On A Diet, Here Are 5 Alternatives To Low-Carb Pasta And Noodles

Illustration of low-carb noodles and pasta for diet (Unsplash/Hermes Rivera)

YOGYAKARTA – Pasta and noodles that are low in carbohydrates may be an alternative for those of you who are on a diet. Because as we know that noodles and pasta are foods that are high in carbohydrates. Here are pasta and noodles that you can use as an alternative.

1. Spiral vegetables

Even these spiral-cut, vegetable-based noodles don't contain simple carbohydrates. The content of complex carbohydrates along with fiber helps you to make a more varied diet menu. The tool for making spiral noodles from vegetables is called a spiralizer. The results are long pieces resembling noodles. Vegetables that can be selected for processing include zucchini, carrots, radishes, beets, and cucumbers.

Illustration of low-carb noodles and pasta for diet (iStockphoto)

2. Eggplant Lasagna

Eggplant is more often consumed as a vegetable. In one serving of eggplant or 100 grams contains 9 grams of carbohydrates. Eggplant is also a great source of fiber, vitamin K, thiamine, and manganese. Quoting Healthline, Friday, April 22, to prepare eggplant lasagna, you can start by cutting into thin slices lengthwise. Then grease both sides with oil, then bake until the slices are soft golden. Baked eggplant can be used as an alternative to pasta when making lasagna.

3. Shirataki

Long, white shirataki noodles are also known as konjac or miraculous noodles. Shirataki is low in carbohydrates and filling, making it popular among those on a diet. You can buy it dry or wet. How to prepare is easy, just open the package and rinse well under running hot water then add the sauce of your choice.

4. Noodles

You could say this fourth alternative noodle is a variation of the traditional shirataki. Bakmi Tahu is made from a mixture of tofu fiber and glucomannan which contains only a few calories. This noodle is also sold ready to cook, the method of preparing it is the same as shirataki noodles.

5. Seaweed paste

Fresh seaweed after harvesting, then rinsed, then dried. That's how to process seaweed into a paste with a richer taste. Although seaweed is naturally low in calories and carbohydrates, it is high in minerals. Even seaweed is a source of vitamin K, folate, magnesium, calcium, and iron.

To turn it into a textured dish like spaghetti or fetuccine, you can simply boil it until it reaches the desired consistency. If it's steamed, it will probably have a denser texture.

Derived from fresh vegetables, it is an alternative to pasta and noodles that can be made at home. Besides being easy, this food source is rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals, beneficial compounds, and of course low in carbohydrates.