Healthy Make-Ahead Recipes: Chicken Breast, Spaghetti Squash & More (2024)

FAQs

Is spaghetti squash healthy for weight loss? ›

Plus, because it has only 42 calories per cup (155 grams), using spaghetti squash as a low calorie alternative in recipes such as gratin, casseroles, lasagna, or pasta dishes may help promote weight loss. Spaghetti squash is low in calories and high in fiber, making it a great addition to a weight loss diet.

Chicken is one of the best meats for meal prep because it's inexpensive and lasts for up to four days in the fridge after you've cooked it, so we're here to make sure that when it comes to chicken, your prep is perfect.

Spaghetti squash is a great alternative to choose, and contains fewer calories and carbohydrates compared to normal spaghetti. Spaghetti contains on average about 200 calories and 42 grams of carbohydrates per serving (2 ounces).

The spaghetti squash should look lemon-yellow. It's perfectly fine if there are varying colors of yellow, but you don't want it to be green or white or have soft spots. It should feel heavy for its size. Avoid any bruises or a cracked stem.

Registered dietitian Jennifer Neale notes that spaghetti squash contains moderate amounts of vitamin C and carotenoids—both of which have anti-inflammatory benefits. Though spaghetti squash doesn't quite stack up against nutritional powerhouses like kale or berries, its versatility is nearly unmatched.

According to Czerwony, the only real downside of the spaghetti squash is if you have an allergy. “Unless you have an allergy, it's high in fiber and essential vitamins while being low in calories and carbs,” she says.

Colon Health

Because of the appearance of spaghetti squash, you might assume that it is rich in fiber. It has over 2 grams per serving, which is more than regular pasta but not as much as many other vegetables. Fiber in the diet contributes to colon health by increasing the regularity of bowel movements.

From the above comparison, you can tell that: Zucchini Pasta is lower in carbohydrates (3.361 g), in sodium (9 mg), in sugars (0.581 g), in total fat (0.084 g) and in calories (10 cals). Zucchini Pasta has more protein (1.371 g), more potassium (333 mg) and more dietary fiber (0.013 g).

While both baking and pan frying can give you tasty, juicy chicken, if you are in a hurry, it is better to pan fry it. Because baked chicken breast is easy to dry out, it needs time to brine or marinade before you cook it.

Is squash good for losing belly fat? ›

One cup of cooked squash with a volume of 205ml has only 83 calories and has up to 7 grams of fiber. Therefore, this is also a great choice for those who want to lose weight and obesity. Squash contains a lot of fiber, including both soluble and insoluble fiber.

One cup of spaghetti squash has 40 calories, 10 grams of carbohydrates, and 4 grams of sugar. Spaghetti squash is fat free and one cup provides 2 grams of fiber making it a great alternative to noodles and rice.

Cutting a spaghetti squash can be hazardous because the shell is so hard. For that reason, some people roast them whole in the oven. You can also cook a whole spaghetti squash in a pressure cooker or a slow cooker with a little water.

“It's really a great way to cut calories from your meal without sacrificing that mouthfeel you're looking for.” Additionally, because spaghetti squash is high in fiber and low in carbs, Czerwony says, it won't mess with your blood sugar the same way high-carb foods —particularly semolina pasta — can.