People are constantly on the go, and everyone's schedules are getting hectic. Despite the dynamic nature of people's daily lives, one thing remains constant: hunger. While meal planning is perfect for busy bees, it's not always possible. Thankfully, instant ramen is always a saving grace, providing budget-friendly sustenance and convenience.

However, instant ramen is not the healthiest meal, nor is it the heartiest. Discover some quick ways to transform this comfy instant meal into a (slightly) healthier alternative!

Why Are Instant Ramen Noodles Unhealthy?

Instant ramen noodles are affordable and convenient, making them an ideal grocery item for budget-conscious shoppers and thrifty college student meal plans. However, despite being a quick meal, these cheap noodles are not all that healthy.

Instant ramen noodles lack substantial amounts of minerals and nutrients, especially sources of protein and healthy fats. Instead, a typical package of ramen is loaded with sodium and saturated fats, which may be a concern to foodies watching their salt and fat intake. Also, for small serving sizes, they may contain a high amount of calories, which may interest consumers in tracking their calorie intake.

For example, per packageNissin's Cup Noodle original instant ramen contains:

  • 310 calories
  • 12 g of fat (6 mg of which are unsaturated fats)
  • 1530 mg of sodium
  • 2 g of fiber
  • 3 g of sugar
  • 8 g of protein 
  • Alongside trace amounts of vitamins and minerals

Truthfully, instant ramen may not be as unhealthy as a plate of cheesy (and delicious) nachos. However, while instant ramen is harmless to consume reasonably, it is still possible to transform this convenient dish into a slightly healthier version with a few tricks!

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How Can You Make Instant Ramen Healthier?

Instant ramen will never be as healthy as fresh fruits and vegetables, but it can still be nutritious and delicious with a couple of tricks and tips. Plus, leveling up instant ramen can also make for a filling meal that won't leave people feeling hungry shortly afterward.

Read Ingredient Food Labels On Ramen Packs

People who are tracking their salt and fat intake and their calories should be mindful of the nutrition presented on a package of instant ramen. When grocery shopping, look for instant ramen with reduced salt content. For lower-calorie versions of ramen, companies like Skinny Noodles sell ramen-style shirataki noodles, offering 40 calories per serving with 0 g of fat and no sodium.

Use Less Of The Seasoning Packet

Truthfully, it can be difficult for shoppers to find instant ramen noodles with low sodium content. To reduce the salt content of the ramen, people can use less of the seasoning packet. However, using only half of the packet can still make for flavorful instant noodles. Alternatively, home cooks can add their flair and whip up a quick stock using their favorite condiments like reduced-sodium soy sauce, vinegarhot sauce, or chili oil.

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Load Up On Vegetables

Eating raw vegetables can be a chore, despite its numerous health benefits. Luckily, people can jazz up instant ramen with a few additions of veggies. Leafy greens like spinach can pair well with ramen noodles (while wilting perfectly). Meanwhile, heartier veggies like broccolicarrots, cornsnap peasbean sprouts, and thinly-sliced onions can add a whole depth of flavor to ramen while adding well-needed fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Finally, for presentation purposes and added flavors, sliced green scallions and fresh herbs like basil and mint leaves make for unconventional yet zesty instant ramen.

Add Protein To Ramen

Protein can not only improve the flavor of instant ramen (which can be a little bland at times), but it can also bulk up the meal, making it hearty and filling. Diced chicken breasts and lean pork chops make for great protein in instant ramen. Alternatively, soft-boiled eggs are also a good addition to this budget-friendly soup. Also, adding tasty tofu to instant ramen can make for a good weeknight meal.

Looking For Healthier Meals? Try These Recipes For Size

Home cooks and foodies on a health kick ought to give these recipes a try, whether it's for themselves or loved ones! These recipes can be transformed into a healthy addition to any meal, from fresh sips to delicious healthy desserts.

Instant ramen is recognized by global foodies as a cheap, convenient, and delicious source of sustenance. While it's not the healthiest option at the grocery store, home cooks can still add a few mixins to make these budget-friendly noodles slightly healthier!

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