One of the foods keenly recommended by nutritionists to be eaten liberally is pasta, or noodles in general. This is one food that is rich in fiber, easy to prepare, versatile and exceptionally delicious prepared Italian or Pinoy style.

But what is so good about pasta? Virtually anything - leftover meats - chicken, bacon, ham, or vegetables; with a piece of cheese, can turn pasta into an instant meal.

For the Pinoy palate, hot and spicy tuna can be substituted for the more expensive anchovies to create Spaghetti a la Putanesca and the local squid or pusit (save the ink) can be your snobbish gourmet delight, Spaghetti Negra. Or kesong puti crowning your own Pinoy Carbonara?

And the best thing for the diet-conscious, pasta, when combined with vegetables and seafoods, with its complex carbohydrates and fiber and low fat, makes a perfect main dish and an athlete's favorite sports fare.

Pasta meals are also great for these meatless days of Lent when food choices are limited to fish and salads. Sauces can be prepared in countless ways - tomato-based in combination with fresh vegetables or olive oil- basil-nuts Pesto sauce; white sauce-based as in the yummy creamy, cheesy mushroom casseroles.

Pasta is so versatile. You can concoct almost anything that comes to mind. The possibilities are limitless.

Happy cooking!