Are 'Healthy' Pasta Alternatives Really That Much Better For You?

HuffPost Traditional pasta, a beloved staple in many a weeknight dinner, sometimes gets a bad rap on the health front, maligned with other simple carbohydrates like bread and pizza. But carbohydrates, like wheat pasta, are an essential part of a balanced diet, according to Anderson-Haynes, who said it is a “major nutrient needed in larger amounts in the diet, so it should not be omitted, just balanced or portioned for that person’s need.” Traditional pasta is usually the most affordable option. “For the most part, nutrition facts on alt pasta do not significantly differ from the classic wheat variety,” registered dietitian Amanda Frankeny told HuffPost. And regardless of the kind of pasta you choose, this food is meant to be a small part of your diet balanced with fruits, vegetables, proteins and meats, milk and dairy, and other grains.” Marina Kuttig via Getty Images “Nutrition is less about squeezing in the most nutrient-dense food, like high-protein pasta, and more about your healthy relationship with it," said nutritionist Amanda Frankeny. The increased fiber content can make a legume- or bean-based pasta a great option.” Lentil and chickpea pastas have only about 11 or 12 grams of protein and slightly more fiber per serving, about twice as much as regular wheat pasta.