One of the best ways to stick to a “diet” (I hate that word) or structured meal plan is not to restrict yourself from foods you’re craving and feel like you’re missing out on your favorites.
The good news is you don’t have to, there is ALWAYS a lower-calorie, higher nutrient, healthy alternative to your favorites- pasta included!
Last night I was so craving a carb heavy, stick to your ribs, warm you up type of meal after coming home from the gym in the SNOW and this huge bowl of physique-friendly pasta with meat sauce totally did the trick for only 250 calories, 39 grams of protein, 8 net carb, and 4 grams of fat (not including veggies, I don’t count those!) and it TOTALLY hit the spot!
Ingredients:
-1 bag Shiritaki noodles (a low-carb tofu noodle available at most grocery stores now, find them in the cold section near the veggies bagged in water- the trick is to drain them and rinse them well, dry them well with a paper towel, and microwave them for 1-2 minutes to remove the natural flavor of them before adding to your dish!)
-cook ground chicken breast (I used 3 oz)
-1/3 cup crushed tomatoes (I added Italian seasoning to make my own sauce)
-veggies of your choice (I used mushroom and onion)
-cheese of your choice (I used a fat-free Kraft slice and reduced fat shaker parm)
-spices: salt, pepper, garlic, Molly McButter
Method:
Layer your drained, rinsed, dried, and warmed noodles in the bottom of the bowl, toss with garlic powder, salt, and Molly McButter or butter spray (optional, but recommended), cook veggies until soft and add tomato sauce/spices, mix in your cooked chicken (or protein of your choice), top with cheese, and that’s it!
This took me probably 7 minutes to throw together, it couldn’t be easier!
This “recipe” is so versatile!
Swap the low carb noodles for brown rice pasta, spaghetti squash, or zucchini noodles, swap the chicken for a protein of your choice, and get creative with your veggies, spices, & cheese!
If you’re not consuming dairy but want that “cheese” flavor try using nutritional yeast instead!