Spaghetti Squash Great Alternative to Pasta

http://www.karenrothnutrition.com Holistic Nutrition Consultant, Karen Roth, MS, NC discusses alternative to pasta.


For many people pasta is a staple in the diet, for others its something they try to avoid because of all the carbs. Or perhaps you have gluten intolerance and you just don't like the alternative grains used to make gluten free pasta. What ever the case, there is no reason you shouldn't enjoy a healthier gluten free version of this dish.

Spaghetti squash is a great alternative. Its easy to prepare, and when cooked, you simply take a large fork and scrape out the insides and crunchy strands fall out and it looks just like pasta. It is a winter squash. It is available from August through March.

Here is a comparison: for every 1 cup of spaghetti squash you get only 80 calories where as Whole Wheat pasta will run you about 175 calories. Spaghetti squash gives you 18 grams of carbohydrates, while whole wheat pasta delivers 37 carbs. Spaghetti squash is higher in fiber close to 6 grams of fiber and whole wheat pasta has only 4 grams of fiber.

Another great thing about spaghetti squash is it is a good source of potassium. 1 cup of spaghetti squash has more than twice the amount of a medium banana.

And Potassium is important and we don't get nearly enough because of the high processing of our foods, and our minimal intake of fresh vegetables and fruits. Potassium is an electrolyte that gives every cell in the body a spark. Its extremely important in the function of water balance, muscle and nerve cell function, and heart function.

So how do we prepare it? First you need to cut it length wise, and if you don't have the muscle for that, have the produce guy at the store cut it for you. You simply scoop out the seeds, then lay face down in a steamer and steam for 20-25 minutes for a good size squash, smaller ones less time. But check on it because if it overcooks, its just mush. You'll need a large oven mitt to hold the squash because its hot, and then scrape the strands into a large bowl. Top with your favorite red sauce and serve.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• Gluten intolerance
• potassium
• low carb
• pasta alternative
• spaghetti squash
• fiber
• low calorie

[xsliceofheavenx]

is spaghetti squash a starch?

[NutritionalChoice]

@xsliceofheavenx Spaghetti squash is a low starch, low carb, low calorie alternative to pasta. It's high in fiber.

[OrquideaFeroz]

OMG, thank you so much! I cant wait to try it. I'm sure I'll love it as I love mostly everything lol. Sounds delicious