Many people have this preconceived notion that all carbs are bad for you. While it's true that white flour and refined sugar products are bad for you due to there lack of nutritional value, whole grain pasta and grains are loaded with all kinds of great nutrients to maintain a healthy body. Following a low carb diet that's high in saturated fat coming from lard, dairy and meat, is extremely unhealthy and cannot be followed for long periods of time without devastating consequences. The key to a healthy low fat diet is eating plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grain pasta, cereals and breads, while keeping dairy and meat consumption to a minimal. Much of our fats should come from oils such as olive oil, nuts and seeds, avocados and cold water fish such as salmon, tuna, and sardines. those who live in the Mediterranean eat these healthy grains, oils, legumes and nuts regularly, and not to forget to mention the loads of fruits and veggies they consume. They also have a much lower rate of heart disease and cancer than those of us who follow the typical high fat American diet loaded with, butters, potato chips, soda, creams, mayonnaise and greasy fast foods.Below, I have listed a delicious and healthy pasta dish loaded with nutrients and It's very easy to make.
Ingredients;
1 medium zucchini, diced
1 large red bell pepper
1 large onion, thinly sliced
4 tbs extra virgin olive oil
Sea salt and black pepper to taste
3 large tomatoes
1/2 cup of chopped fresh basil
4 large garlic cloves, minced
12 oz box of whole grain pasta
1/2 cup of feta cheese (optional)
Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Mix zucchini, red pepper and onion with 1 tablespoon of olive oil on a large roasting pan. Season with salt and pepper. Roast the vegetables, stirring every 5 minutes, until tender and browned, 10 to 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, combine tomatoes, basil, garlic and the remaining oil in a large bowl and toss together well. Season with salt and pepper. Boil the pasta by following the directions on the back of the box. Once finished, drain the pasta and mix together with the tomatoes. Add the roasted vegetables to the bowl and toss together well. Adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve, passing the feta cheese separately. This meal would also go nicely with a loaf of fresh Italian bread, but pass on the high fat, artery clogging butter and do as the Romans do; pour some extra virgin olive oil into a small bowl and dip you bread into the oil. You'll get the mono saturated fat your body needs and you'll feel like your dining in the Mediterranean. Enjoy!
