Shirataki…..What? Noodles

New Noodle Alert

I am always researching  ways to help my clients enjoy the foods they love but make it fit into a healthier, lower calorie version.   I do not teach them how to “Diet”, in fact I HATE that word.  Its about a forever nutrition lifestyle.  Enjoy your favorite dishes in moderation and learn how to stay on the healthy but taste Diva-licious track 80% of the time.
We have discovered new substitutes for spaghetti noodles like zoodles (zucchini spiralized), spaghetti squash and now….I found these wet, slimy noodles in a bag in the tofu, vegetarian section of the grocery store.  I heard about them a while ago but never experimented until now.    They look just like noodles so why not??  I read the directions and gave it a go.  Being Italian I had to find a skinny version of pasta!!!  But it will NEVER replace the real deal!

Facts on Shirataki Noodles

What Are Shirataki Noodles?
Shirataki noodles (aka miracle noodles, aka konjak noodles, ) is an ingredient popular in Asian cuisine. It’s made from konjak plant which is ground and then shaped into noodles, fettuccine or even rice. Shirataki noodles are almost zero calorie and zero carb. They are 97% water, 3% fibre and traces of protein, fat and calcium. There are 4 kcal and ~ 1 gram of net carbs per 100 g / 3.5 oz of shirataki noodles. If you find that the packaging says “zero” calories or “zero carbs”, etc. it’s because the FDA allowed products with less than 5 calories / less than 1 gram of carbs, protein and fat to be labeled as zero.  The ones I bought were made from chickpea flour which worked great!

Benefits
Some studies show that the soluble fibre called glucomannan found in shirataki noodles may help you lose weight and improve health. Below are the main benefits of glucomannan:
~Soluble fiber is very low in calories and lowers the energy-to-weight ratio of the food that is consumed.
~It has shown to promote satiety via several mechanisms. Including shirataki noodles will keep you fuller for longer!
~It slows down digestion which again induces satiety.
Side Effects
The same study shows that there are few potential side effects of glucomannan.
~It may cause minor gastrointestinal complaints, such as bloating, gas, and mild diarrhea. If it does, reduce the serving size.
~It may reduce the bioavailability of oral medications. You should avoid eating shirataki noodles with your medication and supplements. The medication should be taken 1 hour before or 4 hours after your meal containing glucomannan.
****Since there are no nutrients, do not overuse products containing glucomannan. The vast majority of your diet should be focused on real food (eggs, meat, non-starchy vegetables, raw dairy, avocados, berries, nuts, etc).

Steps to preparing the noodles

There are several different ways to prepare but this is what i found to be pretty darn tasty

1. Be prepared when you cut open the bag to drain the liquid….it smells pretty awful!!!
2. place noodles in a strainer and rinse really really well.
3. Boil noodles for 3-4 min
4. Saute in pan over medium heat.  I used avocado oil (great for high temps and light) & use very little because you are trying to get all the water out of the noodles. IT helps with the texture.  Add garlic, sea salt, pepper and oregano for 5-7 min.
5. That’s IT!!!!

I then made a yummy Diva-licious Italian 99% lean turkey meat sauce.

Diva-licious Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lb 99% lean gr turkey
• 1/2 red onion diced
• Lots of minced garlic 😉
• 1 can of chopped artichoke
• 1 can no salt added diced tomato
• 1/2 can no salt tomato sauce
• Spices: Oregano, Himalayan salt, pepper, Fresh basil, pepper and red pepper flake* if you like spice

Directions:

• Saute onion first with 1 tablespoon of avocado oil 5 min.  Then add rest.
• Cook till meat is fully cooked through.
•  Put meat over “noodles”
• Top with fresh shaved Parm Cheese.
• Makes 3-4 servings depending on your needs.

Side of your fav salad or veggies.
The outcome…. surprisingly really really good!  Super filing and satisfied.  Have fun with your spices.  And no tummy discomfort the next day;)
Hope this helps for a low carb dinner option!  Take a pic and send it to me!
Saluti Bella Divas!  xooxoxo
PS  Feeding your Inner Diva Guide book coming SOON!