Zero-Calorie, Zero-Carb, Gluten-Free - NoOodles

I've been hearing a lot of buzz about these zero calorie, zero carb, gluten-free "miracle" noodles lately and have really wanted to try them!  Lucky me, I stumbled upon an amazing deal on Groupon for NoOodle Shirataki Zero-Calorie Noodles.  

It was only $36.00 for 24 8oz. packs of these all natural noodles!  

Regularly, they would be $72.00.  Plus, I got free shipping. Cha-Ching!

The arrival!

One pack of NoOodles.

NoOodle's angel-hair pasta provides a healthy alternative to traditional noodles thanks to its complete lack of calories, net carbohydrates, gluten, fat, sodium, and preservatives.  Derived from yam flour, these high-fiber noodles require a simple rinse or dry fry to prepare before starring in your favorite soup, salad, or entree.

NO Calories... NO Fat... NO Net Carbs... NO Soy... NO Gluten... NO GUILT!!!

NoOodles Nutrition Label

So, now time to tell you my thoughts about these suckers :)

Upon opening the bag, there is a very foul fish like odor that is released *BLEH* they reek!  So naturally I did what I always do and Googled this stench right away.  I quickly found on the NoOodle website that this is a FAQ and the aroma does not mean the noodles are spoiled.  The smell is from a mineral called lime (calcium hydroxide, as seen the the ingredients above) which is apparently used in many foods and drinks as a firming and neutralizing agent.  It is harmless, but they recommend rinsing and draining the noodles to remove the smell prior to adding them to your recipes.

Speaking of recipes, this is the first meal I made using the "no guilt" noodles!

 

Ingredients:

- 4oz chopped grilled chicken breast

- 1 cup of steamed broccoli

- 4 oz NoOodles (drained and pat dry with a paper towel)

- 1 tbsp Walden Farm's Sesame Ginger Dressing

Instructions: 

Mix all of the ingredients together and microwave for 1 minute!

Easiest thing ever made?! Quite possibly!

As far as taste and texture goes, NoOodles are translucent, similar to Asian style noodles or angel hair pasta, and have no flavor.  So, you can add any of your favorite sauces or soups to your dish and the pasta will absorb those flavors. You can cook them with your favorite spaghetti or Alfredo sauce, or you can experiment with different vegetables and herb dressings until you find a dish that suits your taste and is delicious and healthy!

Enjoy!

Spicy Spaghetti & Meatballs

This just in... I made this dish last night for dinner!

Ingredients:

- 1 package of NoOodles (drained, rinsed, and dried)

- 1/4 cup diced yellow onion

- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes & green chilies

- 2 tsp Mrs. Dash Italian Medley seasoning

Instructions:

Spray pan with non-stick cooking spray, place all ingredients in pan and cook on medium-high heat for 2 minutes, turn heat down to medium and let simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.  Makes 2-3 servings.

Serve with 2 Turkey Muffins (recipe on my blog).

Bon Appetit!

Spaghetti Squash

I'm always looking for different low-carb foods, cause let's face it, who wants to eat the same thing over and over again.  I sure don't!  So, my mom suggested spaghetti squash as an alternative to pasta.  The squash can be baked, boiled or microwaved. Once it's cooked, you can pull a fork lengthwise across the flesh and it will fall into strands that resemble spaghetti.  Pretty awesome!

Nutrition wise, a 1 cup serving of cooked spaghetti squash has 42 calories and 10 g of carbohydrates.  It is very low in fat and is a great source of dietary fiber.  Spaghetti squash also contains many nutrients, including folic acid, potassium, vitamin A, and beta carotene.

When it comes to taste, spaghetti squash can be quite bland. To spice up my squash, I lathered both halves with extra virgin olive oil and chopped garlic.  I tend to use garlic a lot when I'm cooking and not just because of the amazing aroma and fabulous flavor!  It’s the best overall plant for stimulating the immune system, the best anti-clotting herb, one of the best anti-fungals, and potentially useful for preventing heart disease and cancer.

“People have known garlic was important and has health benefits for centuries,” said Dr. David W. Kraus, associate professor of environmental science and biology at the University of Alabama. “Even the Greeks would feed garlic to their athletes before they competed in the Olympic games.”

So... why not eat like a Greek Olympian? :)

Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
- Cut spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the insides.
*Tip* The seeds can be saved and roasted just like pumpkin seeds!
- Spread 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil on halves.
- Spread 1 tablespoon of chopped garlic on halves.
- Place squash on baking sheet and bake for 45-60 minutes (mine took about 45).
- When squash is done (tender) run a fork through the flesh lengthwise.

And there you go!  You can save 180 calories and 33 g of carbohydrates by eating a cup of spaghetti squash instead of a cup of pasta ;)

Enjoy!

Grilled chopped chicken, spaghetti squash and mixed vegetables, for the win!

 

References:

http://www.livestrong.com/article/81490-spaghetti-squash-nutrition-information/
http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/10/15/unlocking-the-benefits-of-garlic/
http://www.motherearthnews.com/ask-our-experts/health-benefits-of-garlic-zb0z11zphe.aspx