Pasta Substitutes?

cuteitaliangurl · January 4th, 2008, 06:40 PM

Hi,

Nice forum here. I have a question, I would like to know if there are any good substitutes for pasta? I don't like to eat bread and rice, but was more so looking to cut down on my carbohydrate intake. The goal for me is to lose 5 pounds for an upcoming wedding I have in a few months.

I am mixed with italian so I do LOVE my pasta. I do workout 3 - 4 times a week, but just wondering if there are any good substitutes.

Your feedback would be greatly appreciated. XOXO

**tooncesthecat** · January 4th, 2008, 07:29 PM

You could try spaghetti squash or a good whole grain based pasta. I believe there are other "pastas" made from soy. Using more vegetables in place of pasta might also work in some recipes.

cuteitaliangurl · January 4th, 2008, 07:37 PM

Well we meet again. . .lol. . .thanks for the reply. I'll try a search for vegetables as a substitute. spaghetti squash sounds interesting!

**tooncesthecat** · January 4th, 2008, 07:42 PM

If you've never had spaghetti squash, it's pretty good. You can bake it in the oven. When you cut the thing in half, you can use a fork to pull out the "spaghetti". You can put sauce over it or do whatever you want, just like pasta!

Try some of these:

More Recipes Like Spaghetti Squash I - All Recipes

Cooks.com - Recipes - Spaghetti Squash

cuteitaliangurl · January 4th, 2008, 07:50 PM

Thanks again hun! Going to read those recipes about the squash. Also saw a post/ sticky under Food & Recipe by Manfred Man about Vegetarian ideas. I am not vegan, but looking for ideas. You were right, this place has tons of information, just have to search.

**Italianangel** · January 9th, 2008, 10:22 PM

that was a brilliant idea, I would not have thought to suggest that!
I know there are spelt and kamut pastas which are better than regular grain, and quinoa is a good grain too.
Also oats or yams but the first suggestion is actually an excellent one!!!
Linda

**pliny_2001** · January 9th, 2008, 10:56 PM

Agree w/ above - spaghetti squash is a great substitute (I actually like it more than just spaghetti). My favorite "dinner" carb is yams. And you can never go wrong w/ squash and other veggies.

**JarheadRI** · January 10th, 2008, 11:03 AM

Hmmmmm never tried squash spagehttei. Sounds different.

Another one that they sell at Trader Joes (if you are fortunate to be near one) is brown rice pasta. Takes a little to get used to but not bad with a good marinara and maybe some meat mixed in. If you do buy it let me know there are some ways to cook it so it taste a little better.

cuteitaliangurl · January 10th, 2008, 06:47 PM

Thanks for the responses. WOW. Well I did try the spaghetti squash it wasn't bad at all. I think I just have to practice the recipe a few times. It was good for a change.

JarheadR1 I did try brown rice pasta, but I found it to be very tough, and didn't like the texture too much, but thanks for the suggestion.

Well I have been experimenting with different things, using my fiance as a guina pig . . .lol. . .we tried string beans as a substitute for pasta, and he actually ate it and liked it. I liked it too.