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Latest Post: Spaghetti Squash: Low-Calorie, Low-Carb, and Tasty

Pasta can be one of the hardest foods to portion control while working on weight loss and watching your total carbohydrate intake.

Many of us grow up eating big bowls of pasta—it’s a pantry staple. But, too much pasta can hurt the waistline, so why not try a type of winter squash that resembles spaghetti?

Spaghetti squash looks like a pasta and has a similar texture. Of course, you can definitely tell the difference when eating it. The squash is not as starchy, does not taste like a grain, and has a more crunchy texture.

Spaghetti Squash Nutrition Facts

• One cup of cooked spaghetti squash contains only 42 calories, 10 grams of carbohydrate, 2 grams of fiber, 0 grams of fat, and 1 gram of protein.
• This squash is not as high in vitamins and minerals as other types of squash. One cup contains 9% of your daily value for vitamin C, and 8% of your daily value for vitamin B6 and manganese.
• Just like other vegetables, spaghetti squash still delivers plenty of antioxidants and is likely an anti-inflammatory food.
• Not only can spaghetti squash save you a lot of calories when you are working on weight loss, but it is also a good pasta alternative for those who eat gluten free. This is also the perfect pasta alternative for diabetics trying to count carbohydrate intake.

Cooking the Squash

Even though spaghetti squash looks awkward to cook, it is actually fairly simple to make.

1. Poke a fork into the skin of the squash like you would if you are baking a whole potato.
2. Place the whole spaghetti squash on a baking sheet in the oven at 350 to 375 Fahrenheit for about 30 to 45 minutes. This is the easiest way to cook it because it will be very easy to cut in half when you take it out of the oven.
3. Scrape the insides with a fork to remove the stringy or “spaghetti” squash.
4. Add your favorite sauce or pasta topping and you are done!

I also enjoy regular pasta, but spaghetti squash is a lighter dinner option, and another unique way to eat vegetables.

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