All the PASTA-bilities!

I can't imagine a world without PASTA! And yet, so many of you are telling me the first thing to go when you're trying to lose those unwanted pounds is...pasta!! Oh dear, that dreaded word "carbs" has infected your brain in such a negative way, but you're not alone. Somehow in our society "carbs" have become the enemy and yet everyone seems to be on a diet and obesity rates are soaring....hmmmmm something isn't adding up. And I'll tell you what....pasta is not the enemy! Processed foods and refined sugars, those are the enemy. When you eat a balanced diet full of "real food" you're already on your way to a healthier you! So skip the fast food drive-thru, and opt to pack your lunch. Go to your favorite Italian restaurant and get that bowl of pasta, just ask for an extra plate, to portion out a serving. Save the rest for later and fill the rest of your plate with a wonderful fiber-rich salad. Believe me, you will be satisfied and as a bonus for using mindful portion control, you can have that wonderful glass of vino on the side!  And don't stock up your freezer with frozen meals full of sodium and processed ingredients. Instead, take the time, for YOU, at the beginning of the week, to stock your fridge and pantry with quick go to ideas for meals, so that when the time-crunch of life is weighing you down, your waistline won't be too.
So remember WHOLE FOODS means REAL FOOD.....if the list of ingredients on something you're eating is unrecognizable, don't eat it. If it didn't come from the garden or the farm, it's processed. Go back to the basics when it comes to food, and don't throw out those carbs just because "society" is telling you to. If you look around "society" is the one on a diet; You don't have to be!

Tips to remember when staying on the healthy track of life:
Portion control (use a food scale and/or teaspoon and cup measurements for a week to measure your food and help you start to "eyeball" what a portion actually is!)
Serving size (read your labels, it's all right there for you!)
Avoid foods that are processed and filled with refined sugars
Whole Foods-if it came from the farm or the garden, or as I like to say "Of this Earth"~you're good to go!
And always B-FIT4U!

Sicilian Summer Pasta (makes 4 servings)
A wonderful light pasta for the summer with a wonderful combination of mint and basil, so refreshing!

1/2 cup fresh mint
1/2 cup fresh basil
1/2 cup walnuts or almonds (full of heart healthy antioxidants, promotes weight loss)
3 Tbs parmesan (fresh or grated)
2 Tbs extra virgin olive oil
1 Tbsp lemon juice
1 clove garlic
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
salt and black pepper to taste
1 box of spaghetti (whole grain varieties will give you some extra protein)

Pulse in a blender or food processor, all above ingredients until smooth. If a little tough, add more extra virgin olive oil for smoother consistency. Season with salt/pepper to taste. Toss pesto with warm cooked pasta and serve. ENJOY!
Calories per serving: 227