Tennis Star Iga Swiatek Swears By Pasta With Strawberries—Right here’s What a Dietitian Thinks

So again to the strawberry pasta. Due to the addition of strawberries (which convey some fiber) and yogurt (which packs some protein, and doubtlessly fats, relying on whether or not you’re a full-fat dairy fan or not), this could most likely be a better option post-workout than earlier than, Shorenstein says.

“Pasta is an excellent meals for energetic folks as a result of it’s wealthy in carbs,” she explains. Yogurt can be a strong possibility for athletes as a result of it has calcium, which may be useful for every part from bone well being and muscle contraction, and incorporates probiotics, which will help help intestine well being. And strawberries are an important supply of vitamin C, which helps immune perform and collagen manufacturing—two physique features linked to raised athletic efficiency.

That being stated, a handful of minor changes might make it appropriate for pre-workout eating, too, like halving the quantity of yogurt and berries used or choosing a low-fat yogurt over a full-fat model. However you may as well eat it as-is if you happen to’ve budgeted two to 3 hours for digestion forward of your exercise, Shorenstein provides.

Now that I knew it could ship on my train wants, it was time to seek out out if it was additionally as tasty as promised by Swiatek. There are a variety of on-line iterations of this traditional Polish dish, from those who make use of bitter cream and sweeteners like honey, to others that add cheese to the combo, however I made a decision to make it as dictated by the tennis star herself (and as offered in one in every of her current Instagram tales): with finely chopped strawberries, full-fat yogurt, and pasta shells. Her directions within the unique interview weren’t very particular, however she later elaborated that utilizing extra strawberries (the sweeter the higher) than pasta and mashing the fruit beforehand will ship higher outcomes.

For my functions, I used a combo of her suggestions and steering from on-line recipes for ingredient portions. The entire thing got here collectively in so long as the pasta took to cook dinner. Whereas it was simmering, I diced up a pint of strawberries, threw them in a big mixing bowl with one-half cup of yogurt, combined the 2 collectively, then drained the pasta and let it cool for a minute or two earlier than including it to the sauce. I combined to mix all of that to coat the pasta earlier than filling up a plate. From there, you can let it sit within the fridge for some time to chill it down (à la macaroni salad) or eat it immediately heat if you happen to don’t have time to attend (that’s what I did)—that’s all as much as you and your preferences.

The outcomes? Though I used to be totally ready to like this, pondering it could be harking back to pierogi with fruit jam on the facet, I discovered it to be a bit lackluster. It wasn’t dangerous however it felt prefer it was lacking one thing—the savory points of the pasta and yogurt plus the sweeter facet of the strawberries simply weren’t melding collectively as a lot as I might have preferred.

However I’m not completed with this recipe. Sooner or later, I’ll attempt one of many different variations with a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup, and perhaps a sprinkling of shredded cheese for a salty edge (and additional protein!). I can undoubtedly see it being the kind of factor I’d be comfortable to have available after a long term, particularly if it’s chilly subsequent time, able to go, and already ready for me within the fridge. And the perfect half? After I do lastly discover the right rendition, I’ll get to inform those who the advice got here straight from a real-life tennis professional.

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