5 Healthy and Cheap Alternatives to Ramen Noodles

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It is no secret. If you have ever had ramen noodles, then you know they are absolutely delicious. Sadly, like most delicious food items, they are also not very healthy for you. They are loaded with salt, MSG, and other ingredients that are not good for your body, and they don’t give you much nutritious value. They are also favorite among college students because they are cheaper than most other boxes or bags of noodles. It is true that on a budget, they can be a great money saver, but the even better news is that there are other healthier alternatives to ramen noodles that won’t break the bank. Here are 5 healthy and cheap alternatives to ramen noodles that you can enjoy and feel good about eating.

Udon or Soba Noodles

Here is a great alternative to ramen noodles. These noodles are much healthier for you. In fact, they are low in fat and sodium, and are not loaded with other ingredients like MSG. All you need to do is boil the noodles in broth, and add some veggies. You can add any type of veggies you want to make a delicious soup. If you want more than just noodles, veggies and broth, you can also add your favorite type of protein to the soup as well. You can find the udon or soba noodles in your grocery store in the Asian food section.

Use Veggie Noodles

Not only is this a healthy alternative, but it is also gluten free for anyone who avoids gluten in their diet. You can make almost any type of veggie noodle. By getting a vegetable spiralizer, you can make noodles out of zucchini, squash, carrots, and many other healthy vegetables. This is also a great low carb option if you are looking to cut down on carbs. Then add any kind of vegetables like mushrooms or whatever else you prefer. These veggie noodles can be steamed, boiled, or even sautéed in olive oil. They are also a quick and easy meal, but have many more healthy properties than the ramen noodles from the grocery store shelf.

Easy Homemade Ramen

The key to healthy alternatives to ramen noodles is that they are also easy to make. As you know, ramen noodles are often easy, convenient, and cheap. This easy homemade ramen recipe is convenient, and you will enjoy it any night of the week. You can use those refrigerated ramen noodles, but throw the package away. Instead, use a low sodium chicken stock to cook the noodles in. Add any veggies that you like and let them boil in the pot along with the noodles. To make this recipe super healthy, when serving, only use about half the noodles that you normally would. Eat more of the veggies and broth as a healthier alternative.

Shirataki Noodles

Shirataki noodles can be found in the international section of the grocery store. These are actually noodles that come in a package and have already been cooked, so they are very easy and fast – perfect for a weeknight meal. Each serving has around 20 calories, and they are delicious and filling. You can add veggies, protein, and spices to make them however you like.

Pumpkin Soup

While we are on the subject of vegetables and healthy alternatives to ramen noodles, making pumpkin soup is cheap, convenient, and fast, just like any package of ramen noodles. All you need is a small pumpkin, some spices, cream, and some veggie stock. Just boil the pumpkin in the stock, use a blender (or similar kitchen tool set) to grind it up, add the spices, and let simmer until everything is hot. The best part is for the price, you will have about the same number of meals as you would for the same price of ramen. And, it’s healthier!

Take care of yourself. You need to enjoy what you eat, but also eat healthier when possible. While it might take a little bit more work than just opening a package and boiling noodles for 3 minutes, it is worth it when you know you are eating a much healthier meal. Don’t buy something unhealthy that can affect your body just because you are running low on money. There are many other healthier alternatives to ramen noodles that will make you feel good about what you are eating.