Make Ramen into a Nutritious, Balanced Meal

 There are always ways to nutritionally improve any of your favorite foods– even ramen!

🍜 Tips to Making a Healthier, Balanced Ramen Noodle Soup:

🍤🫘 Add a protein source like chicken, tofu, tempeh, edamame, shrimp or hard boiled eggs. Consider black beans, chickpeas, lentils, cannellini beans or peas too– while these aren’t quite as high in protein, they still provide health promoting plant-based protein plus the benefits of fiber.

🥬🍄 Mix in some frozen spinach for antioxidants and additional vitamins, minerals and fiber. Thaw first by rinsing in a colander– or add it frozen to your hot soup to cool it quicker. Try cauliflower rice, peppers, mushrooms, carrots or mixed veggies for additional nutrients.

🥄🥜 Stir in a big spoonful of peanut butter, almond butter, cashew butter or sunflower seed butter for healthy fats and satiety– this makes your soup creamier and absolutely delicious.

🧂🤏 Use less of the seasoning packet if you’re looking to reduce sodium in your diet. Ramen seasonings vary in sodium content so check your label. If it’s got 20% or more of the recommended daily value it’s considered high-sodium. You can still use the whole packet; it’s just smart to be aware of how many high-sodium foods you’re eating over the course of your day.

🔎 👀 Read the ingredients to see what you’re getting. I like the Lotus brand that makes ramen from whole grains like brown rice, millet and buckwheat vs enriched wheat flour and oil, so you get a little more fiber…

🤫 They’re at Job Lot now for $1!

 Remember: Protein, fat and fiber help keep you full longer. If satiety is a goal, add these to your carb-rich meals and snacks to turn down your hunger hormones.