ByDr. Jorge, Ph.D.
Wildgrainis the first bake-from-frozen subscription box for sourdough breads, fresh pastas, and artisanal pastries.
There’s no going wrong with a fresh bowl of pasta smothered in sauce and covered in grated cheese. Certainly, a drool-worthy meal, but do you know if pasta can fit into your diet? Read on to learn if pasta is healthy for you and which type of pasta is the best for achieving weight loss goals.
Can you eat pasta and still lose weight or fat? Will I gain weight if I eat pasta every day?
Yes, you can eat pasta and still stick to your weight loss goals and lose fat. The main consideration to keep in mind when making food choices while trying to lose weight is to remain in a calorie deficit. Very simply, if your body uses more calories than you consume, then you will lose weight. To help lose weight and still eat pasta, it is important to pay attention to the nutritional facts of your pasta, your portion sizes, and what you are eating with the pasta. You can gain weight if you eat pasta daily depending on the amount and type of pasta consumed, but this can occur with any food that is consumed in excess. The key to fitting pasta into your diet is to ensure it’s part of a balanced meal that will fuel your body with nutrients, such as whole grains, which can keep you full for longer.
Which pasta shape has the least carbs?
Pasta shapes on their own do not determine carbohydrate amounts. Conversely, the type of flour used to make the pasta is a greater indicator of the carbohydrate content in each pasta. For example, pasta made with refined white flour will have more carbohydrates than pasta made from whole grains.
Can I eat whole wheat pasta for weight loss?
Yes, you can eat whole wheat pasta for weight loss. In fact, whole wheat or whole grain pasta is the best option for weight loss as whole wheat pasta takes longer to digest than pasta made from refined flour. Slower digestion means blood sugar will rise slowly after consumption, preventing your body from storing excess fat.
What pastas should I avoid for weight loss or avoid for a diet?
You should avoid pasta made from refined flour if you are looking to achieve weight loss goals. Refined pasta has been stripped of many of its natural nutrients and is higher in calories and lower in fiber, meaning you will likely feel full for less time after eating it. Instead, if you are on a diet or trying to lose weight, consider eating a whole wheat pasta or maintain a small portion size of regular pasta in your meal.
What is the best time to eat pasta for weight loss?
If you are trying to lose weight, the best time to eat pasta is within two hours of an intense workout. Research suggests that weight loss goals can be maintained if you consume pasta right after a workout because your body needs to replenish glycogen (or carbohydrate) stores that can be depleted after intense exercise.
What is the best type of pasta to eat for weight loss?
The best type of pasta for weight loss is pasta containing whole grains. This is because pasta made from whole grains is more nutritiously dense, and contains more fiber and fewer calories than refined pasta. Pasta that has a higher fiber content will also leave you feeling full for longer, which can ultimately help to reduce your overall caloric intake.
What is the best pasta to eat while on a diet?
The best type of pasta to eat while on a diet is pasta containing whole grains. In addition to whole wheat pasta, pasta made from other ingredients such as chickpeas, lentils, and veggies are great options when you are on a diet. Non-traditional pasta like these are generally lower in carbohydrates and calories while having higher protein content.
Where can I buy healthy pasta online?
At Wildgrain, we specialize in making high-quality, fresh pasta that is delivered directly to your door. Wildgrain is the first bake-from-frozen delivery subscription service for breads, rolls, pastries, and fresh pastas. Some of our popular pastas include fresh fettuccine, fresh tonnarelli, and cheese tortellini. We are proud to offer healthy pastas, made with non-GMO flour and without preservatives. Learn more about Wildgrain and our artisanal baking and cooking methods.
About the Author
Dr. Jorge has been a public health researcher for many years, holding both a Bachelor's degree and a Ph.D. in Chemistry. They presently work as a medical writer and love being able to assist others in understanding various health and scientific topics.
This content is for informational use only and does not replace professional nutrition and/or medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It is not a substitute for and should not be relied upon for specific nutrition and/or medical recommendations. Please talk with your doctor about any questions or concerns.
FAQs
The best type of pasta to eat while on a diet is pasta containing whole grains. In addition to whole wheat pasta, pasta made from other ingredients such as chickpeas, lentils, and veggies are great options when you are on a diet.
Can I eat pasta if I'm trying to lose weight? ›
Dietitians and other health care professionals should consider pasta as a low-glycemic carbohydrate option within the context of a healthy diet or a weight loss/weight maintenance diet.
What is the best pasta to eat for weight loss? ›
The best bang for your buck when it comes to weight loss is chickpea pasta, according to Kaytee. "With twice as much fiber and protein, you'll be able to stay satisfied with your meal and consume fewer calories than the other pasta options, helping you to achieve your weight goals," she says.
How many times a week can I eat pasta for weight loss? ›
If you love pasta, there's no reason to cut it out from your diet, the experts say. It can be a great way to pack in vegetables, healthy fats from nuts, olive oil and pasta sauces, Linsenmeyer says. "It's fine to include in a regular diet as often as every day. It really is."
What is a good portion of pasta for weight loss? ›
Half a cup of whole-grain cooked pasta equals one serving, or about 70 calories. If you don't eat pasta, think of a slice of whole-grain bread instead.
Is pasta bad for losing belly fat? ›
You should avoid pasta made from refined flour if you are looking to achieve weight loss goals. Refined pasta has been stripped of many of its natural nutrients and is higher in calories and lower in fiber, meaning you will likely feel full for less time after eating it.
Will cutting out pasta help me lose weight? ›
By eliminating them, you decrease food cravings, making it easier to eat less and lose weight. The main problem with white rice, bread, pasta and potatoes is that they trigger a cycle of food craving. They release a sudden spike of sugar in your bloodstream. Your body responds to that extra sugar by releasing insulin.
Which is better for weight loss, rice or pasta? ›
At 117 calories per 100g Vs pasta's 160 calories per 100g, rice has significantly lower calories, so swapping pasta to rice may be beneficial for anyone controlling their calories as a way to lose or maintain their weight.
Is pasta better than potatoes for weight loss? ›
Of rice, pasta, potatoes, and bread, potatoes are the healthiest of these starchy and complex carbohydrate foods. This is because potatoes are dense in nutrients, containing essential minerals, vitamins, and other micronutrients. Potatoes are also high in fiber, helping to satiate hunger and regulate blood sugar.
Are eggs good for weight loss? ›
Eating eggs may support weight loss, especially if a person incorporates them into a calorie-controlled diet. Research suggests that eggs boost metabolic activity and increase feelings of fullness. Eating an egg-based breakfast may stop a person from consuming extra calories throughout the day.
It's a great source of protein that comes at an affordable cost. It's low in calories and fat yet is jam-packed with nutrients. Each serving of tuna has omega-3s and other various vitamins and minerals, like vitamin D and selenium. These nutrients are part of a healthy, balanced diet.
Is it OK if I eat pasta everyday? ›
It is possible to eat pasta daily and still be healthy. The key to eating pasta every day is to limit your portion size and supplement your pasta bowl with essential nutrients. The recommended portion size is two ounces of dry pasta or one cup of cooked pasta.
How many cups of pasta should I eat to lose weight? ›
For a meal, I typically advise my weight loss clients to keep their portion of cooked pasta to 1 to 1.5 cups (women) and 1.5 to 2 cups (men). The serving size of pasta on nutrition labels is given as a dry weight, so it can be hard to know how much to cook.
Is one cup of pasta too much? ›
A standard serve of cooked pasta is, gulp, only 1/2 cup. At Susie's recommended daily intake of one to two serves, that is a maximum of one cup cooked.
What does 8 servings of pasta look like? ›
For long pastas like spaghetti, angel hair, linguini, and fettuccini, your best bet is to hold the pasta on end to measure it. Two ounces of dry pasta is approximately 2/3 of an inch across, or one serving. A 16 ounce box of these shapes will have eight servings.
Is pasta or rice better for weight loss? ›
Rice Wins! This was a close one. In their refined forms, white pasta wins out versus white rice, so save that for your cheat days. In terms of true health, weight loss and performance benefits, however, the fibre and mineral content of brown rice makes it the perfect fuel to feed your fitness goals.
What foods help burn belly fat? ›
Following a low-carb diet also means consuming more protein. Studies indicate that a diet rich in high-protein foods, such as eggs, fish, seafood, legumes, nuts, meat, and dairy results in overall less abdominal fat, more satiety, and an increased metabolic function.
Which carbs should I avoid to lose weight? ›
A low-carb diet generally limits grains, legumes, fruits, breads, sweets, pastas and starchy vegetables, and sometimes nuts and seeds.
Is pasta or potatoes better for weight loss? ›
Both potatoes and pasta can be part of a balanced diet, but they have different nutritional profiles. If you're aiming for weight loss, potatoes might be the slightly better choice due to their lower calorie and higher fiber content.
