Vegetable Pasta prep time:  category:   30 minutes   Diabetic / Standard / Vegetarian / Ingredients ingredient calories carbs* fat* protein* fiber* 1 cup whole wheat pasta 174 37 1 8 4 1 tsp olive oil 40 0 5 0 0 1 1/3 cup mixed vegetables 120 24 0 6 4 1/2 cup spaghetti sauce 71 10 3 2 2 2 TBL basil 0 0 0 0 0   * measured in grams Instructions Boil water in pan Add pasta to pan and cooked to desired tenderness Heat oil over medium heat; Cook vegetables in pan Heat spaghetti sauce in separate pan and mix in basil Top drained noodles with sauce&vegetables Shopping List basil mixed vegetables olive oil spaghetti sauce whole wheat pasta     SEE MY NEW SQUIDOO LENS! www.squidoo.com/donotdiet   MY FITNESS SITE: www.timetogetfit.biz MY FITNESS BLOG:  www.timetogetfit.blogspot.com MY RECIPES BLOG:  www.timetogetfitrecipes.blogspot.com

From Kashi Foods Blog 3/12/07

Carbs 101 Over the last couple years, carbohydrates have become one of the most hotly debated topics in nutrition. Unfortunately, all the media hype has resulted in the spread of misinformation and the labeling of all carbohydrates as "bad." It only takes a quick review of the basics to separate fact from fiction and to learn that all carbs are not created equal. What are carbohydrates anyway? The word "carbohydrate" is a broad term used to describe large number of different compounds that are all composed of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. The main forms of carbohydrates are called monosaccharides, disaccharides, polysaccharides and fiber. Why do we need carbs? Carbohydrates are a critical source of fuel for your brain, red blood cells, and muscles providing four calories per gram. In the body, carbohydrates are broken down to glucose, which is used to generate energy. Not eating enough carbohydrates forces your body to make glucose from other body tissues, primarily muscle protein. In addition, fiber is a form of carbohydrate that aids intestinal health, can help lower cholesterol and help manage blood sugar levels. Simple vs. Complex In general, sugars are referred to as "simple carbohydrates" and starches are referred to as "complex carbohydrates." Simple carbs are named so because they are made up of monosaccharides and disaccharides, which are "simple" molecules. Complex carbs are named so because they are made up of polysaccharides, which are much bigger, more "complex" molecules. How many carbs should I eat? Although the exact amount of carbohydrate needed to reduce disease risk is unknown, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommends that carbohydrates provide a range of 45-65 percent of your calories per day, with no more than 25% coming from added sugars. In addition, the IOM recommends that both children and adults eat least 130 grams of carbohydrate per day to ensure that the brain has enough energy to function. If you are following an extremely low carb diet, it's possible you may not be getting enough carbohydrates. Choosing Healthy Carbohydrates When choosing carbs, quality is the name of the game. Let's face it, eating too many whole grains, fruits, vegetables, beans and peas is not the cause of obesity. In fact, these foods provide healthy carbohydrates and are wonderful sources of many important vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber and phytochemicals. On the flip side, be sure to manage your added sugar or refined carbohydrate intake because high sugar diets can make it difficult to get enough essential nutrients.   May you have... Love to share, Health to spare, and Friends who care.   SEE MY NEW SQUIDOO LENS! www.squidoo.com/donotdiet   MY FITNESS SITE: www.timetogetfit.biz MY FITNESS BLOG:  www.timetogetfit.blogspot.com MY RECIPES BLOG:  www.timetogetfitrecipes.blogspot.com   24-HOUR ONLINE MALL: www.telebaymall.com/?easy2shop BEST CELL PRICES: http://ld.net/?supercell SHOP E-BAY HERE: www.shoptheweb.biz