HCG Diet Veggie Pasta and Noodles

Pasta on phase two of the HCG diet is a big NO. You may want to avoid pasta at all costs to avoid weight loss fluctuations, but you don’t have to completely give up on pasta and the scrumptious sauces that come with it. A healthy alternative-Veggie pasta allows you to enjoy pasta and still lose weight!

What is veggie pasta?

Veggie pasta is a healthy alternative to traditional wheat-based pasta. They’re made from 100% vegetables. They are very low in carbs and calories compared with wheat-based pasta. Veggie pasta is gluten-free. They also offer a more complete set of nutrients like vitamins A, C, E, K, and fiber. You can’t find all these nutrients in traditional pasta noodles. So, if you are trying to lose weight but craving for pasta, veggie pasta is the answer.

Low-calorie, low-carb alternative to pasta and noodles

1. Spiralized vegetables

You can make noodles and pasta from any sort of vegetables, but those that are long, firm, and can easily be cut are the best candidate. Spiralized veggies use a spiralizer, a kitchen device used to cut them into long, thin strips that resemble noodles. Alternatively, you can buy fresh vegetables already spiralized in the vegetable section of many supermarkets. The most popular include turnips, zucchini, cucumber, and beets. You can eat spiralized veggies cold or warm. If you like them warm, boil them for 3 to 5 minutes or until al dente. Do not overcook because this will make them lose their crunch.

2. Spaghetti squash

Spaghetti squash is a nutritious winter vegetable substitute for pasta. It’s best known for its translucent flesh that separates into long strings resembling angel hair pasta. Spaghetti squash contains folic acid, vitamin A, folate, potassium, and beta-carotene. It’s also an excellent source of fiber. Spaghetti squash is best suited for steaming, baking, and roasting perfect during phase 2 of the HCG Diet. Cooked spaghetti squash can be cooked and sautéed with complementary ingredients to make side dishes, stir-fries, or baked into pies, gratins, and casseroles.

3. Shirataki Noodles

Shirataki noodles are a popular low-carb substitute for pasta. They’re low in carb and calories but very filling, and you can have them anytime when you’re on HCG injection. They are made from glucomannan fiber derived from the konjac plant. As a soluble fiber, glucomannan absorbs water in the gut and forms a viscous gel. This slows down digestion, making you feel fuller for longer.

Soluble fibers like glucomannan are prebiotics that feed the gut bacteria. The gut bacteria then turn this into short-chain fatty acids of SCFAs that boost the immune system and lowers inflammation.

4. Seaweed pasta

A novel low-carb pasta alternative is seaweed pasta. It is made up of harvested, rinsed, and dried seaweed. This will give your food a sea-like flavor. Seaweed has fewer calories and carbs than vegetables, but is packed with minerals. It contains high levels of folate, vitamin K, magnesium, iron, and calcium. Depending on the variety, it provides a good dose of iodine as well. Seaweed pasta is similar to fettuccine or spaghetti.

5. Tofu noodles

Noodles made from tofu are a variation of shirataki noodles. They’re made from glucomannan fiber and tofu. They’re low in carbs and calories, yet rich in proteins.