alternatives For Blokes

Everybody loves pasta. There’s a reason why it’s a pantry staple as it’s versatile and tastes great.

That said, white pasta isn’t exactly great for your waistline as it’s refined, meaning it’s stripped of wheat bran and germ, and has little nutritional value.

Likewise, it is relatively high in carbohydrates and calories and can be problematic for those on a weight loss journey.

That said, there are healthier alternatives out there for health-conscious blokes. Let’s check them out.

Spelt pasta is made using spelt flour. Spelt is a super grain and is quite nutritious. It has more protein than regular white pasta and has a nice nutty flavour. According to chefs, spelt pasta is best paired with tomato-based or vegetable-based sauces. 

Unlike white pasta, wholemeal pasta uses the entire grain kernel sourced from the durum wheat used to make pasta. This means that wholemeal pasta has more fibre and less carbs than white pasta, meaning it should leave you feeling fuller for longer. Likewise, it is packed full of vitamin B, which is important for ensuring proper cell function. 

A staple of Japanese cuisine, soba noodles are made from buckwheat flour and are a healthier alternative to regular spaghetti. Soba noodles have fewer calories than white pasta and contain more fibre and protein. They are also a great source of manganese, which assists with breaking down carbs, proteins and cholesterol.

Ok, so this isn’t pasta, but slicing zucchini with a peeler can make it a viable alternative to spaghetti if you’re trying to lose weight. Likewise, you can buy pre-sliced zucchini ribbons if you’re feeling lazy. Not only is zucchini low in fat, calories and sugar, but it’s also high in antioxidants and is linked to improved digestion and a lower risk of heart disease. 

Ok, this is another pasta alternative that isn’t pasta, but bear with us. Cauliflower rice is self-explanatory in the sense that it is just cauliflower that has been grated so that it resembles rice. Once cooked in the microwave, the cauliflower expands and creates a perfect pasta (and rice) alternative.