Who doesn’t love lasagna? It combines our favorite ingredients like\u00a0pasta and layers\u00a0of cheese, but let’s be real…it’s not the healthiest dish to indulge in on a daily basis.<\/p>\n
So in\u00a0honor of National Lasagna Day (July 29), we’re whipping\u00a0up\u00a0this American\u00a0staple with some healthy twists. Here’s how to make your favorite carb dish a healthy one.<\/p>\n
Use skim cheese<\/strong> Swap out traditional lasagna noodles for whole wheat<\/strong> Add veggies<\/strong> Use turkey sausage<\/strong>
\nCut back on the calories and saturated fat by swapping out the whole milk cheeses for non-fat, low fat, or vegan cheeses.<\/p>\n
\nThis small switch adds a whole lot of fiber to your meal. While your traditional pasta contains refined flour and less nutritional value, whole wheat pasta<\/a> is jam-packed with fiber, helps lower blood pressure, and speeds up the digestion process.<\/p>\n
\nDark greens like spinach are packed with nutrients for a fraction of the calories. Plus, spinach doesn\u2019t have an overpowering taste, making it easy to add it into any lasagna recipe. You can even\u00a0add some mushrooms<\/a> as a meat substitute\u00a0for a punch of potassium, dietary fiber, vitamin D, and calcium.<\/p>\n
\nIf meatless Mondays aren’t your thing, swap out the beef and pork with a leaner meat. Turkey is a great alternative, as it cuts out saturated fat<\/a> and reduces your risk of heart disease.<\/p>\n