To Eat or Not to Eat?
We adults often find ourselves in a dilemma when it comes to digging into a bowl of pasta. Is it healthy? Or am I just putting unnecessary calories into my body? When it comes to our kids we are even more skeptical about handing them a pasta dish. So, is it healthy or not? Let’s find out…
The Facts
Pasta is a carbohydrate. Carbs should take up around 45 per cent of your child’s diet because they are broken down by the body into simple sugars. These sugars circulate in the blood stream and are used by the body’s cells for energy. The brain also uses these simple sugars (glucose) as its main energy source. This is why children need carbohydrates to stay alert and active throughout the day.
Pasta Power
According to a recent research conducted by the National Pasta Association (we are not making this up, this actually exists!), it was found that children who eat pasta have a better overall diet quality. After comparing pasta intakes of kids aged between 2 years to 18 years, they found that those who had pasta had a greater intake of fiber, iron, folic acid, vitamin E, and magnesium, and a lower daily intake of saturated fat and total fat. Pasta is also naturally cholesterol-free and is very low in sodium – basically it is a powerhouse of nutrition for your kids and for yourself.
Mix it Up
Keeping in mind the healthiness of pasta be sure you incorporate these additions in your kid’s pasta meals to give it an even healthier kick.
Go wholegrain- buy the best quality whole-grain pastas as they have the most fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals.
Smuggle in some veggies into the sauce or just add them to the pasta preparation.
Add protein. Make sure your kid stays full with healthy protein choices.
Throw in some lean protein from chicken, fish, and even beans or chickpeas.
Always make the pasta using healthy oils like olive oil, flaxseed oil, coconut oil and walnut oil.
So, go ahead cook up some pasta for yourself and your little one and bond over a nourishing and tasty meal.
Mimmo’s Pasta Package
Try our wholesome, easy-to-cook and delicious range of pastas which are packed with the certified goodness of organic multi-millets and semolina infused with veggies, perfect for getting in that nutritious punch in your child’s diet: Veggie Alphabets Pasta,
Baby Flower Pasta
and Veggie Little Mac
Author: Subhisha, Nutrition Expert. Mimmo Team
