Um, its cold outside.
Like. FRIGID. And cold weather makes all the people want comfort food. I totes get that. I'm weird though. Its way easier for me to eat clean in the winter than in the summer. In the summer, I am intoxicated by the desire to constantly be outside doing things... which means I spend a lot of time outside exercising, but also dining out. Cold beers are pretty much a part of my summer diet. In the winter, I lean on running and time in the gym to glean a little bit of the adrenaline-high a simple day out in the sun gives me.
Plus, its always fun to look really fit in your holiday party dress, ya dig?
So let's talk about "looking fit" and toned...and how carbs add into that equation. I spend a lot of time on Instagram talking about carbs. Namely because finding your 'carb sweet spot' is so important for finding and maintaining a healthy body weight as well as optimizing athletic performance. Pretty much, carbs are super important for my lifestyle and the lifestyle of most of my clients (who are either driven by weight loss or athletic performance).
I definitely don't lead a low carb life, but I also know its important to balance high quality, nutrient rich carbs with a source of protein to prevent overeating and blood sugar spikes. I tend to get most of my carbs from beans and fruits.
However, girlfrand over hurr is very Italian. And having a nutrient rich option for pasta is something that that has really brought me a lot of nostalgia and joy recently. ENTER: Bean based pastas.
I love bean-based pastas because while they are not necessarily "low carb," they are a much higher quality carb than regular ole' pastas (including "whole wheat" pasta!). Bean based pastas, such as Banza Pasta, are super high in protein and fiber. Protein is essential for cutting fat. And fiber keeps you fuller longer. Ya know that terrible really full feeling you get after eating a huge bowl of pasta? Well, that won't happen when your pasta is made of beans!! Banza's high fiber, high protein flour ensures that carbs hit your bloodstream slow and steady - preventing any terrible blood sugar "highs" and the dreaded "low!"
My high protein pasta alfredo recipe is not only high in protein because it was made with Banza, but also because the sauce is made with high protein ingredients. Who knew Alfredo could help ya look fit and fly in your holiday dress?
High Protein Pasta Alfredo
Serves 6
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients
1 cup skim milk or unsweetened almond/coconut milk
1/2 cup cottage cheese, low fat
1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
1/2 clove garlic
1 tablespoon arrowroot starch or tapioca starch
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Dried oregano/basil/parsley, to taste
1 box Banza pasta
1. Combine milk, cheeses, garlic, arrowroot starch and salt, pepper in a food processor. Mix until smooth.
2. In a small sauce pan, add the alfredo mixture. Cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, for about 15 minutes. The sauce should start to reduce.
3. While the alfredo is simmering, prepare pasta according to the box. Drain.
4. When the alfredo is done, add the pasta. Mix well and let cool. The sauce will begin to thicken.
5. Serve with extra parmesan cheese. Enjoy!
** I did receive free product however these opinions are my own **