Pasta. It’s heavy in carbohydrates and regular varieties don’t pack much protein, but that’s no reason to remove it from your diet. Here’s how to get your pasta fix without going overboard.

 

Lighten up.

Switch to whole wheat pasta. The PointsPlus® value of 1 that you’re saving could go toward a small glass of wine (PointsPlus value of 4).

 

Be wary of garlic bread. One piece can have a PointsPlus value of 5. That’s like having another whole cup of regular pasta.

 

Make meatballs with lean ground beef, chicken or turkey instead of regular beef. Be sure to go easy on the oil when cooking them.

 

Add volume.

Toss in lots of steamed broccoli or roasted peppers (not the kind marinated in oil, though) and onions so you can cut back on the amount of pasta and still have a nice volume of food.

 

You can also add volume with seafood. It’s naturally low in PointsPlus values (when boiled or steamed), yet contains protein and healthy vitamins and minerals.

 

Choose your sauce carefully.

Many sauces pose a major PointsPlus value threat. The serious offenders are:

 

 

Marinara, vodka sauce, spicy red sauce, red clam sauce or primavera sauces are usually much better options, especially if you’re eating out. For eating at home, try jarred tomato-based sauces without any added cheese and oil.

 

You can also make your own sauce by simmering seasoned crushed tomatoes, plain canned tomato sauce, salt, pepper and herbs. Add some roasted veggies and whole wheat pasta and you’ve got a hearty meal.