One of the best ways to stick with a diet is to allow yourself a variety of choices. This helps to prevent boredom from setting in. Spaghetti squash is a vegetable that can give your diet variety without adding a significant amount of carbohydrates. Prepare this healthy vegetable in a variety of ways and see how versatile it can be.
Identification
Spaghetti squash is a winter squash that was first cultivated in Mexico and Central America, according to Audrey H. Beany of Purdue University. Along with other types of squash, it was a significant part of the diets of indigenous populations. Since the plant's early beginnings, new varieties of spaghetti squash have been developed. For example, in 1986, the orange-tinted spaghetti squash that many are familiar with, the Orangetti, was developed in Israel. Hasta la Pasta is another popular variety of spaghetti squash.
Nutrition
Spaghetti squash is an ideal addition to a low-carbohydrate diet. An entire cup of this vegetable contains only 42 calories and 10 g of carbohydrate, with 2 g of those carbohydrates being beneficial fiber, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Compare this to two pieces of toast, which contain twice the number of carbohydrates and are likely to be much less filling. Spaghetti squash is high in potassium, and contains magnesium, calcium and vitamin A along with small amounts of many other nutrients.
Preparation
Spaghetti squash can appear intimidating to prepare, but you will find that preparing a dinner of spaghetti squash is actually fairly simple. Slice the squash in half, and place it face down in a casserole dish. Cover the bottom of the dish with water and place the dish into a 375 degree oven for approximately one hour. You'll know that the spaghetti squash is done when you can easily separate strands of the squash with a fork.
Uses
Use spaghetti squash as a low-carb alternative to traditional spaghetti noodles. One cup of spaghetti contains 43 g of carbohydrates. Substituting spaghetti squash for the noodles will save you 33 g of carbohydrates. You can also treat spaghetti squash as any other vegetable side dish. Sprinkle the squash with a bit of olive oil and add salt, pepper, and the herbs and spices of your choice for a fun alternative to zucchini or crookneck squash.
Additions
Add a traditional meaty tomato sauce to spaghetti squash to increase your protein intake without consuming excessive carbohydrates. You can also top spaghetti squash with Alfredo sauce or any other sauce that you would typically put on spaghetti. Toss the 'noodles' with pesto sauce for a quick side dish or even a main meal. Turn spaghetti squash into a dramatic low-carbohydrate meal by creating a sausage and vegetable filling, mixing it with the inside of the squash and filling the shell with the mixture.
Member Comments