Make a better ramen

Less comforting is the ingredients list of the flavor packet. The first ingredient? Monosodium glutamate. Those silver packets spike the sodium content to astronomical levels. A single serving of ramen made with the flavoring packet has 890 mg of sodium. (Keep in mind that a package of instant ramen as two servings per container.) That bowl of noodles, therefore, packs 1780 mg of sodium. The American Heart Association recommends consuming less than 1500 mg a day.

There's a simple solution: Lose the flavor packet and start thinking like a noodle chef.

Sautee garlic, green onions and your favorite seasonal or frozen vegetables to give your ramen a health boost.

Look for broth brands labeled low in sodium as the base. Allow that to boil before stirring in the sauteed veggies. Add a splash of sesame oil or low-sodium soy sauce for a kick. Throw in a protein such as egg, pulled pork, chicken breast, shrimp or tofu.

Then when you toss in the instant ramen noodles, you have a satisfyingly nutritious bowl of ramen with fresh flavors you just can't get from a silver package.