Recipe doctor: pasta power

Muscle & Fitness, May, 2004

Dear Recipe Doctor,

I love pasta! I ate it all the time until a few years ago, when I made major changes in my physique. I don't mind following a healthy diet and passing up most high-carb foods, but every once in a while, I'd kill for a big plate of spaghetti smothered with a great sauce. Is there anything you can recommend to curb my cravings?

Flawless & Flourless

Dear Flawless & Flourless,

Don't get your noodle in a knot. Many new pasta products can help you maintain your physique. One of my favorites is 100% soybean pasta, which is available at Trader Joe's or through www.nutrikitchen.com. Top it with an easy clam sauce for a high-protein meal that's packed with fiber.

The Recipe Doctor

RELATED ARTICLE: Strongman Spaghetti

2 6 1/2-oz. cans chopped clams
1 1/2 cups cooked high-protein spaghetti
3/4 cup low-fat pasta sauce
1 Tbsp. grated reduced-fat Parmesan cheese

Drain the liquid from the clams.

In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti, clams and pasta sauce. Microwave until hot, about 1-2 minutes. Top with Parmesan cheese. Makes one serving.

Nutrition Facts: Each serving has: 505 calories, 56 g protein, 55 g carbohydrate, 6 g fat, 16 g fiber.

Regular pasta and clam sauce has: 752 calories, 35 g protein, 86 g carbohydrate, 28 g fat, 7 g fiber.

Doctor's Orders: Be sure to keep the ingredients for this dish on hand for those days when you just don't feel like going to the grocery store. They can all be stored in your cabinet, yet the finished dish packs a generous amount of protein plus as much fiber as 6 1/2 cups of raw broccoli or 3 3/4 cups of steamed spinach.

--CHEF DEVIN ALEXANDER