Mushroom Alfredo "Pasta"

I was super busy these past two weeks - going back to California twice, got really drunk at a friend's bday party, watched Wicked, watched the Britney show at the Planet Hollywood, and enjoyed the Caesar's Palace buffet with my college lil' sis from San Diego. I didn't go off the deep end or anything drastic, but I didn't stick to The No Fun Food Life during those two fun-filled weeks. But, hey, life goes on!

Anyway, I jumped back into the swing of things full force this week! One thing that really helps me get the carb-cravings under control are Miracle Noodles. I buy them at Whole Foods for about $2.50 a package. They are a brand of shirataki noodles - made of soluble fiber extracted from the root of a Japanese plant called Konnyaku Imo. The noodle shape is held together by adding food grade calcium. It has zero carbs, zero sugar, and zero calories.

That's crazy! It's technically not even food... and I usually don't eat weird stuff that's not food (say NO to margarine!)... but it is the only thing that gets me to stop hunting for more even after eating a meal. Sometimes, another meal of veggies with a side of protein... or, heaven help me, SALAD (so over it)... just doesn't sound appealing and does not hit the spot. You know what I"m talking about - I know you do.

The solution to my problem? ALFREDO SAUCE and... MUSHROOMS!

Mushroom Alfredo "Pasta"
Use a frying pan or skillet and brown however much of whatever mixture of mushrooms you love in some olive oil, salt, and pepper. I used oyster mushrooms and a pre-mixed wild medley.

Open one package of Miracle Noodles, rinse, squeeze dry, place on plate, use kitchen scissors to make like 4-5 cuts randomly in the noodle pile. Microwave for 30 seconds. *Note: if you don't cut the noodles, you'll end up with masses of reeeeally loooooong noodles*

Add 1/4 cup or 1/2 cup of Newman's Own Alfredo pasta sauce on top of the pile of noodles... depending on your desire... DO NOT MIX. Cover and microwave for 1 minute. The noodles will lose water as it heats. Carefully hold the noodles back with a fork or spatula or just poke holes in your plastic wrap at the edge of the plate... and drain the water. Stir the sauce and noodles.

Add the browned mushrooms on top and serve!

This meal feels seriously sinful! I'll add a side of protein (for an even heartier meal) or side of veggies. It tastes amazing and it really sticks to your ribs and makes you feel satiated. It should not invoke any guilt. The alfredo sauce has 3g of carbs and 1g of sugar for 1/4 cup... it's pretty high in fat (8g) and sodium (410mg) but that's how it tastes so good. In the grand scheme of things... that's not a big deal compared to the multitude of other bad choices one can potentially make when craving a "hearty" meal.

Mushrooms are a good source of B vitamins, including riboflavin, niacin, and pantothenic acid, which help to provide energy by breaking down proteins, fats and carbohydrates². B vitamins also play an important role in the nervous system.

• Pantothenic acid helps with the production of hormones and also plays an important role in the nervous system².
• Riboflavin helps maintain healthy red blood cells².
• Niacin promotes healthy skin and makes sure the digestive and nervous systems function properly².

- See more at: http://mushroominfo.com/benefits/#sthash.b7gmP1fb.dpu

And if you're still feeling *meh* about this meal, then here are some great facts about mushrooms. They're full of B Vitamins (riboflavin, niacin, pantotheic acid) good for the nervous system, hormone production, red blood cells, skin, and digestive system. They're also a fantastic source of minerals & antioxiants such as selenium, copper, potassium, ergothioneine... all perfect for protection from cell damage, oxygen in red blood cells, bones, nerves, and heart function.

Mushrooms are a good source of B vitamins, including riboflavin, niacin, and pantothenic acid, which help to provide energy by breaking down proteins, fats and carbohydrates². B vitamins also play an important role in the nervous system.

• Pantothenic acid helps with the production of hormones and also plays an important role in the nervous system².
• Riboflavin helps maintain healthy red blood cells².
• Niacin promotes healthy skin and makes sure the digestive and nervous systems function properly².

- See more at: http://mushroominfo.com/benefits/#sthash.b7gmP1fb.dpuf

Mushrooms are a good source of B vitamins, including riboflavin, niacin, and pantothenic acid, which help to provide energy by breaking down proteins, fats and carbohydrates². B vitamins also play an important role in the nervous system.

• Pantothenic acid helps with the production of hormones and also plays an important role in the nervous system².
• Riboflavin helps maintain healthy red blood cells².
• Niacin promotes healthy skin and makes sure the digestive and nervous systems function properly².

- See more at: http://mushroominfo.com/benefits/#sthash.b7gmP1fb.dpuf