My parents were shocked when they went to italy and pasta was never a main dish, just a side and not a big one.

Many people who visit France and stay in average French peoples' homes are surprised to find out there isn't tons of bread at every meal and croissants are a rare treat. 4-6 for dinner share one fresh bagette and if there is any left, they have it stale and dry with their morning coffee in a bowl. If there is no leftover bagette, they just have coffee.

I absolutely love pasta and it was the hardest thing for me to give up on Atkins. I'm over the cravings now and don't think I'll ever go back to eating it for the sole reason that I'll gain weight again--not because it's paste. The spiralizer is a good idea and maybe I'll get one and also the meat sauce over steamed brocc. Thank you for the suggestions.

You can make Lasagna using eggplant or Zucchini slicing it lengthwise to replace the noodle layer.