Why is pasta bad??

L

lis1

Cathlete
I know a lot of people (including celebs) say they avoid pasta when they want to lose weight. Why is it bad? It has protein and fiber and isn't too high in calories if you eat the correct portions. I understand that portion sizes can be a problem, especially in restaurants, but that's true for everything.

I'm trying to lose a few pounds, so I'm trying to cut back on fried and processed stuff, white breads and rice. Should I cut out the pasta too?

thanks
 
Pasta is currently demonized because it's a starchy carb w/ a high glycemic index number (converts to sugar quickly). It's actually fairly low in protein & fiber. So whether long-term health or weight-loss is your motivation, you should exercise portion control because it's a nutrient poor. Actually more neutral than poor.

I am probably in the minority here, but I believe that many of the demonized starches can be part of a healthy diet as long as you balance it with nutrient dense carbs with low glycemic numbers (they're complex carbs like most vegetables, beans & whole grains) & appropriate levels of protein (which is another hot issue). If the majority of your meal or snack is slow digesting foods (complex carbs, protein, a little healthy fat), the starch is balanced out. So the rap that starches spikes blood sugar levels & the drops them is invalid. The entire meal or snack is what matters

I'm quite sure the opposing view will soon respond!!

Debra
 
It's not "bad", but it's very easy to overeat. One cup has approximately 200 calories, and that's not including sauce. Plus, as has been mentioned here already, it's one of those carbs that is quicky converted to sugar. You can eat it, certainly, but be very mindful of portions, and try to pick whole wheat pasta instead.

Carol
:)
 
I agree with the previous posts. My hubby and I always eat whole wheat pasta when we do eat pasta.

I've always found I have a little more "pep in my step" so to speak when I do a Cathe workout after a meal of pasta. I don't know if there's a causal relationship there, or if it's just in my mind - but with a Cathe workout, any help I can get is appreciated - LOL!

Happy Holidays!

Susan G.
 
>I agree with the previous posts. My hubby and I always eat
>whole wheat pasta when we do eat pasta.
>
>I've always found I have a little more "pep in my step" so to
>speak when I do a Cathe workout after a meal of pasta. I
>don't know if there's a causal relationship there, or if it's
>just in my mind - but with a Cathe workout, any help I can get
>is appreciated - LOL!
>
>Happy Holidays!
>
>Susan G.
>
>

I get that extra energy too, I guess because pasta is a high glycemic food. Funny how things change. Years ago it was suggested to have a light snack of complex carbs before a workout to give you the fuel you would need for the workout; my favorite being 1/2 of a tuna on whole grain bread. Now all the 'experts' say 'Oh no, don't eat before working out because you will burn sugar instead of fat'. When America is still obese 10 yrs from now, I wonder what the new rules will be.

So many people seem to think that high protein diets are the answer to the weight problem in this country, but those kinds of diets have been around since the 70's and we have just been getting heavier and heavier so I don't see the logic.
 
You make a good point, DEEDEE. I have always eaten a high carb diet. Carbs are the nutrient that is most easily converted for enegry and they are the energy which is stored in our muscles and liver as glycogen. Too many carbs and what isn't stored as glycogen gets stored as fat. It is always about balancing calories consumed with calories expended. These days, my carb intake is still high but I do a better job of eating protein and fat with my carbs at each meal. I used to eat mainly carbs for breakfast and I'd be starving in no time. By adding protein to my breakfast I am less inclined to experience cravings and go hunting for munchies! I eat about 30% fat, 15% protein and 55% carbs. AT times, my carb intake will be a bit higher and fat or protein will decline accordingly. I love my diet, eat what I want and stay slim and energized!
http://www.handykult.de/plaudersmilies.de/xmas/xmassmile.gif Bobbi
 
Hi Bobbi,

I was the same way, only instead of being hungry after an hour or so, I would get tired. Man, 9am at my desk and I was ready for a nap, or after my afternoon non-fat pretzel break; until I started adding protein and fat to my Pam fried potatoes in the morning and a hand full of nuts in the afternoon.;)

Since becoming a personal trainer I have studied so much on nutrition because I have to be at the top of my game to make sure I provide my clients with safe and fun exercise routines; but everything is just so contradictary. I mean, who do you trust? There are way too many 'experts' out there.

That's why whenever anyone calls me a 'Fitness Expert' I always politely tell them the real experts are the scientist in the labs who provide me with the information about VO2max, oxygen extraction, different types muscular contrations and so on...me I'm just well educated.:p
 
As a long-time vegetarian, pasta has always been a staple in my diet. Over the past few years, I have relied more on whole grains (brown rice, millet, quinoa, etc.) and pasta is now a treat. I have to say that I haven't noticed that since I cut down on it that it made a difference in my weight... but I do realize that it's a refined carb, and relegate it to once-a-week status. I just LOVE spaghetti with tomatoes, garlic and basil and a little olive oil... simple yet delicious!
 
carb with protein?

So is mixing carbs with some protein the way to even out the high carbs which offer a quick energy release?
The pasta that I eat has 220 calories, 2g fiber, 8g protein and 40g carb. I guess since I'm not on any special diet, I never really looked at the carb content.

I know Bill Phillips new book "Eating for Life" has recipes with carbs like noodles or potatoes but protein is always part of the meal. So can I still eat things like potatoes and pasta but always pair it with protein?

thanks
 
RE: carb with protein?

Absolutely. Combining prevents the spike in blood sugar since it slows absorption. Acidic foods also help prevent a spike. I eat protein with each meal and I stay full and satisfied until the next meal. Not always jonesing for carbs. Fat protein and high fiber all slow digestion and aid in keeping hunger at bay. Add some veggies to your meal and you are all set.
http://www.handykult.de/plaudersmilies.de/coollook.gif Bobbi
 
RE: carb with protein?

I've recently read that pasta is actually absorbed more slowly than some other carb foods because the processing makes it dense, thus more difficult for the body to break down and slower to absorb. I'll have to look to see where I read it.
 
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