Quick and easy meal ideas to cut calories and/or carbs Topic

Dietician 01/16/19
I recently discovered Green Giant frozen butternut veggie spirals as a lower calorie, lower carb alternative to whole wheat pasta. I was cautiously optimistic about how this frozen veggie spiral product would stand up to whole wheat pasta but was pleasantly surprised that the texture was very good. I cooked it on the stove top by adding it frozen to boiling water, then cooking for about 90 minutes and draining well. The package gave many different preparation options including microwaving in the package itself and sauteeing, I topped it with lean turkey sausage, loads of sauteed vegetables and light marinara sauce. I have to say it was a winner and I honestly enjoyed it even more than the whole wheat pasta.

Comparison:
1.5 cups whole wheat pasta = 260 calories, 56 g total carbs/ 51 g diabetes carb count
1.5 cups butternut veggie spirals = 100 calories, 24 g total carbs/ 24 g diabetes carb count
Savings of 160 calories, 32 g total carbs/27 g diabetes carb count

Note: You do lose some fiber and protein by using veggie spirals over whole wheat pasta but if you are looking for ways to cut the carbs (diabetes, pre-diabetes, weight loss) this may be a good option. Try it!

Has anyone else cooked frozen veggie spirals in microwave or used sauteeing method?

Please share other easy meal ideas to cut calories and/or carbs!

Keep it healthy! Brenda (Dietitian, MyNetDiary)

Quick and easy meal ideas to cut calories and/or carbs