4 ways to burn fat with pasta

Cutting weight shouldn’t mean sacrificing carbs. In fact – with a serving of science – pasta can even increase your fat burning

The big cheese

Black olive and feta

Yes, your favourite topping is back without apology. Five servings of dairy a week aids fat loss, found Australia’s Curtin University.

A certain ratio

Green veg and chilli

Make your veg to pasta ratio equal and curb cravings later on, says Caroline Farrell, nutritionist at the Institute for Optimum Nutrition.

Simple spaghetti

Stay firm

Keep pasta al dente. Cooking it for too long changes its carb structure, raising GI levels, reports Utah’s Dept of Health. Take it off the hob 2min early.

Go big on basil

Basil with tomato

The herb can reduce the hormone cortisol, says The Journal of Natural Products, reducing fat storage. With basil, your diet won’t be faulty.

Words: David Morton; Photography: Johanna Parkin