I love reading about nutrition. I always have. I remember reading my mother’s Rosemary Stanton diet books back in the day. The latest research, new ideas, what’s changed… it all fascinates me. But reading about it doesn’t mean I put it all into action. I get overwhelmed too with all the information out there. But I’ve got better at identifying small, easy changes that will make a difference to my health.
My view is that healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s about a few considered swaps, building on them over time, and never giving up the enjoyment of food. That's what makes it last.
My aim is to make your healthy eating easier, tastier and more enjoyable.
One easy swap to try this week
Standard pasta is made from refined white flour, which loses most of its fibre and many of its nutrients during processing. Choosing a more ‘wholefood’ pasta is an easy way to increase the fibre and protein in your meal.
Here’s a table that shows the differences between standard durum wheat pasta, wholemeal and pulse pasta.
My pick is Pulse Pasta for nutrients and taste. It provides 70% more protein per serve than the other pastas and is similar in fibre to wholemeal pasta. I have clients who don’t like wholemeal pasta but enjoy pulse pasta. The one I use is San Remo.
Of course, there are times when only a beautiful fresh fettuccine will do. On other occasions, give pulse or wholemeal pasta a try for a fibre and protein boost.
Make it delicious
I love pesto stirred through pasta and I add roasted cherry tomatoes for an easy, satisfying meal. But nothing beats homemade pesto. So here’s my recipe. It’s simple to make and so worth it.
A few notes from my kitchen…
Did you know you can freeze pesto? So why not make a double batch. Next week I’ll share my favourite ways to use it.
Cooking and cooling pasta, then reheating the next day increases resistant starch. Resistant starch feeds our beneficial gut bacteria. Cook extra pasta and enjoy it for lunch the next day.
If you’d like help working out which small changes will make the most difference for you, I offer online nutrition consultations. You can book a short chat or a full consultation here.
I hope this newsletter makes your healthy eating a little easier and tastier.
Have a lovely week.
Wendy x
Nutritionist & Caterer
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