Paleo Pasta – My Two Secret Weapons

Paleo Pasta – My Two Secret Weapons
Written by John Franklin

Forming new habits is difficult, especially for something as personal as food, but here’s a little secret: small steps lead to big changes. Today I want to share some easy pasta substitutes that taste great. I encourage everyone reading this to take a small step, and try both of these foods at least once.

I empathize with pasta lovers. I date a half Italian girl. Pasta was a staple in every meal she cooked. Her mother cried for weeks after she found out I wasn’t eating pasta anymore. In fact, I cried for weeks too, just thinking about all the verbal abuse that lay ahead. But when crunch time came, the transition was easy for me, and eventually her, and we are both healthier because of it.

So down to business! Here are the not-so-top-secret foods that helped me ween myself, and my half Italian girlfriend, off of the pasta:

Spaghetti Squash

I buy spaghetti squash every week without fail. It is nutritious, inexpensive, and great tasting. What else could you ask for in a food? These sexy oblong fruits are currently in season, and you can find them at almost every grocery store.  I recommend preparing 2-3 at a time, and storing them in tupperware containers, so you have plenty of this delicious pasta substitute right at your fingertips.

Spaghetti squash is ridiculously easy to prepare.  As proof, check out this ONE MINUTE tutorial.

Kelp Noodles

I discovered kelp noodles through C.J.’s mother Krazy K. These noodles have almost no calories, and they come ready to eat. Studies show that kelp noodles promote weight loss, improve thyroid health, and enhance heart health. You can find kelp noodles in the refrigerated section of most Whole Foods, and they’ll run you about $3 a bag, which contains three servings. Kelp noodles have a shelf life of six months, so stock up when you find them. Rumor has it that Krazy K clears out every Whole Foods in San Diego County when they’re in stock, so be ready for battle.

So now you have my secrets. I encourage you to use them as performance enhancers during the remainder of Slim for the Chimney Challenge, and as an added incentive, I’m offering a five burpee credit to anyone who tries either of these foods for the first time. You have nothing to lose!