Health

Pasta – not so bad after all

By Judy Davie

**”Is it okay to eat pasta if I’m trying to lose weight?”

— Sally**

Absolutely! The fact that pasta is a source of carbohydrate often fools people into thinking it prevents weight loss. Of course, if you eat too much of any food you’ll take in too many kilojoules, which could lead to weight gain. But by sticking to a sensible portion size and enjoying it in moderation, there’s no reason pasta can’t be enjoyed as part of a healthy diet.

Pasta has a low glycaemic index, which means it releases energy slowly, keeping the body fuller for longer, meaning you’re less likely to still be hungry afterwards.

Wholemeal pasta is an even better choice as it contains more fibre and has an even lower GI. A great pasta meal would include some vegies, protein and a little healthy fat. An average portion size is about one cup of cooked pasta.

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