Can you enjoy instant noodles on a diet?
Instant noodles remind me of when I was at university. Everyone ate them because they were cheap and filling. That said, were they really the healthiest thing we could have? Here I want to discuss whether you should have instant noodles on a diet.
Super Noodles
Super Noodles is a brand of instant noodles popular in the United Kingdom with people not keen on cooking, busy people and definitely students.
While specific nutritional information can vary slightly depending on the flavour and preparation method, this is a general overview of the typical nutrition profile of Super Noodles.
Nutrition and Calories in Super Noodles
Here’s an approximation of the nutritional values for a typical serving (100 grams) of Super Noodles:
- Calories: Around 452 calories
- Protein: Approximately 10g
- Carbohydrates: Around 60g
- Fat: approx 18g
- Fibre: Typically low and around 2 grams
- Salt/sodium: Often very high, averaging 1,000-1,500mg.
It’s worth noting that Super Noodles often contain flavouring packets or sachets that contribute to the taste but can also increase the sodium and fat content.
Pot Noodles
Pot noodles are convenient and quick-to-prepare meals that are popular in many parts of the world. While they can be a convenient option, they are generally not considered a healthy food choice due to several reasons:
Nutrition of Pot Noodles
High in salt: Pot noodles, like Super Noodles, tend to be high in sodium, which concerns people with high blood pressure or those watching their salt intake.
Excessive sodium consumption can increase the risk of heart disease and other health problems.
Low in nutrients: Pot noodles also lack many essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and fibre. They are typically low in vegetables and other nutritious ingredients.
High in unhealthy fats: Many pot noodles contain high levels of unhealthy saturated and trans fats. These fats can contribute to heart disease and other health issues when consumed in excess.
Additives and preservatives: Pot noodles often contain various additives and preservatives to enhance flavour, texture, and shelf life.
While some of these additives are generally considered safe, frequent consumption of processed foods with additives may not be ideal for long-term health.
Calorie-dense: Pot noodles can be calorie-dense, meaning they provide a significant amount of calories in a small volume of food.
Choosing the healthiest Instant Noodles
If you are looking for a healthier option, you can consider the following tips:
Opt for lower-sodium versions: Some instant noodle brands offer reduced-sodium or low-sodium options. These can help reduce your overall sodium intake.
Choose whole grain noodles: Look for instant noodles made from whole grain or whole wheat, as they contain more fibre and nutrients than refined versions.
Adapting your instant noodles
Add vegetables and protein: Enhance the nutritional value of your instant noodles by adding fresh or steamed vegetables and a source of protein, such as grilled chicken, tofu, or shrimp.
Limit the use of flavouring packets: Instant noodle flavouring packets often contain high amounts of sodium, artificial flavours, and preservatives.
You can reduce the negative impact by using only a portion of the flavouring packet or replacing it with herbs and spices of your choice.
Disclaimer: Just Average Jen is not connected with any weight loss plan. Please check nutritional values and/or syns yourself.
Syns in Pot Noodles and approximate Super Noodle syns
In general, the low-fat Super Noodles are around 1.5-2 syns per pack, which is significantly lower than the regular Super Noodles.
Regular Super Noodles are between 7.5 syns and 12 syns a packet!
Pot Noodles also vary greatly in syns. The syns in Pot Noodles are usually between 6.5 and 9 syns a pot.
Can you eat Pot Noodles on Slimming World?
Slimming World is a weight loss plan focused on healthy eating and cooking most things from scratch but with nothing off limits. The foods they do not class as free foods are counted as syns and everyone gets a syn allowance (more about that and why men get more syns a day).
Pot Noodles are not free on the plan. They can easily fit into your syn allowance, so there is no reason you couldn’t eat them on Slimming World.
Most people get 15 syns per day to use on extras such as sauces, chocolate, crisps etc and there is no reason for you not to use some to have a Pot Noodle if you like.
Can you eat Super Noodles on Slimming World?
As with Pot Noodles, there is no reason at all that you can’t have Super Noodles on Slimming World. They are not free food, so you would need to syn them.
If you count them within your daily syn allowance, then go ahead and enjoy them if you like them!
Alternatives to instant noodles
Consider making your own noodle dishes using fresh ingredients, lean proteins, and a variety of vegetables. This way, you have greater control over the ingredients and can make a healthier version.
Here are a few noodle recipes that you might like to try. Some are more complex than others but all are significantly healthier than instant noodles.
If made in advance, they can be microwaved in the same time as instant noodles take to cook!
Next time Instant Noodles tempt you, will you still be enjoying them or consider taking some time to make a healthier dish of your own?