Is wholeweat pasta less fattening?

[Russiawithlove]

Sorry if this is a thick question. Trying to low carb and I've bought some wholeweat pasta and rice as supposed to be healthier.
I've got PMT and am craving carbs. Will this be ok or is it still fattening?

If you’re trying to low carb, you shouldn’t be eating pasta!

‘Fattening’ foods are those that are more dense in calories. Both wholewheat and white pasta will be roughly the same calorie content.

Carbohydrates aren't fattening, being in a calorie surplus (energy in higher than energy out) is what causes weight to be put on.

Have a sensible portion size and stick within a daily calorie allowance.

Sorry, presssd too soon!

The benefit of whole wheat is that it’s higher in fibre and should keep you fuller for longer, which should therefore stop you snacking and help you lose weight.

The only difference is that there May be a tiny amount more fibre than in white pasta which could lower the rate of absorption and slightly lessen the impact on your blood sugars. To be honest, if you are actively trying to low carb I would avoid pasta in all forms, and rice (except maybe wild rice/black rice) and switch to something with a lot more fibre.

No.

It is however more filling. So you eat less of it.

Look at something called the GI index. Calories may be the same and lots of carbs, but wholewheat has a lot GI index meaning it releases the carbs slower so you stay fuller for longer

Same calories. More fibre. Vile.

Thanks. I've done really well and haven't had any carbs for 6 days now...just got such a bad craving.

Still "fattening" if you eat too much as its still pasta, but it will break down slightly diffently so you shoudnt get as much of that sugary carb hit as with regular pasta.

If your PMT ing, you could try halving the amount of pasta and adding in avocado, roast chicken, cherry tomatoes, rocket or spinach - so it tastes indulgent but its nutritritous? No good if youre on a budget though!

Low GI!

The only difference is that there May be a tiny amount more fibre than in white pasta which could lower the rate of absorption and slightly lessen the impact on your blood sugars. To be honest, if you are actively trying to low carb I would avoid pasta in all forms, and rice (except maybe wild rice/black rice) and switch to something with a lot more fibre.

Agree. "Whole-wheat" pasta differs only slightly from white pasta in the speed with which it raises blood sugar. If you prefer the taste, by all means eat it, but as regards health or weight-loss benefits, the difference is too small to bother about.

It is more filling, and the extra fibre is good for you.

However, it does take three quarters of fucking forever to cook

It also has that slightly sweet high-fibre flavour (like digestives, but not to that extent); so best with tomato based sauce, not cream/cheese

What exactly have you been eating so far?

Personally i think you're better off having lentils and sweet-potato or squash rather than pasta, if you need a heavier carb.

Mushrooms seem to help with carb cravings despite not being carby.

Nothing is fattening in the right quantity.

Eating 5000 calories of ice cream will make you just as fat as eating 5000 calories of whole wheat pasta. But the whole wheat pasta probably has more fibre and more nutritional value than ice cream, which is just fat and sugar.

Personally I eat whole wheat protein pasta which is higher in fibre and protein than the usual stuff and slightly lower carbs. But carbs aren’t bad, you just need to up your protein so you don’t lose muscle mass when dieting.

With fibrous foods the human body won’t turn all of the named calories into energy. You are likely to poo about 10 percent out. That means for similar portion sizes wholewheat pasta is less fattening

If you're trying to low carb then you shouldn't be eating the pasta - check out the back of the pack to see how many grams of carbs there are per 100g.

Sainsbury's wholewheat fusilli is 60.4g per serving which is a huge amount of carbs (for a low carb diet).

And this, @whatdoyousayhey:

Carbohydrates aren't fattening, being in a calorie surplus (energy in higher than energy out) is what causes weight to be put on

is definitely not true!!!

Ds and I are following SW where they say any pasta is "free" but the wholewheat is better so we've switched to that since February and have made some lovely concoctions! I hadn't noticed it takes longer to cook than normal pasta though...

I've just been eating lots of eggs,salads, chicken,fish and veggies. I've used cauliflower rice instead of potatoes etc.

Might try and use a small amount of brown rice but not the pasta.

Some people find that high fibre foods feel more filling.

But brown rice is high in carbs too - 41g per serving! When you say you're trying to low carb, what do you actually mean?

As in I've only got a stone to lose but it won't shift so was told to cut out carbs.When I say il have rice I mean like 2 lsrge spoons max.
Just needed a little as was craving and a bit dizzy.

Can't do exercise at mo as have a broken leg in a cast.

But I've cut out all bread and potatoes and pasta.

How about beans?

Yes that's a good idea. I've got loads of them in.
Thanks