Spaghetti Squash Cups.
Guys! This may be news to you, for which I am excited to share this with you…
BUT, spaghetti squash is a VEGGIE.
It contains SOME carbs, but on a relative basis very little!
Spaghetti squash pops up this time of year as a “sub” for pasta, leading many to believe that it is an effective swap. Spoiler alert…this is diet culture trying to keep you away from carbs again. I wrote an article on this once, when I was very entrenched in diet culture for a really big magazine and I called it a pasta swap…WAHHHH, for this I am sorry.
But, I am here today to tell you is this, this veggie can be added in to any dish you want, but it will not replace the carbs you need at your meal. 1 cup of this veggie provides ~10g carb. FOR MANY, a minimum of 45-55g per meal is more what we are aiming for! THIS IS NOT ADVICE just a general statement to show how little is really in this veg!
We teach our clients the importance of consistent fuel intake. This includes noticing how you feel after meals with multiple food groups vs. meals without them. Diet culture wants us to believe that a “meal” is just protein + veggies and we should feel ok with that. I STRONGLY DISAGREE. Your body may feel unsatisfied after a meal without carbs, you may feel like you are searching for something sweet, you may feel unfulfilled, you may be HUNGRY. And these feelings would all be very normal.
I talked about this in greater detail in my IG post this week, find it here:
ANYWAYS.
This veggie is one of my favorites of the season. It is so easy to cook with (PS I heat mine in the microwave with some fork marks in it instead of baking to save time!) and can be added to so many delicious dishes!
This recipe is so easy to make and make in bulk to keep for the week and so fun to customize to meet your needs however you want!
These little spaghetti squash cups are the perfect side dish for your meal and with the holidays coming up, these are also a great app or side to have on the table! The COVID table may look different this year but these can still be fun and festive too!
Like I said, these are totally customizable, basically I am just giving you the outline for these and you can add in any veggies or combos you like! And honestly now that I am typing this out, the next time I make them I think I will put some bacon in them!!! So play around with them and tag me on instagram to show me your fave combos!!!
Don't even think twice about trying these little cuties.
Sorry I dont have a pic of them, but picture a little muffin tray filled with deliciousness, that’s what these are!
Ingredients:
1 medium spaghetti squash, cooked and spaghetti tendrils scooped out into bowl
3 cups chopped spinach or kale or chopped veggie blend (really any veggies you want!)
1 small onion diced
salt, pepper, garlic, red pepper flakes
2-4 eggs
1/2 cup or more, shredded mozzarella cheese
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Grease 12 cup muffin tray
Mix all veggies with spaghetti squash strands in bowl then add cheese.
Add spices to desired preference
Depending on the size of squash add 2-4 eggs (beaten) to veggie mixture and mix to combine - for a small squash aim for 2, larger squashes up to 4 - you dont want the mixture to be tooooo wet but use your best judgement here.
Scoop mixture evenly into 12 cups - you want the muffin cups to be full!
Bake for about 25 minutes until the tops are totally crispy
Scoop out, pair with protein, a CARB side of your choice & more veggies if you wish, and ENJOY :)
XO,
J
Discover the science-backed relationship between diet and sleep quality. Learn how macronutrients, micronutrients, and meal timing impact your sleep, plus practical tips for better rest through nutrition. Expert insights from registered dietitians.
Transform ordinary carrots into a showstopping Thanksgiving side dish with this easy brown sugar glazed carrots recipe. Learn how to make this kid-friendly, nutrient-rich vegetable dish that combines sweetness with savory herbs.
Discover 7 creative and protein-packed cottage cheese recipes from a registered dietitian. Learn how to make cookie dough, lasagna, queso, and more using this versatile ingredient. Elevate your meals with these easy, nutritious cottage cheese ideas.
Discover why cortisol isn't the enemy and learn 5 effective, natural strategies to manage stress without supplements. Our registered dietitian's guide explores sleep, mindful eating, balanced movement, stress management tactics, and alcohol alternatives for holistic well-being.
Elevate your at-home date night with our easy, nutrient-packed charcuterie board for two. Learn how to assemble a romantic spread using Trader Joe's ingredients, balancing protein, fats, carbs, and fiber. Perfect for couples looking for a fun, flavorful, and intimate dining experience.
Discover the truth about BCAA supplements from a registered dietitian. Learn what BCAAs are, how they compare to other amino acids, and whether you should include them in your fitness routine. Get evidence-based answers to the most common BCAA questions and make informed decisions about your nutrition.
Discover a delicious and nutritious Caprese White Bean Salad recipe perfect for meal prep, quick dinners, or summer gatherings. Packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats, this versatile dish can be served over pasta, romaine, or enjoyed on its own. Learn how to make this easy, flavorful salad in minutes!
Discover the truth about creatine supplements from a registered dietitian. Learn the differences between creatine monohydrate and micronized creatine, who can benefit from supplementation, and get answers to common questions. Explore the latest research on creatine's effects on muscle growth, brain health, and more.
Discover the truth about pizza's nutritional value from a registered dietitian. Learn how to enjoy pizza guilt-free, balance it with side salads, and compare frozen pizza options. Debunk diet culture myths and embrace intuitive eating with our expert insights.
Discover a quick and satisfying Air Fryer Brunch Toast recipe. Perfect for busy mornings or pre-travel meals, this delicious and nutritious toast combines sourdough, eggs, avocado, and more. Learn how to make this easy, filling breakfast that'll keep you energized for hours.
Discover the truth behind the mushroom coffee trend. Learn about its history, nutrition facts, potential benefits, and price. Is this wellness craze worth the hype? Find out in our comprehensive blog post
Elevate your morning routine with our delicious and easy-to-make breakfast taco recipe. This dietitian-approved dish features a flavorful combination of scrambled eggs, black beans, avocado, and zesty seasonings, all wrapped in warm tortillas. Perfect for busy mornings or weekend brunch, this recipe will become your new go-to breakfast favorite. Learn how to make this mouthwatering meal in just 25 minutes!
Learn about the popular diabetic weight loss drugs, GLP-1's and SGLT-2's, and how they work to help with weight loss and lowering A1C levels. Discover the potential side effects and considerations before starting these medications. Get informed with our comprehensive guide on diabetic weight loss drugs.
Discover the #morningglowmocktail, a delicious and sleep-enhancing drink featuring tart cherry juice, a natural source of melatonin. Learn how to make this easy mocktail and improve your sleep quality during #bettersleepmonth. #sponsored by Tart Cherry Industry. #ustartcherries
Elevate your spring and summer BBQ menu with this delicious and satisfying Prosciutto Pasta Salad recipe. Packed with roasted red peppers, parmesan cheese, fresh veggies, and a tangy dressing, this easy-to-make dish is perfect for any occasion. Learn how to create this crowd-pleasing pasta salad with our step-by-step guide.
Colostrum, the "liquid gold" supplement, is trending, but is it worth the hype? Learn about the benefits and limitations of bovine colostrum for adults based on current research. Discover the truth behind the marketing claims and make an informed decision about this popular wellness trend.
What’s something that fad diets have that you won’t find here? Well, to be honest, there are many things (LOL) restriction, strict rules, avoiding foods, etc. but the answer in this case is food additions! Nutrition Addition, let’s talk about it!
The sleepy girl mocktail has been making its rounds around TikTok, claiming to help you sleep easier and improve sleep quality. Let’s take a look at the ingredients and see if the talk measures up to the science!
Whether you are going for a run, lifting weights, or an athlete getting ready for a game or race, fueling your body properly is extremely important.
It seems like social media is always looking for ways to tear down or call specific foods bad for you. For the last few years, there have been so many negative articles about seed oils and how “toxic they are”. But are seed oils ACTUALLY bad for you? Let’s talk about it!
Metrics from activity on the app, Strava, expect that up to 80% of people make a resolution and abandon it before the end of January. What if instead of forcing yourself into a box of changes that may or may not be attainable and suitable for your lifestyle, you provided yourself space to grow, breathe, and find ways to better uplift and love yourself?
Many disordered eating behaviors have become so normalized that you might not even realize you are struggling, read on for some common normalized eating behaviors and why they are not normal at all.
As a busy college student, energy bites are a major staple food for me! They come together quickly, freeze well, and are VERY customizable. Packed with fiber and vitamin A, these energy bites are a tasty, no-bake, holiday treat for the whole family.
Step aside, Keto, because there is a new diet in town and it is even crazier than the last! Introducing: The Carnivore Diet
Metabolic Adaptation: maybe you’ve heard about it or read about it online. What is it? And why does it matter? Read on to learn more!
Whether you’re a college or professional football fan or if you just love a reason to tailgate and enjoy time with friends, these 5 tips may be helpful for you as you look to enjoy your time and continue to nourish your body!
Nine in ten US citizens consume caffeine. If you ask any college student or young adult, you would know that this is absolutely true. However, when is it time to put the energy drinks and coffee down? Let’s discuss!
In mid-July, a WHO subgroup released a statement about aspartame and its relation to cancer risk. This has been a source of confusion and worry for many. Let's clear things up!
Expert guide to protein supplements: Learn when to take them, how much you need, and which type is best for your fitness goals. Discover the differences between whey and casein, optimal timing, and quality considerations from registered dietitians.