Homemade-Style Spaghetti Sauce with Beef or Meat (1 Cup)

Use a smaller portion of pasta and bulk out the sauce with non-starchy vegetables such as zucchini, mushrooms, spinach, bell peppers, or eggplant.

Choose whole-wheat, chickpea, lentil, or al dente pasta instead of refined white pasta; keep the serving moderate.

Increase the proportion of beef or other lean meat in the sauce and avoid adding sugar, sweetened tomato products, or large amounts of carrots.

Start the meal with a salad of leafy greens, cucumber, tomatoes, and an olive-oil-and-vinegar dressing before eating the spaghetti.

Add healthy fats and fiber to the meal, such as olive oil, olives, avocado, or a small sprinkle of nuts or seeds.

Take a 10–20 minute easy walk soon after the meal, if this is safe for you.