3 Ways to Eat Zoodles

Zoodles are made by using a special blade to cut zucchini into spirals. Several years ago the Veggetti Spiralizer was very popular. 

I honestly thought this was another diet fad and didn't believe that cutting up zucchini with a spiralizer was any different than sliced or chopped zucchini.

I was wrong!  

Zucchini noodles have a unique texture, similar to pasta noodles.  They are surprisingly firm and meaty, and have a different consistency than sliced or chopped zucchini.

I am hooked.   It is awesome to find something that tastes good and is healthy.  

A spiralizer can be used to spiralize many vegetables and fruits like zucchini, yellow squash, carrots, potatoes and apples.  It is easy and fast to use.  I recently purchased the OXO Tabletop Spiralizer and it works great!  The blades are really sharp and it can even spiralize hard vegetables like beets and sweet potatoes.

Vegetables are low in fat and calories, do not have cholesterol, and have many nutrients including potassium, dietary fiber, folate, Vitamins A and C.  ChooseMyPlate

Zucchini - Zoodles and Marinara Sauce

I made thin zucchini noodles by using the blade to make smaller spirals.  I cooked the zucchini noodles in a fry pan with olive oil for 5 -7 minutes and added marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese.  They were awesome!  The zucchini noodles take on the flavor of the sauce and have a satisfying texture.   A family member likes to cook them with Soy Sauce or Veri Veri Teriyaki Marinade.

Zucchini has a lot of potassium.  One cup of cooked zucchini gives you more than 15% of your daily requirement.   Zucchini also benefits digestive health and can reduce IBS, ulcer-related symptoms and leaky gut syndrome. Dr. Axe

Red Beets - Refreshing Beet Salad

I used the spiralizer blade to make the larger spirals and boiled the beats for about 30 minutes.  I added bsalamic vinegar, salt, pepper and feta cheese to the refrigerated beets.  The salad was very refreshing.  Be careful when cleaning and spiralizing the beets, the red juice can stain your hands if you do not wash them frequently.   

Beets have a lot of nitrates which can lower blood pressure.  Eating beets may enhance athletic performance by improving oxygen use. HealthLine


Sweet Potatoes - Oven Baked Fries

To make sweet potato fries I used the blade to make the larger spirals.  I sprinkled the spirals with salt and olive oil and baked them at 425 F for 20 - 30 minutes.   I turned them every 10 minutes.  They were crispy and tasted awesome.   I also used the spiralizer to make white potato fries.  I cut thinner spirals using the smaller blade. The white potato fries also turned out crispy.

Sweet potatoes are a good source of Vitamins C and A.  One cup provides 50% of your daily Vitamin C and 400% of your daily Vitamin A requirements.  Both nutrients are important for supporting your immune system, which is especially important during cold and flu season. Health

I highly recommend you try vegetable noodles as a tasty way to add vegetables to your diet. The Inspiralized website has recipes for 23 vegetables and fruits.