Can I eat noodles on diet?

Noodles have their place in the diets of billions of people all around the world, including those striving for healthy eating. But what about those trying to lose weight or stick to a non-dieting lifestyle? Can noodles play a part in your diet and still allow you to meet your nutrition and health goals?

The short answer to that question is yes. Whether you’re following a traditional diet plan or prefer a non-diet approach, you can eat noodles in a way that’s balanced and nutritious. To help you gain a better understanding of how you can use noodles in your diet and make sure you get the most out of your dish, we’ve put together an extensive guide on all things noodle-related.

First, let’s dive into looking at the nutrition and health benefits of noodles. There are a number of positives that come with incorporating this versatile food into your diet.

Nutrition Benefits

Noodles are low in fat and cholesterol, making them an easy way to help boost your daily fibre and protein intake, which are both important macronutrients for a healthy diet. One cup of cooked noodles is a great source of energy, providing around 80 to 115 calories, depending on the type of noodle used.

The majority of noodles are low in sodium and offer a generous helping of essential vitamins, such as folate and iron, from the flours used to make them. Depending on the type of noodle you choose, there are also plenty of added vitamins and minerals. For instance, Chinese egg noodles contain the valuable nutrient choline, which is important for the healthy development of the brain and muscles.

Overall, noodles provide a solid nutrition backdrop and can be an excellent base ingredient in any meal.

Health Benefits

Noodles are incredibly versatile and should be a staple in your kitchen. What’s more, there are lots of health benefits to eating noodles as part of a balanced diet.

Noodles help to make meals easier to digest. The simple carbohydrates found in noodles break down faster and provide quick energy. This quick energy boost helps you to stay energized throughout the day. Eating noodles can also increase your overall feelings of fullness and satisfaction after meals. This makes you less likely to snack in between meals, thereby leading to better appetite control.

Noodles are also a great source of healthy carbohydrates. Eating the right amount of carbs in your diet gives you lots of energy and helps to regulate your blood sugar levels. This is important if you’re trying to shed a few pounds; eating low-carb meals can lead to fatigue, cravings, and difficulty in concentrating.

Noodles are typically low in fat and calories too, making them a great option for weight loss. Eating a portion of noodles with a few vegetables, beans, and lean proteins can give you a delicious yet healthy balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.

Eating Noodles the Healthy Way

Nutrition and health-wise, eating the right types of noodles is key. Here are some guidelines on choosing healthier noodle options.

Have a Look at the Label:

The first thing to do is to check the nutrition label and look for the lowest fat, sugar, and salt levels. For noodles made from whole wheat, buckwheat, and brown rice, look for noodles that have at least five grams of fibre per serving. Whole wheat and buckwheat noodles are also lower in carbohydrates and provide more nutty flavour.

Choose the Right Preparation:

Beyond browsing the nutrition labels, opting for the right way to prepare your noodles can make a huge difference in terms of taste and health. Try cooking them al dente, as this method preserves more of the nutrients present. If boiling, try draining and rinsing the noodles with cold water once they’re ready. This will prevent them from absorbing too much of the cooking water, which can add a significant amount of calories, fats, and salt.

Include Vegetables and Protein:

Rather than the basic noodles and sauce combination, try enriching your noodle dishes with an array of healthy ingredients. Good options include fresh vegetables like carrots, peppers, and spinach, as well as beans, lentils, and lean cuts of meat.

Adding in a few of these is a great way to bulk up your meals without needing to increase your portion sizes.

Incorporating Noodles into Your Diet

Eating noodles as part of a balanced diet can not only be delicious, but also nutritious. They’re a great way to give your meals an energy boost, add flavour and variety, and can help to keep you fuller for longer.

Whether you’re following a diet plan or simply aiming to eat healthier, noodles have their place in your diet. With the right preparation and ingredients, you can enjoy the health and nutrition benefits of noodles as part of a well-rounded meal.