In a recent blog post, I told you about my favorite new superfood: KONJAC ROOT. I’m head-over-heels in love with this fun food that literally has only 2-3g of carbs! And did I mention, it is high in fiber … something I know most of us are not getting enough of. I hope you fall in love with it as quickly as I did.

I know it can be a little intimidating to try a brand-new food, especially if it’s not like anything you’ve eaten before. So to ease you into making konjac root part of your diet, here’s a quick primer on the different forms of konjac, how to add it to your diet, and how to prepare it.

What form of konjac root will work best for you?

You can take konjac root in pill or powder form (the supplement form is called glucomannan), or you can eat it in food form. Here are the best ways to add it to your diet:

• Replace pasta and rice with the konjac root versions, called shirataki. Shirataki noodles and rice are very popular these days, and you’ll find them in the produce section of nearly any grocery store. (Miracle Noodle is a popular brand.) They’re also available in Asian markets, and you can buy them online. They cost only a few dollars per package, so they’re easy on your budget—and they come in a variety of sizes and shapes, so you can use them in any type of noodle dish. One important note: Read labels carefully, because you want a product that’s pure konjac root, without any added soy.
• Whisk glucomannan powder into soups, green drinks, and smoothies. In addition, use it to thicken sauces or gravy.
• Reach for glucomannan capsules if you’re traveling or you’re too busy to cook.

And here’s another great option: If you want to lose a few pounds, or you’re feeling burned-out and blah, do my five-day cleanse. My Cleanse Kits come with ready-to-go meals and each meal contains a dose of konjac root.

When and how should you take konjac root?

If you’re using a glucomannan supplement, take one to two capsules or a small amount of powder stirred into water fifteen minutes to one hour before a meal. Don’t exceed the recommended dosage, because a little goes a very long way. If you’re just beginning to use a glucomannan supplement, I recommend starting slowly, with a single capsule or about 1/2 teaspoon of the powder.

Always drink plenty of water if you’re taking konjac root in supplement form. That’s what allows it to expand into that craving-fighting gel that fills you up.
If you’re using konjac noodles or rice, simply eat them as part of your regular meal. Ditto for mixing the powder into soups, smoothies, or other liquids. Easy peasy.

How to cook with konjac root

If you’re using konjac root powder, it’s simple to add it to liquids. Just sprinkle it over the surface of the liquid (you can use a shaker to make sure it spreads evenly rather than clumping), give it a good whisk, and you’re good to go.

Cooking konjac noodles or rice, however, is a little bit trickier. Here’s one good method:

• Drain the rice or noodles and rinse them under running water for about three minutes. This will get rid of the “fishy” aroma you’ll smell when you first open the package. If they’re still a little funky when you’re done, pop them into salted boiling water for a few minutes.
• Dry the rice or noodles thoroughly with a kitchen towel or paper towels.
• Pan-fry the noodles or rice in a dry pan on medium heat for five or ten minutes. They will squeak and sizzle as they dry out even more. The drier you get them, the better.
• Toss the noodles or rice into your recipe.

Now, let me give you a heads-up here: Shirataki noodles and rice do NOT taste like their high-carb counterparts, because they’re firmer and more gelatinous. Personally, I like them better—but I confess that it wasn’t love at first sight. Approach them with an open mind, and try them at least two or three times to see if they win you over, because that’s what happened with me. (You know that guy or girl you can’t stand at first… but once you get past your preconceived notions, you fall in love? It’s kind of like that.)

I like to use shirataki noodles or rice in dishes that contain big, bold flavors, because they’ll soak up those flavors like crazy. For instance, try them in pad Thai or pho, stir them into spaghetti sauce, or make shirataki Alfredo. The sky’s the limit, so be adventurous—and if you come up with any awesome recipes, share them with our online community!

A few tips before you start…

If you’re new to konjac root, you may experience a little gas or bloating. If that happens, simply decrease the amount you’re using.

If you’ve experienced any type of intestinal blockage or intestinal surgery, check with your doctor before making konjac root part of your diet.

Avoid taking glucomannan in supplement form at the same time as you take medications, because it may interfere with your ability to absorb the medications.

Keep thinking BIG and living BOLD!