How to Make Noodles and Company Menu Items Nutritious
Noodles and Company is a popular fast-casual restaurant that serves a variety of pasta dishes. While their menu items may be tempting, they are often high in calories, fat, and sodium. However, with a few simple tweaks, you can make your Noodles and Company meal nutritious and satisfying.
Understanding the Nutritional Value
Before making any adjustments to your order, it is important to understand the nutritional value of the Noodles and Company items you are considering. The restaurant provides detailed nutritional information on its website, which can be used to make informed choices.
For instance, the Pad Thai with shrimp has 860 calories and 2,730 milligrams of sodium, while the Chicken Noodle Soup has 100 calories and 560 milligrams of sodium. Therefore, opting for a soup instead of a heavy noodle dish can significantly reduce your calorie and sodium intake.
Choose the Right Protein
One of the easiest ways to increase the nutritional value of your Noodles and Company order is to choose a lean protein. For example, instead of ordering the spaghetti and meatballs, opt for the grilled chicken breast to reduce the amount of saturated fat and calories.
Similarly, you can choose tofu or edamame as your protein source to increase the amount of fiber and reduce your intake of animal-based protein.
Adding Vegetables
Another way to make your noodle dish more nutritious is to add vegetables. Noodles and Company offers a variety of vegetable options, including broccoli, mushrooms, and tomatoes.
You can also ask for extra vegetables, such as bell peppers or snap peas, to add fiber, vitamins, and minerals to your meal. This will not only increase the nutritional value but also make your dish more colorful and flavorful.
Choosing Whole Grains
One of the ingredients in many of the Noodles and Company dishes is refined grains, which are low in fiber and nutrients. To make your meal more nutritious, choose the whole-grain options, such as the Whole Grain Tuscan Fresca with Shrimp.
Whole grains are rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, which provide a range of health benefits, such as reducing the risk of chronic disease.
Conclusion
With some simple modifications and an understanding of the nutritional value of Noodles and Company dishes, you can make your meal both nutritious and satisfying. Choosing lean protein, adding vegetables, and choosing whole grains are some of the ways to increase the nutritional value of your order. So next time you visit Noodles and Company, keep these tips in mind for a healthier and more delicious meal.
