I've always tried to convince myself that pasta is healthy to justify my frequent consumption of it. It wasn't until I traveled to Italy that I learned that I don't need to pretend and that pasta actually isn'tbad for you like we've been taught to believe — when you eat it the right way. Promise! I'm not making a case for living a carb-heavy lifestyle; clearly balance is important.

But I am making a case for being comfortable with eating carbs — particularly pasta — and recognizing that there are health benefits to this food group that has been essentially exiled from America's definition of a healthy routine. Indulging in a heavenly plate of cacio e pepe from time to time will not cause you to gain weight, and there's no reason to shame yourself for eating the foods you love.