One of the best ways to eat sensibly is to enjoy foods that have a low GI (Glycemic Index) – they give out their energy gradually, keeping the glycogen or blood sugar at a modest level thus avoiding insulin-spiked urges to eat.

Pasta is just such a low GI food but it is much more. Unlike so many fast foods which are boosted with sugars and salt to add flavour or are subject to frying, pasta contains very little sodium, fat, and cholesterol. It does have essentials including protein, carbohydrates, dietary fibre, calcium, phosphorus, iron, thiamine, riboflavin and niacine.

The sauces add other components of a good diet such as extra vitamins and proteins.

It is an easy food to eat, even for quite young children and feels nice in the mouth which probably explains why it is such a favourite with children. It’s probably best not to tell them how good it is for them, just to avoid that instinct of rebellion!