In Tough Economic Times, Pasta is a Low-Cost, Nutritious and Delicious Option As consumers nationwide are squeezed by both the recession and the biggest spike in food prices in 20 years, they are searching for budget-friendly ways to feed their families without sacrificing
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any of the nutrition. There's a simple solution to help feed the family and pad the wallet: pasta. Not only is pasta one of the most affordable foods available, its versatility makes it easy to create a different, nutritious meal every day of the week. The average price of a one pound box of pasta -- enough to feed a family of four -- is $1.33. Including additional ingredients such as sauce, the approximate cost of a pasta meal for the whole family is $3.33 -- just 83 cents per serving. Pasta also provides healthful benefits. Its carbohydrates are an essential fuel for the body and brain. Enriched pastas contain essential nutrients including folic acid, iron and B-vitamins. And, in one serving, whole wheat pastas can provide up to 25 percent of recommended daily fiber requirements. Combined with nutrient-dense foods like vegetables and proteins, pasta is the perfect foundation for a well-balanced meal. Those of us watching our waistlines, take note: cutting calories, not carbohydrates, contributes to weight loss. Recent studies indicate that dieters who made similar calorie reductions show no significant difference in long term weight loss, whether on low carb or high carbohydrate diets. October 26, 2009 is "World Pasta Day." In recognition, the National Pasta Association and the International Pasta Organization will host a day-long conference in New York City to present the latest nutritional and scientific research on pasta as well as offer an assortment of cooking demonstrations. For more information please visit www.WorldPastaDay.org Produced for the National Pasta Association
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