What is Low Carb Pasta?

One of the most popular diets in the last decade has been the Atkins diet. Named after the famed diet doctor Robert C. Atkins, the diet is boosting the sales of low carb, high protein foods, including low carb pasta. Low carb pasta substitutes soy flour for the more conventional semolina flour and may contain egg yolks or egg whites to boost protein.

One 7 ounce serving of cooked, low carb pasta contains approximately 176 calories, 30 grams of protein, 7 grams of carbs, and 3 grams of fiber. Compare that to a regular serving of pasta which has 200 calories, 8 grams of protein, 42 grams of carbs, and 0.2 grams of fiber. The low carb version seems to win out in all figures if you are concerned about weight loss.

The most noticeable difference you may well be aware of when buying low carb pasta is the price. Low carb pastas cost 5 to 7 US dollars (USD) for 9 ounces, which is about six times more than regular pasta.

Price aside, some health experts swear by this diet. The South Beach Diet also directs its followers to incorporate low carb foods, such as low carb pasta, into their diet so that they cut down on sugars, white flours, and saturated fats. The diet also discourages foods that have a high glycemic index such as carrots and baked potatoes as these rapidly turn to glucose causing a rebounding effect on the body.

This does not mean you can eat as much food that is low in carbohydrates as you would like and still stay slim. Eating a triple helping of low carb pasta just because it is low in carbs will of course do as much damage to your figure as eating the same amount of normal pasta.

Since the popularity explosion of the low carb diet, shops and supermarkets have also begun to cater to the public's need for low carb foods, making it easier to stick to a low carb diet. A flood of low carb products have hit the supermarket shelves. As well as a wide variety of low carb pasta, you can now take your pick between low carb treats such as beer, candy, and that all-important chocolate bar.

Claiming to be "low carb" or "carb smart" these products will satisfy any quick fix craving you have while easing your conscience that you are still counting those all important grams of carbohydrates instead of calories. These healthy alternatives mean that if you are a devotee of the diet, you can indulge your cravings while staying true to your weight loss plan.

The next time you are in a supermarket and are planning a tasty Italian meal, try heading for the low carb pasta option, as long as you don't mind paying extra to keep your waistline in check.