Health

Is Protein Pasta Good for Weight Loss?

Published

1 year ago

November 4, 2023

What if one of your favorite comfort foods could actually help you lose weight? Sounds too good to be true, but it’s why protein pasta is one of the top nutrition trends on the internet. Delivering the same taste you already love, protein pasta has that little extra to “help really crush your weight-loss goals,” explains food blogger Bethany Faye, who lost 82 pounds eating the stuff. She personally favors baked ziti and shrimp Alfredo, but the possibilities are endless. And they’re all backed by science. University of Maryland nutrition pro Pamela Peeke, MD, notes that nutrients in protein pasta “make it easier for your body to burn fat.” And that’s especially true for those of us over age 50, the doctor adds. Want proof it works? Look no further than Anne Schoenfeld-Rodkin, who sped off 69 pounds at age 81 (her complete story below). Keep reading to learn how protein pasta is good for weight loss, ways real women use it to maximize results — and to see if protein pasta can help you.

What is protein pasta?

Protein pastas typically use flour made from beans and peas to replace some or all of the empty-calorie white flour in traditional pasta. Popular brands include Barilla Protein Plus, Carba Nada and Banza. Texture varies among the options, but taste testers say they’re all pleasantly chewy, filling and have a “warm hug” quality to deeply satisfy comfort-food cravings.

Even more impressive? Protein pasta has up to double the protein, four times the fiber and half the net carbs of regular pasta. How does it compare to whole-wheat pasta? While whole-wheat noodles do have more nutrients than white-flour varieties, protein pastas typically have more protein and often even more fiber than whole-wheat options.

Is protein pasta good for weight loss?

When we replace a high-carb or high-fat option with one that’s high in protein like upgraded pasta, our body burns far more calories to break down the food, says Dr. Peeke. It’s called the thermogenic effect. Studies show the thermogenic effect of burning protein can help triple calorie burn compared to when we eat carbs and temporarily boosts metabolism by up to 900% compared to when we eat fatty foods. And that’s not the only way protein pasta is good for weight loss:

1. Protein dials down cravings

Without enough dietary protein, we can’t grow, heal or even maintain our own cells, so our body doesn’t signal true relief from hunger and cravings until our protein needs are met. A University of Washington study found that simply emphasizing protein helps us to spontaneously consume 494 fewer calories per day.

RELATED: Proffee: The Delicious Breakfast Helping Women Over 60 Lose Weight Effortlessly

2. Protein speeds the burning of belly fat

Also worth noting: Protein helps blunt or entirely block blood-sugar spikes and crashes that are typical after a bowl of noodles or any lower-protein starchy meal. Steady blood sugar not only helps prevent cravings, it can also trigger slimming shifts in our body chemistry. Specifically, it lowers levels of insulin, a hormone that tends to store excess sugar in our abdominal fat cells. A recent study even found that when prediabetic women ages 40 to 60 were coached to eat protein first, they lost far more weight and doubled their rate of belly-fat loss versus a group on a traditional diet.

RELATED: Extra Protein in Your First Meal of the Day Is the *Best* Way to Fire Up Metabolism

How protein pasta helps women over 50

Exciting new research hints that the plant protein used to enrich protein pasta actually heals wear and tear to mitochondria, the little ‘furnaces’ in our cells. “This offsets age-related metabolic disturbances,” says study head Hana Kahleova, MD. (Click through for the best vegan protein powders for women.)

And in one Italian study, getting more plant protein helped postmenopausal dieters end up with a faster metabolism and greater weight loss than dieters many years their junior, according to lead researcher Maura Lombardo, MD, of San Raffaele Open University in Rome. Translation: If we focus on getting more protein from foods like protein pasta, we can start burning fat like we did as kids. Dr. Lombardo says more research is needed to explain the phenomenon — but there’s no need to wait.

The twist that makes weight loss almost automatic

Flour from beans and peas doesn’t just load pasta with protein, it also adds a big hit of resistant starch, a fiber-like compound the body struggles to break down. Resistant starch lingers in the gastrointestinal tract, releasing fatty acids that help ignite fat burning, increasing fat burn significantly for 24 hours. Resistant starch also has a unique ability to stabilize blood sugar for days after we eat it, and, over time, can improve insulin function by 898% and shift body chemistry in favor of effortless weight loss.

The stuff is so powerful, “studies show just one serving a day can make a difference,” reveals Metabolism Reset Diet author Alan Christianson, NMD. Switch from processed junk to protein pasta dishes, “and the impact can be huge.” (Click through to learn more about resistant starch.)

How much protein pasta to get the most benefits

No one is saying you can binge on protein pasta and still get lean. Rather, calorie for calorie, protein pasta can make it quicker and easier to get to your goals. That’s especially true if you add healthy, protein-rich toppings like turkey meatballs or cottage cheese–based ‘Alfredo’ sauce (scroll down for recipe below).

So how much should you eat? Experts suggest using protein pasta to help you get about 100 grams of protein and 30 grams of fiber a day. For best results, use a program like WeightWatchers or a free app like Cronometer to hit these goals while keeping portions healthy. (Click through to discover more about how much protein women need.)

Protein pasta for weight loss success: Bethany Faye lost 82 lbs

After Bethany Faye and her husband, Brandon, got sick of the keto diet, they decided to try WeightWatchers. “I heard about protein pasta on YouTube,” recalls Bethany, who struggles with a slow thyroid, fibromyalgia and other health issues. Realizing protein pasta would let her make big meals for relatively few points, she experimented with Barilla Protein Plus and Carba Nada brands. “I noticed I felt really satisfied with a smaller portion.” And saving points at meals meant more leeway to splurge at favorite restaurants — another key way protein pasta kept her from feeling deprived.

“Most people ask if it can be substituted in regular pasta dishes. It can!” Tip: If you’re using Banza or a brand that’s mostly bean or pea flour, test often during cooking and remove from heat as soon as it’s done to avoid mushiness.

As Bethany added more protein pasta dishes to her menus, she shrunk from a size 26 to a 12. Her husband lost over 70 pounds too. “My joint pain is so much better now and my liver enzymes are normal for the first time.”

Protein pasta for weight loss before and after: Anne Rodkin, 81

Mark Peterman, Getty

After losing several friends on 9/11, former New Yorker Anne Schoenfeld-Rodkin relied heavily on comfort food to cope. She tried diets as her weight crept up. “I didn’t like them,” she recalls. As years passed, her back pain became hard to bear. So on a whim, she rejoined WeightWatchers and discovered protein pasta.

Why did it help so much? “I need my carbs, but I’m a volume eater and regular pasta is too many points.” Carba Nada brand has just 2 points per cup. Experimenting with pasta salads and skillet meals from ThePoundDropper.com, “I haven’t tried one I didn’t like!” raves Anne. Her favorite is Easy Chicken and Turkey Skillet Pot Pie Skillet Pasta. She often made big batches and portioned them out to eat all week, shedding 69 pounds in the process. “At 81, I look better than ever,” she says. “More important, I feel 100% better!”

Easy protein pasta recipe ideas

For the ultimate lazy dinner, just top protein pasta with a healthy jarred sauce and some Parmesan. Or try one of these no-fuss and delicious ways to dress your pasta up:

1. Spinach-Parm Spaghetti

Bowl of spinach-parmesan spaghetti made with protein pasta for weight loss — luchezar/Getty

Over medium heat, sauté 2 tsp. garlic in 3 Tbs. olive oil until golden. Stir in 4 cups spinach, 4 cups cooked pasta, 1 cup peas, ⅓ cup broth and ½ cup Parmesan. Heat through and enjoy.

2. Easy Protein Alfredo

Alfred protein pasta — EzumeImages/Getty

In blender, blitz 2 cups cottage cheese, ½ cup Parmesan, garlic salt and pepper to taste. Toss with 8 cups hot cooked pasta. (Click through to learn more about how to make high-protein cottage cheese pasta sauce.)

3. Weeknight Ziti Bake

Casserole of baked ziti made with protein pasta for weight loss — Dar1930/Getty

Mix 6 cups cooked ziti, 24 oz. meat sauce and 1 cup mozzarella. Top with more cheese. Bake at 350ºF for 20 minutes.

Bonus recipe: Protein-boosted mac’ n’ cheese

Bowl of macaroni and cheese made with protein pasta for weight loss — Haris Calkic/Getty

This powered-up crowd-pleaser is courtesy of ThePoundDropper.com.

Ingredients:

4 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 tsp garlic powder
1 lb. uncooked Barilla Plus Elbow Pasta
1 cup cheese dip, such as Tostitos Smooth and Cheesy
½ cup Velveeta Shreds

Directions:

In large pot, bring broth, garlic powder and dash salt and pepper to a boil. Add pasta and cook per package directions. Drain pasta.
Add dip and Velveeta; stir until well combined. Serves 8

For more on the health and weight-loss benefits of protein, click through:

Protein Brownies: Women Over 50 Are Eating Them for Breakfast and Losing 100+ Lbs

Study Shows a High Protein Diet Aids In Losing Body Fat and Improving Bone Density

Top Doc Shares the Forgotten High-Protein Foods Helping Women over 50 Lose Weight

This article originally appeared in our print magazine, Woman’s World.

This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your physician before pursuing any treatment plan.

Health

Elderberry Boosts Weight Loss and Improves Blood Sugar, New Study Shows

Published

2 hours ago

January 17, 2025

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Elderberry Boosts Weight Loss and Improves Blood Sugar, New Study Shows

Elderberry for Weight Loss: How to Get the Health Benefits | Woman’s World

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Health

Chicago's Lincoln Park Zoo loses flamingo, seal to bird flu

Published

3 hours ago

January 17, 2025

Press Room

Chicago's Lincoln Park Zoo loses flamingo, seal to bird flu

The Avian Influenza has claimed the lives of a Harbor Seal and a Chilean Flamingo at Chicago’s Lincoln Park Zoo.

The zoo announced they received results that confirmed the highly pathogenic Avian Influenza was the cause of Teal, a Chilean Flamingo, and Slater, a Harbor Seal’s death.

“This is sad news for wildlife and for the zoo team. Not only are we facing the first known cases of HPAI in animals in our care, but we’ve lost two amazing animals,” said Director of Veterinary Services Lester E. Fisher and Dr. Kathryn Gamble in a statement. “While highly pathogenic avian influenza is a naturally occurring virus in free-ranging waterfowl, more mammal species have been reported to be susceptible to HPAI since 2022.”

ONE STATE LEADS COUNTRY IN HUMAN BIRD FLU WITH NEARLY 40 CONFIRMED CASES

The zoo announced they received results that confirmed the highly pathogenic Avian Influenza was the cause of Teal, a Chilean Flamingo, and Slater, a Harbor Seal’s death. (Lincoln Park Zoo)

The zoo was unable to confirm the source of the exposure, but the Centers for Disease Control say that HPAI is spread through saliva, nasal secretion and the feces of infected birds.

They did say that zoo visitors are not at risk of contracting the disease from the animals at Lincoln Park zoo.

“Because highly pathogenic avian influenza is spread by free-ranging birds, it is no riskier to visit Lincoln Park Zoo than to enjoy a walk outdoors,” said President & CEO and ornithologist Megan Ross. “The zoo remains a safe place to connect with the animals in our care.”

BIRD FLU LEADS TO SEVERE HUMAN ILLNESS AND STATE OF EMERGENCY; EXPERTS DISCUSS RISK

The zoo announced they received results that confirmed the highly pathogenic Avian Influenza was the cause of Teal, a Chilean Flamingo and Slater, a Harbor Seal’s death. (Lincoln Park Zoo)

The zoo has been monitoring HPAI, so there is a response plan in place. The plan addresses staff and animals. It includes personal protective equipment and removing cross contamination between species while monitoring individual animal behavior, according to a statement by the zoo. They have also closed the McCormick Bird House and will be closed until further notice.

The zoo announced they received results that confirmed the highly pathogenic Avian Influenza was the cause of Teal, a Chilean Flamingo and Slater, a Harbor Seal’s death. (Lincoln Park Zoo)

The zoo also said in their statement that it’s important to keep personal pets indoors and away from wildlife.

“Sharing this news of highly pathogenic avian influenza in the area is important for our community at large,” said Director of the Urban Wildlife Institute Seth Magle. “To protect yourself, do not handle wildlife. Additionally, keep your pets safe by keeping cats indoors and dogs on a leash away from wildlife.”

Health

Insulin Prices Dropped. But Some Poor Patients Are Paying More.

Published

10 hours ago

January 16, 2025

Press Room

Insulin Prices Dropped. But Some Poor Patients Are Paying More.

Maricruz Salgado was bringing her diabetes under control. Thanks to a federal program that allowed health clinics that serve poor people to buy drugs at steeply discounted prices, she was able to pay less than $75 for all five of her diabetes medications every three months.

But in July, the cost of three of those drugs soared. Ms. Salgado, who does not have health insurance, suddenly faced costs of hundreds of dollars per month. She could not afford it.

Her doctor switched her to cheaper medicines. Within days of taking one of them, she experienced dizzy spells so severe that she said could barely keep up with her hectic daily schedule as a phlebotomist and an in-home caregiver. By the time she returned to the doctor in September, her blood sugar levels had ticked up.

“We were in a good place,” said Dr. Wesley Gibbert, who treats Ms. Salgado at Erie Family Health Centers, a network of clinics in Chicago that serves patients regardless of their ability to pay. “And then all the medicines had to change.”

The price hikes at the clinic happened for a reason that is symptomatic of the tangled web of federal policies that regulate drug pricing. In 2024, drug makers lowered the sticker price of dozens of common medications, which allowed them to avoid massive penalties imposed by the American Rescue Plan, the Covid relief package passed three years earlier. But that change backfired for low-income people like Ms. Salgado.

The decision to make these medications more affordable for large swaths of patients has quietly created another problem: a severe financial hit to the clinics that are tasked by the federal government with caring for the country’s poorest people. These nonprofit clinics operate in every state and serve nearly 32.5 million people, or about 10 percent of the country’s population.

“It’s the law of unintended consequences,” said Beth Powell, the director of pharmacy at The Centers, which operates five community health clinics in the Cleveland area. Ms. Powell said that while many consumers benefited from the companies’ decision to lower prices, “for our folks, that is not the case.”

More than 1,000 community health clinics around the country rely on a decades-old federal program that requires drug companies to offer them deep discounts.

Under the 340B program, as it is called, companies typically sell their brand-name drugs to clinics at a discount, at 23 percent or more off the list price. The same discount scheme applies to state Medicaid plans. But if a company raises a drug’s list price above the rate of inflation, a penalty kicks in, forcing it to offer even deeper discounts to the clinics.

For years, that meant that every time a company raised a drug’s list price above inflation, community clinics paid less for it. Many drugs, including insulin, essentially became free.

But the American Rescue Plan made a major change that hit drug companies with even larger penalties for raising prices. In January 2024, companies that continued to raise a drug’s price would have to pay state Medicaid plans every time those drugs were used, potentially costing the industry billions of dollars.

“That was a bridge too far” for the companies, said Antonio Ciaccia, a drug-pricing researcher who advises state governments and employers.

Manufacturers lowered the price of at least 77 drugs in 2023 and 2024, according to an analysis by a nonprofit that Mr. Ciaccia leads. The list includes widely used asthma drugs like Advair and Symbicort, as well as diabetes treatments like Victoza, which Ms. Salgado used before the change.

Once the pharmaceutical companies lowered their list prices, the inflation penalties evaporated. That meant community clinics had to start paying the usual discounts of 23 percent or more off the list price — far more than the pennies they used to pay.

“Unfortunately, the complexities of the U.S. health care system can reduce access and affordability for many,” Jamie Bennett, a spokeswoman for Novo Nordisk, which makes Victoza, said in a statement. “Even when we lower our prices, too often people don’t receive the savings — this is a problem.” She said the company also has patient assistance programs to make its products more affordable.

David Bowman, a spokesman for the Health Resources and Services Administration, which oversees the 340B discounts, did not respond to questions about how community health clinics were affected by the lowered drug prices. He said that other recent policies, including directing Medicare to negotiate the price of drugs, had lowered drug costs for low-income patients.

Because of a six-month lag in the way that 340B discounts work, clinics were hit by the change last July. Some clinics began calling patients before their prescriptions expired, offering to switch them to less expensive medicines even though they sometimes had more serious side effects. Others decided to cover the higher out-of-pocket costs, which required dipping into already scarce reserves.

Ms. Salgado said a nurse from Erie called over the summer to tell her about the pricing changes. Until then, she had paid about $15 for a three-month supply of Victoza, which is injected daily to keep blood sugar down. After July, the cost rose to more than $300.

After a few weeks, Ms. Salgado adjusted to the replacement, Byetta, and her dizziness subsided. But the drug must be injected twice a day instead of once. And Ms. Salgado must now use a special pharmacy 20 minutes from her house to qualify for the federal discount on the two insulin drugs she was switched to, the result of increasingly strict rules that companies are imposing on health clinics.

Ms. Salgado, who is 39, said she is determined to avoid the fate of her mother, who died of diabetes complications at 54. But keeping up with frequent pharmacy visits and medication changes is tough. “Sometimes it does get to a point where it’s like, I just don’t want to do this anymore,” she said.

The changes are also making it harder for community clinics to offer other services.

Under the 340B program, clinics buy the discounted drugs on behalf of their patients. When those patients have insurance, the clinics can then bill insurers for the regular, higher price, pocketing the difference. But now that spread — the difference between how much they pay for the drug and what insurance will cover — has dwindled. That has left clinics with less money to spend on services that are not otherwise covered by government grants or insurance, such as helping patients find housing.

At Valley View Health Center, a network of clinics that serves patients in rural Washington, the 340B money once financed a mental health program that employed eight therapists. In September, the clinic halted the program, laying off the therapists.

“It was such an abrupt change for us that it has definitely affected our ability to care for our patients the way that we needed to,” said Gaelon Spradley, the clinic’s chief executive.

Some patients who have seen costs go up have qualified for patient-assistance programs offered by drug makers. That was the case for Lorena Sarmiento, another patient at Erie Health who uses Lantus, an insulin pen. Last fall, after the 340B discount changed, she was quoted $490 at her pharmacy — the retail price for a box of insulin pens. Erie Health sent her to another pharmacy, which helped her sign up for a manufacturer’s coupon that lowered her cost to $35 per month.

Doctors and pharmacists at several health clinics said such drug-company assistance programs can be hit or miss. Sometimes they last for a limited time or require that a patient reapply regularly. Patients often have to be legal residents of the United States or have a fixed address.

“It’s a lengthy process, and it’s a lot of hoop-jumping,” said Michael Lin, the chief of pharmacy operations at Family Health Centers in Louisville, Kentucky.

Ms. Sarmiento and her husband, Luis, spend about $500 per month on her medical needs, including special food, medications and a glucose monitor. They are no longer facing the highest insulin price, but their costs are still 10 times what they were just a few months ago, when they spent about $10 on three months’ worth of insulin.

Mr. Sarmiento said he tries not to complain. “You always have to look on the good side,” he said. “But lately, that’s been hard.”