Spaghetti Squash 21 Day Fix Container
Are you looking for a healthy and delicious addition to your diet? Look no further than spaghetti squash! This unique vegetable is low in calories, high in fiber, and packed with vitamins and minerals. Plus, it's the perfect 21 Day Fix container for those following the popular Beachbody program. In this article, we'll explore everything you need to know about spaghetti squash and how to incorporate it into your diet.
What is Spaghetti Squash?
Spaghetti squash is a winter squash that gets its name from the fact that its flesh separates into thin, spaghetti-like strands when cooked. It's also known as vegetable spaghetti, noodle squash, or spaghetti marrow. The squash is oval-shaped and has a hard, thick skin that ranges in color from yellow to orange. When cooked, the flesh of the squash is mild and slightly sweet, making it a versatile ingredient in many recipes.
Nutritional Benefits of Spaghetti Squash
Spaghetti squash is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, including:
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin A
- Potassium
- Manganese
- Phosphorus
In addition, spaghetti squash is low in calories and high in fiber. One cup of cooked spaghetti squash contains only 42 calories and 2 grams of fiber. This makes it a great option for those looking to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight.
How to Cook Spaghetti Squash
There are several ways to cook spaghetti squash, including:
- Baking: Cut the squash in half lengthwise, scoop out the seeds, and place the halves cut-side down on a baking sheet. Bake at 375°F for 30-40 minutes, or until the flesh is tender.
- Microwaving: Pierce the skin of the squash several times with a fork, then microwave on high for 10-12 minutes, or until the flesh is tender.
- Instant Pot: Cut the squash in half lengthwise, scoop out the seeds, and place the halves in the Instant Pot with 1 cup of water. Cook on high pressure for 7-8 minutes, then release the pressure manually.
Once the squash is cooked, use a fork to scrape the flesh into spaghetti-like strands. From there, you can use the squash in a variety of recipes, from spaghetti squash pasta to spaghetti squash hash browns.
Spaghetti Squash Recipes for the 21 Day Fix
If you're following the 21 Day Fix, spaghetti squash is a great option for your yellow container. Here are a few delicious and healthy recipes to try:
Spaghetti Squash with Turkey Meatballs
Ingredients:
- 1 spaghetti squash
- 1 pound lean ground turkey
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 jar of your favorite marinara sauce
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds.
- Place the squash halves cut-side down on a baking sheet and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the flesh is tender.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes per side.
- Add the marinara sauce to the skillet and stir to combine. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through.
- Use a fork to scrape the flesh of the spaghetti squash into spaghetti-like strands. Serve the meatballs and sauce over the spaghetti squash.
Spaghetti Squash Pad Thai
Ingredients:
- 1 spaghetti squash
- 2 tablespoons coconut aminos
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cups shredded carrots
- 2 cups bean sprouts
- 1/4 cup chopped peanuts
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds.
- Place the squash halves cut-side down on a baking sheet and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the flesh is tender.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the coconut aminos, rice vinegar, honey, lime juice, fish sauce, and red pepper flakes. Set aside.
- Heat the coconut oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Add the carrots and bean sprouts to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until tender.
- Use a fork to scrape the flesh of the spaghetti squash into spaghetti-like strands. Add the spaghetti squash to the skillet and stir to combine.
- Pour the sauce over the spaghetti squash mixture and stir to combine.
- Divide the mixture between four bowls. Top each bowl with shrimp, chopped peanuts, and cilantro.
Conclusion
Spaghetti squash is a delicious and healthy addition to any diet. Whether you're looking to lose weight, maintain a healthy weight, or simply incorporate more vegetables into your meals, spaghetti squash is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of recipes. Try it out as your yellow container on the 21 Day Fix and enjoy all the nutritional benefits it has to offer!