Pasta is undoubtedly among the world’s favorite meals. That’s why we can’t help but ask – can we eat pasta while on keto? Please, say yes!
The truth is, regular pasta, the pasta we all eat daily, should not be a part of your keto menu as it contains lots of carbohydrates.
But, before you start feeling desperate, here’s what you can do to enjoy pasta without kicking your body out of ketosis.
Is Pasta Really High in Carbohydrates?
Sadly, yes. If you’re on the keto diet, you shouldn’t consume spaghetti, macaroni, etc. One serving of pasta contains more than 30 grams of carbs, which is a lot more than you’re permitted on keto.
On top of this, the carbs in refined wheat pasta are simple carbs, which means that the human body digests them almost right away. This is why you start feeling hungry very soon after finishing a big bowl of spaghetti with tomato sauce. This type of food increases your blood sugar levels very quickly and can also lead to obesity.
You Don’t Have to Give up on Pasta
Anything is allowed if eaten moderately. You don’t have to give up pasta totally and never eat it again in your life. A portion of your favorite spaghetti is permitted once in a while.
Whole-grain pasta may be a better option when you do decide to treat yourself. It has a smaller amount of carbs and fewer calories, and it’s more nutritive – it’s got more vitamins and fiber. Still, it doesn’t mean it’s an approved keto food.
What you add to your pasta is also quite important. A careful choice can turn this high-carb food into a healthy and well-balanced meal. Chicken, spinach, avocado, salmon, feta, tomatoes, kale, olives – all of these go very well with pasta and can keep you full for longer.
Are There Alternatives for Pasta Addicts?
Sometimes, it’s enough to trick your brain into thinking you’re eating pasta to satisfy your craving. You may like some of these low-carb pasta alternatives that you can eat away while on any sort of keto diet.
- Zucchini spaghetti is the keto version of wheat pasta. You may need to buy a spiralizer to make it yourself, but you should also be able to find zucchini and other veggie pasta off the shelves. You’ll hardly notice the difference between zucchini pasta and the regular one. You can prepare it in many ways and add whatever you like to create an amazing dish. If you’re not a zucchini fan, you can do the same with kohlrabi, eggplant, or cucumber.
- Spaghetti squash. Similar to the previous but a bit more like spaghetti, this vegetable has almost the same color and texture and it goes well with garlic, tomato sauce, and ground beef. It contains some carbs but significantly less than regular pasta.
- If you love lasagna, zucchini can be a good substitute here once again, but have your tried to make layered cauliflower instead? The taste isn’t too strong so it won’t overpower your lasagna, and you can combine it with other keto ingredients that go into a real lasagna. Voila! It’s like you didn’t have to give up pasta at all.
You Won’t Even Miss It
As soon as you try these low-carb alternatives for pasta, you’ll realize keto isn’t about giving up certain foods. It’s more about finding healthier and, as it turns out, often more delicious replacements for foods that are not so good for us. Enjoy your alternative noodles!
