When it comes to eating smarter, there’s no better guru than Shilpa Shetty. The actor hasn’t just influenced generations of people with her fitness and diet strategies but is also a true-blue chef, with her very own cooking show on YouTube. At a recent event, Shilpa was seen cooking up a batch of flourless noodles and serving it to her fans.
“These noodles have no flour, which is so amazing. They’re healthy and have high fibre, they’re made with healthy alternatives like oats, lentils and rice. Isn’t that great?” she was seen telling fans. Shilpa has often talked about creative alternatives especially when it comes to home cooking. Despite being a fitness enthusiast, Shilpa has often shared her cheat meals with her fans, with her famous Sunday Binge series.
In a recent appearance where the Indian Police Force star was interviewed by Kareena Kapoor Khan, Shilpa opened up about her approach to smart eating. “When I cook for my YouTube channel I always try to tell people that if you use healthy alternatives, the food can be just as delicious and healthy. You don’t need to make compromises but we need to live in awareness and breathe and eat in awareness," Shilpa said during the appearance.
She also shared her rule regarding consumption of carbohydrates which helps her stay in shape. “What kind of carbs you’re choosing is important. Don’t eat fried potatoes, but instead choose a baked sweet potato. I try to be mindful because carbs are important to us, my sourdough is a staple in the morning. I try not to eat carbs after 6 or 7 pm,” she said.
Flourless Is Smarter
It’s not surprising that Shilpa prefers flourless noodles and pasta for regular consumption since they’re healthier. They’re typically made from alternative ingredients such as legumes, vegetables, or grains other than wheat, which offers several benefits compared to traditional wheat-based pasta. Here are some reasons why flourless noodles are a smarter choice.
They’re Gluten-Free
Flourless noodles are inherently gluten-free, making them suitable for anyone with celiac disease or those with gluten sensitivity. Instead of wheat flour, these noodles are often made from ingredients like chickpeas, lentils, quinoa, or brown rice, offering a broader range of options for people with dietary restrictions.
They Have A Higher Nutritional Value
Many flourless pasta and noodle varieties are made from whole grains or legumes, so they offer a higher nutritional content compared to refined wheat pasta. They are often richer in fibre, protein, vitamins, and minerals. For instance, chickpea noodles offer a significant protein boost, while lentil pasta provides a good source of iron and folate.
Lower Glycemic Index
Flourless noodle options made from legumes or certain grains can have a lower glycemic index compared to traditional noodles made from refined wheat flour. This means they cause a slower and steadier rise in blood sugar levels, which can be beneficial for managing blood sugar levels and reducing the risk of insulin spikes.