Why Am I Craving Ramen Noodles?

Why are ramen noodles so popular?

Many people don’t give ramen noodles much thought as a food. However, they are very popular, especially among college students.

One of the least expensive meals you can eat is the reason they are so well-liked. Even though it’s just a soup made with dried noodles and a seasoning packet, it tastes great and is simple enough for anyone to prepare.

The fact that they are addictive is another factor in their popularity. In order to make ramen as addicting as possible so that we crave it, certain ingredients have been added.

What can you add to ramen noodles to make them healthier?

Consider including other foods to ramen noodles since they can be nutritionally deficient. This will improve both the taste and nutrition of the dish.

Here are some ideas to consider including to boost your creativity and give your ramen noodles some nutrition:

  • Eggs – Eggs are a great source of protein and can be quickly scrambled and added to your ramen noodles.
  • Vegetables – There are a variety of vegetables that can be a tasteful addition. Try cooked mushrooms, broccoli, carrots, and/or peas. If vegetables seem to turn your stomach, add them to the food processor and add small amounts as tolerated.
  • Add in chicken/steak/shrimp or other proteins – Think stirfry and add your favorite type of meat and stirfry veggies.
  • Leave out the seasoning packet – Most of the sodium content of ramen noodles can be avoided by omitting the seasoning packet. However, that doesn’t mean you are limited to bland, boring noodles. Consider using coconut aminos in place of the seasoning packet. Coconut aminos taste a lot like soy sauce but have about ⅓ of sodium content.
  • Add fresh herbs – Add in cilantro, scallions, or parsley to add a little zing.
  • Or, try a healthy homemade recipe like this “Easy Healthy Homemade Ramen Bowl” by The College Housewife:

    Easy Healthy Homemade Ramen Bowl

    Cooking time: 15 minutes Preparation time: 35 minutes Servings: 2

    Ingredients:

  • 3 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 2 cups thinly sliced mushrooms
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 thumb of ginger, grated
  • 2 tsp sesame oil
  • 6 cups vegetables or chicken broth
  • 3-4 Tbsp low sodium soy sauce
  • A healthy squirt of sriracha sauce (more if you like it spicy)
  • 2 packages of dried to ramen (discard flavorings)
  • 3 cups kale or spinach, thinly sliced
  • 1 jalapeno, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup green onions, thinly sliced
  • Sesame seeds
  • 2-3 eggs, soft boiled ***this is what the recipe author recommends. For pregnancy safety, you should hard boil your eggs***
  • Instructions:

  • In a large Dutch oven, heat olive oil on medium heat.
  • Add in carrots and mushrooms and cook for 3-4 minutes until tender. Add in minced garlic and ginger, and sesame oil and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  • Add in broth, soy sauce, and sriracha sauce, and bring broth to a slow simmer. Taste test broth and add in more soy sauce or sriracha to your liking. Stir in kale and cook for 1-2 minutes or until wilted. Add dried ramen packages to the simmering broth and cook for 2-3 minutes.
  • Top soup bowls off with thinly sliced jalapenos, sesame seeds, green onions, and eggs.
  • Is it normal to crave ramen noodles while pregnant?

    It is estimated that 50-90% of US women are subjected to food cravings while pregnant.

    The intensity of these cravings, including those for ramen noodles, usually peaks in the second trimester.

    It appears that cravings tend to oscillate between two extremes, with salty, carbohydrate-rich foods at one end and sugary sweets at the other.

    Along with other carb-heavy foods like potato chips, ramen noodles are undoubtedly at the saltier end of the food spectrum.

    FAQ

    Why am I craving for ramen?

    According to Well+Good, craving salty foods can result from a variety of factors, including poor sleep, daily stress, or the body’s need to replenish sodium levels after a particularly sweaty workout.

    Is it healthy to eat ramen noodles every day?

    Ramen can increase your risk of heart failure. Ramen noodles can significantly increase your daily salt intake without your knowledge because they contain 1,820 milligrams of sodium, nearly two-thirds of the FDA’s daily recommended intake. The more you eat, the higher your risk.

    What does ramen noodles do to your body?

    They also consumed more sodium and calories, which have been associated with poor diet quality. Additionally, it has been discovered that eating instant noodles raises one’s risk of developing metabolic syndrome, which raises the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.

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