There are a lot of people that eat pasta almost daily. I am not one of them, but I guess it is relatively quick to make and super easy, so I can understand the draw.  Although I must say, if I do eat pasta, I grab the fortified pasta with protein and high fiber (I like to get the most nutrition out of each meal as possible). The biggest downer of eating pasta so frequently is the amount of carbohydrates that you are eating, that can turn right into fat if the energy isn’t utilized.  The upside is that there is an equally easy alternative that basically rocks: Spaghetti squash. I know you are saying there is no way that it tastes like pasta, and it doesn’t, but the consistency is similar, and it is nutritious and totally delish!

What is spaghetti squash?
Spaghetti squash is a winter squash, it is yellow and oblong, and amazing!  The outer shell is pretty hard, and you really have to use some muscle to cut through it, but once you do, scoop out the seeds, then just flip it shell side up on a cookie sheet or baking tray (put a few fork holes in the shell), at 425F (218 C or Gas Mark 7) for about an hour.   When you take the squash out, just use a fork to fluff the meat of the squash…and it comes out like spaghetti! Amazing, right?  The prep is actually easier than boiling water!

How nutritious is it?
Lets do a little comparison, just to show how nutritious spaghetti squash is (as compared to regular pasta).
Spaghetti Squash (1 cup): 42 calories, 0 Fat, 1g protein, 10g carbs (4g as sugar), 2.2g fiber,  small amounts of calcium (3% RDA), Vitamin C (9%), and packed with Vitamin A.
Regular Pasta (1 cup): 221 calories, 1.3g fat, 43g carbohydrates (2.5g as sugar), and  small amounts of Vitamin B.

By switching to spaghetti squash, you are saving 179 calories, getting more Vitamins and fiber, and saving yourself from carbs and fat.  Spaghetti squash can be used just the same as pasta in any form: pasta with sauce, primavera, or even as a bed for proteins (i.e. grilled shrimp, chicken, etc).  There truly is no reason not to give this a try- power pack your meals with fiber and vitamins and dove yourself calories; no one loses!

I promise that if you substitute this for your pasta routine even 50% of the time, you will cut a ton of carbs and calories and not even miss the difference.  Go for the Folger’s challenge!  Let me know how awesome you feel when you’ve lost a few pounds by cutting down on carbs 😉

Yours in Good Health
B