Spaghetti Squash

By Lisa VanWilliams

This winter squash is a perfect low carb substitute for pasta and asian noodles.  Once cooked the flesh of the squash resembles stringy pasta-like threads. It has a mild flavor and it is not sweet. It is low in fat, low in carbs, and high in water content so it works effectively in weight loss and management.

The yellow oblong fruit has the following health & nutritional benefits:

• packed with vitamin A & C
• beta carotene
• helps support a strong immune sytem
• helps protect against colds
• folic acid
• anti-inflammatory benefits
• antioxidant which is great for cancer treatment and prevention
• can assist in blood sugar regulation
• tests show it may also help to prevent cardiovascular disease

 Throw some meatballs and sauce over it, or you can mix it will olive oil add some spices. Whichever way you decide, it's a great alternative to use instead of pasta and sneak in some veggies.

The easiest way to cook them is to split the squash in half, remove the guts, place the squash cut side down in a 13x9 pan, add 1/2 and inch of water and cook uncovered for almost an hour. Once it's cooked and tender, just scrape out strings with a fork and season.