Ramen is an incredibly popular and convenient meal that can be enjoyed all over the world. But while it may be easy to make, it’s not always necessarily healthy. So why not turn this humble dish into something more nutritious? With just a few simple ingredients, you can transform your bowl of ramen into a complete meal packed with protein, vitamins and minerals! Here are three ways to do exactly that.
Add Lean Chicken
The classic way of adding protein to a noodle dish is incorporating meat. Adding lean chicken to a bowl of ramen is an easy way to make the meal more substantial and healthier. Chicken is a great source of protein, providing essential amino acids our body needs for growth and repair. It also contains iron, which helps your red blood cells deliver oxygen around the body. When buying lean chicken for ramen, look for white meat that’s low in fat. A little extra chicken to your ramen and you've got yourself a full meal!
Add Greens
Another great way is adding leafy greens, especially if you don't normally like eating the greens themselves. Adding greens to your bowl of ramen is a great way to make it more nutritious and flavorful. Kale and spinach are two excellent options for adding vitamins and minerals, such as Vitamin A and iron. Not only do these leafy greens provide you and your teeth with crucial nutrients, they also contain dietary fiber which can help aid digestion. As an added bonus, they won’t take too long to cook – just a few minutes in the same broth as your ramen should be enough.
Add an Egg
Adding an egg to a bowl of ramen is a quick and easy way to make the meal more nutritious. Whether poached or boiled, eggs are a great source of protein, vitamins and minerals. They’re also low in calories so you don’t have to worry about overindulging. A poached egg is best for those who want more flavor, while boiled eggs provide a more balanced nutritional profile with the advantage of being easy to prepare ahead of time.
Ultimately, ramen can still be unhealthy if you're not mindful of what goes in it and how you cook it. Luckily, with a few simple swaps and tips, you can enjoy your favorite bowl of noodles while maintaining a balanced diet! You don't need to get too fancy - by making small changes here and there the right balance between nutrition and taste will soon become second nature. Bon Appetit!
Check out this article on surprising ways your diet can affect your health!