By taking that pot off the stove a little earlier, your pasta will have a satisfying bite and keep you full for hours.

Hot water breaks down the bonds between starch molecules. The longer you boil your pasta, the quicker your body converts those carbs into fuel. This sets off a rapid rise in blood sugar that is followed by a hunger-inducing plunge.

Al dente noodles take longer to digest, delivering a steady stream of energy. Go with the shortest time in the recommended range on the back of the pack, then bite into a slightly cooled strand. There should be a tiny white circle of raw pasta in the center.

The residual heat will continue to cook the noodles, so they’ll be perfectly al dente by the time you serve them.