Thai Chicken Spaghetti Squash - Healthy Dinner Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Can Pad Thai be healthy? ›

It can definitely be a part of a balanced, well-rounded diet. While pad thai includes many nutritious ingredients, its sodium content is considerably high. You can reduce its sodium by requesting the eatery go easy on the sauce and salt-contributing condiments.

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.

Spaghetti squash can put a healthy, simple spin on your favorite dishes. Replace classic noodles with spaghetti squash using this easy technique. Other delicious and versatile substitutes include zucchini, carrots, sweet potatoes, jicama, parsnips and white potatoes.

Potential health benefits

Spaghetti squash is high in fiber as well as potassium and folic acid. Antioxidants vitamin C and beta carotene are important for immune function and disease prevention.

Worst: Red or Green Curry

Thai curries are usually made with a hefty dose of coconut milk, and that won't do your diet any favors. One cup of the creamy milk packs in 400 calories. It also has 36 grams of saturated fat -- more than three times the recommended daily amount.

Thai food is fairly healthy and good for weight loss.

That's a long time, but it would be a mistake to use spaghetti squash once it's started going bad. Some small unsavory spots can be cut away, but you'll want to toss the squash if it feels mushy, soft, or hollow.

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.

Spaghetti squash contains 2.2 grams of fiber for each cup of cooked squash. Fiber adds bulk to your stool, helping prevent constipation. Fiber also helps you feel full for longer after your meal. Spaghetti squash contains a lot of antioxidants and phytochemicals, making it a great food to ward off heart disease.

A look into essential Vitamins & Minerals, shows that Zucchini Pasta outdoes Spaghetti Squash on every one, except for Niacin, Pantothenic Acid, Calcium and Selenium. Information found from SELF's Nutrition Data calculator.

Is spaghetti squash healthier than spaghetti? ›

Overall, if you're trying to reduce calories or carbs, spaghetti squash is the better choice. And it's richer in many nutrients, too, like B vitamins and vitamin C. Spaghetti squash is a nutritious, low carb alternative to pasta. It's also much lower in calories than pasta.

It is also a lower calorie food than rice. One cup of cooked spaghetti squash contains about 42 calories versus 242 calories in cooked white rice. One cup of cooked spaghetti squash has 10g of carbohydrates whereas one cup of cooked white rice has about 53g of carbohydrates! That's more carbs than in regular pasta!

It Boosts Digestive Health

Spaghetti squash is an excellent source of fiber, with one cup clocking in at 2.2 grams, or 9 percent of a person's daily fiber needs. This helps to promote good digestive health and keep things moving.

Since one cup of spaghetti squash contains 8 net carbohydrates (that is, 10 grams of total carbs minus 2 grams of fiber), it can be considered a low-carb or keto food.

Traditional Thai cuisine is quite healthy and largely based on vegetables, lean proteins, and fresh herbs and spices. Certain Thai dishes are high in refined carbs and may contain deep-fried foods, added sugar, or high amounts of salt.

Rice noodles are low in fat and moderate in calories, making them a healthy option. Try pairing them with high fiber veggies and tasty sauces — though you may want to limit your use of high sodium add-ins like soy sauce.