• Pasta is high in complex carbohydrates, which helps give you energy.
• Instead of a quick burst of energy, complex carbohydrates provide a "time release" of energy.
• Pasta provides as much energy as a pure protein like steak but with little or no fat.
• A serving of pasta includes 6 of the essential 8 amino acids that make up a complete protein.
• The key to healthy eating is to eat as the Italians do - only a small amount of additional ingredients and sauce.
• Completely natural food - with no additives or preservatives.
• Easy to digest.
• 82% of the calories in pastas come from complex carbohydrates; the remaining calories are mostly protein.
• 1 cup of cooked spaghetti supplies more protein than a whole egg.
• 3 ounces of cooked pasta yields only 100 calories.
• Pasta also offer good levels of B vitamins and iron, and has a fair amount of dietary fiber.
• Whole wheat pastas have even more dietary fiber.

Fitness Fact:

• Athletes who take advantage of "carbo-loading" eat complex carbohydrates to save up the energy in their body.
• The carbohydrates become glucose stored in the muscles.
• The glucose energy is then released when needed during long, tiring exercise, like long-distance running or biking.