{"id":122,"date":"2018-04-17T13:43:27","date_gmt":"2018-04-17T20:43:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.csun.edu\/nutritionexperts\/?p=122"},"modified":"2018-04-23T15:17:26","modified_gmt":"2018-04-23T22:17:26","slug":"oodles-of-zoodles","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.csun.edu\/nutritionexperts\/2018\/04\/17\/oodles-of-zoodles\/","title":{"rendered":"Oodles of Zoodles"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"By Stephanie Ng, CSUN Dietetic Intern<\/span><\/p>\n

Have you tried Zoodles, or also known as zucchini noodles?<\/p>\n

Zoodles are made from\u00a0spiralizing raw zucchini into spaghetti-like strands. Lower in calories, zoodles can be a gluten-free alternative to your traditional spaghetti<\/span>1<\/sup>. A fresh and lighter version to traditional spaghetti<\/span>2<\/sup>, zucchini noodles can be different and fun to make. Compared to spaghetti, zucchini noodles contains more vitamin A, C, B, potassium, and fiber<\/span>3\u00a0<\/sup>and it is lower in calories than traditional spaghetti4<\/sup>. Best of all, increasing your vegetable intake may help lower blood pressure and prevent diabetes<\/span>5, 6<\/sup>.This is also a great choice to increase your vegetable intake, get the most nutrients and vitamins, and maintain a healthy weight. Not ready to try it yet? Try mixing whole-grain spaghetti with zucchini noodles.<\/span><\/p>\n

The easiest way to make zucchini noodles is using a spiralizer, and this is a great tool to keep in your kitchen. You can find an inexpensive alternative, which includes a julienne vegetable peeler or box grater1<\/sup>. \u00a0In addition, you can use the spiralizer for other fruits and vegetables, so this\u00a0multi-purpose tool won\u2019t need to sit in that dark corner of your kitchen cabinets.<\/p>\n

Try zoodles by purchasing zucchini or yellow squash at CSUN Farmer\u2019s Market on Tuesdays. Some fresh produce to spiralize include beets, bell peppers, jicama, sweet potatoes, carrots, cucumbers, butternut squash, apples, and even cabbage!<\/span>7<\/sup> Spiralizing vegetables will add some fun in the kitchen, because chopping and dicing can get boring sometimes. Try making chicken pad thai with butternut squash, or a quicker version of coleslaw. I encourage you to spiralize for a lower-calorie twist in classic dishes4<\/sup>, but with the added bonus of more nutrients and different texture. <\/span><\/p>\n

Please check out this quick and easy recipe by registered dietitian, Nicole Osinga2<\/sup>. She puts a twist on the traditional bolognese pasta with zucchini noodles and lentils, which are inexpensive legumes that are high in dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals2,5,6<\/sup>. The meal possibilities can be endless with spiralizing zucchini and other vegetables, while making the kitchen fun with the added bonus of extra nutrients and fiber to improve your health!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Lentil Bolognese Zucchini Pasta<\/u><\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

Recipe by Registered Dietitian –\u00a0Nicole Osinga.<\/a><\/p>\n

Ingredients<\/strong><\/p>\n