Ah, Instant Noodles. They're the drug of choice for many college students, debt-ridden individuals, and the everyday New Yorker trying to make rent. While they're renowned for being cost-effective, they certainly lack in the nutritional value department.
From The Washington Post:
Although instant noodles is a convenient and delicious food, there could be an increased risk for metabolic syndrome given [the food's] high sodium, unhealthy saturated fat, and glycemic loads. Women who ate instant noodles twice a week or more had a higher risk of metabolic syndrome than those who ate less, or not at all, regardless of whether their diet style fell into the traditional or fast-food category...
So, what's a strapped for cash twenty-something to do? Here are some simple hacks that can make that cup of noodles a little healthier without breaking the bank.
Ditch the Seasoning Packet - Use Unsalted Broth
The noodles themselves have a lot of sodium, but you can win half the battle by ditching the seasoning packet. It's loaded with a ton of preservatives and sodium. Switch it out for some Unsalted Chicken Stock and then...
Dice Up a Vegetable Rainbow
Instant Noodle's biggest crime is that it has barely any nutrients, so inject some of your favorite vegetables. Or even some vegetables you can't stand. I hate eating carrots, but they're awesome in ramen. Some ramen old faithfuls include spinach, carrots, and green onion. Get a colorful array of vegetables, steam them, and throw them in.
Add a Protein
You've got the nutrients, now get the gains. Cook up a lean protein and throw it in your creation. My personal add is either shredded chicken breast or eggs. Sometimes, it's both. Typically, I opt for something in my fridge that's on its last legs. That means it's soup time.
Throw in Some Peanut Butter
I did not believe this the first time I heard it. But whoa...peanut butter in ramen is GOOD. Besides the fact that peanut butter is a recovery powerhouse, it adds great flavor and texture to the soup. And yes, crunchy works just as good as smooth.
Hannah is a business school graduate, New Yorker, and an avid marathon runner. To date, she has finished over ten marathons including the Boston Marathon. With over a dozen years of competitive running under her belt, she began a running blog called www.unicornswelcome.com. She hopes to give runners an honest opinion of what has worked and what hasn't by calling upon her own personal experiences.
Post new comment
Please Register or Login to post new comment.