Spaghetti (Squash) with Mushrooms, Olives, Capers and Chicken
I. am. stuffed! The last time we made spaghetti squash I made a note to self to eat less this time. I gave myself about 75% of last time’s and am still stuff! Maybe it was the extra toppings!
Check out the Spaghetti Squash Video if you have never heard of spaghetti squash.
If you have had the pleasure of eating this wonderful volume-eater’s delight, lucky you!
The husband and I also split a single serve bottle of red wine, so about 3 oz each. It was the perfect amount!
We topped our spaghetti squash with a homemade tomato sauce made with a can of fireroasted tomatoes, some chopped kalamata olives, 2 tbsp capers, red pepper flakes, oregano and a splash of sherry.
On the side we sauteed a pint of cremini mushrooms in a little Smart Balance.
And cooked some all-natural chicken (on sale for $.39 per pound!!). I took the skin off my thigh and had just a sprinkle portion on top of my spaghetti while the husband ate the rest of of my thigh and a drumstick. I finished my mountain off with some capers and more oregano for garnish.
This whole bowl was only 300 kcal!
Spaghetti!
All together with some fresh daffodils from our front yard!
Dinner tonight including the 3 oz pour of vino was about 375 kcal, 9 grams fiber and 18 grams protein.
Swimming Snack
A little fish!
I can’t wait to have kids!! This snack was 1 cup of plain yogurt topped with 1 cup of thawed and heated frozen mixed berries and 6 honey graham sticks. Oh yeah, and the almond eyeball! It was delicious!
I enjoyed it with a cup of Yogi Sweet Thai Tea, which I like a lot more with skim milk –
I was pretty hungry when I got home so I went for a bigger snack. It was about 275 kcal, 4 grams fiber and 10 grams protein.
Sarah says
Daffodils from the front yard? Ugh…I’m SO jealous!! 😀
I had a pasta dish tonight too…so yummy! 😀 I need to try spaghetti squash…I always found it so intimidating to make, but seeing you eat it gives me incentive to try it out. 🙂
Suzanne says
I love Pachabel in D! I had it playing as my bridal party walked down the aisle when I got married. I love that song so much – it’s my ringtone on my cell phone! Thanks for sharing that youtube video. There’s just something so peaceful and soothing about that song, isn’t there?
This is my first time posting a comment, and I just wanted to let you know that I enjoy your site daily. I’m always looking for healthy new recipes for me and my husband – and your dishes always hit the spot. I’ve also tried your tea recommendations – also fabulous! Keep up the great blog!
🙂
Kim says
I’ve sung that at weddings. Great choice. I noticed the musical theater selections on your playlist. Ever hear of Kristen Chenowith? She’s divine! Sings a song about buying a latte. I love spaghetti squash. Like the fishies. I’m envious because no bulbs are up in MA yet! Enjoy your evening!
Bev says
The song, the squash and the fish yogurt , so creative and inviting. I haven’t had spaghetti squash for awhile and I want to make that soon. Oh I forgot the flowers …..Jealous 🙂
Ange says
I am OBSESSED with Pachabel in Cannon D…I’m going to be walking down the isle to it this summer in fact =)
Patricia says
your dinner and snack look DELICIOUS!!
B_Hlthy says
i never knew of spaghetti squash until Kath.. I tried it a few weeks ago and it was AWESOME!
I have yet to try butternut squash or kale but keep trying to gather the confidence!
where in NC can you get pommelos? I tried Harris Teeter and Fresh Market.. I assumed both would have them and did not.. ?
Kay says
I love the Fish snack!! It looks so cute and I’m sure little kids would love it too. You are going to be a super mom! Do you think about pregnancy weight gain? I know about 25 lbs is good but some people gain so much more. I guess that is way breast feeding is so good, both for the mom and baby!
Emma says
oh my gosh! my mom and I used to sing that meatball song ALL the time when i was little…she on the piano and me on her lap! thanks for bringing back such a warm memory : )
Lindsey says
The fish is too cute!
Kath, is what brand plain yogurt is that?
Also, do you microwave the fruit separatly from the yogurt?
Kelly L. says
Love Pachebel in D! That’s what I walked down the isle to myself!
KarenR says
Hey Kim, I’m in Milford, MA! (since everyone seems to be doing the geography thing lately!)
I may have to try the yogurt fish! I never would have thought to put something hot in my yogurt. And I eat a lot of yogurt!
Ashley H says
Wow Kath that snack looks great! (Your future kids would totally love it!)
I just wanted to let you know I went through and watched a bunch of your videos and first of all your house in BEAUTIFUL and you look great. Keep up the good work! You are an inspiration!
mel says
kath, your dinner looks so good…but i hate to admit this- i don’t like spaghetti squash! I think I am the only one but i tried topping it with cinn. and I tried with tomato sauce..and the texture just doesn’t do it for me!! I love squash though!! I’ll just have to stick to wheat pasta with lots of veggies in it!!
Q: how long can you keep soup in the freezer? I made turkey chili in Jan. and put it in the freezer and forgot about it!! How long so you all think it stays fresh (its in an air tight container!) thanks !!
mel
Kim says
Hi KarenR.! Looks like were sort of neighbors. I’m in West Barnstable MA on the Cape. 🙂
chandra says
After the stressful day I just had, listening to that video was so calming! I just closed my eyes and relaxed. So beautiful. 🙂
Lily says
I’m a bit embarassed by this, but I have to ask. Does anyone else dream about food? If yes, how frequently? Some nights I have dreams about eating junk food. Other nights I dream about counting calories (literally). A different night I might dream about comparing labels at the grocery store. I realize that this might sound suspiciously like the trigger is not eating enough, but I don’t go to bed hungry. Thanks anyone and everyone!
Romina says
I’ve sadly never tried Spaghetti squash. It looks so pretty and delicious! I really must give it a tr.y
Elizabeth says
what’s your take on sugarfree gum? i know it contains fake sugar which obviously has its flaws, but it’s sooo helpful in helping me curb my desire for dessert or just something to munch on when i’m bored at my desk. what’s your take on its pros and cons in the weight loss and maintenance stages? thanks! love love love your blog!
Greta says
I just wanted to share an experiment I did tonight. I had a box of Hodgson Mill brownie mix in my pantry and the pancake post today inspired me to break it out. The box said to add 4 tablespoons of oil and water. Instead, I added 2 tablespoons oil and a whole jar of spinach and carrot babyfood plus the water. They were delicious and even my two young children didn’t know the difference. Just a note, they cooked quicker than the directions said they would — 30 minutes instead of 40 minutes.
Natalie says
your snack is so cute kath!
JennK. says
I really enjoyed that piece! Which version is your favorite, Kath? I may have to download it 🙂
JennK. says
Ok, so I see it’s Canon for Three Trumpets…but looking on iTunes it seems there is more than one “artist” version…any thoughts?
Caitlin says
Lily,
I used to dream about food, and it was when I was severely restricting my eating. I understand that you say you’re not hungry, but just from my experience, it was a symptom of a much deeper problem.
Lauren says
Kath,
I love Pachelbel’s Canon in D, too! I stumbled across this HILARIOUS video about the song a while ago. I never get tired of listening to it, but apparently this guy does! I hope you like it! 🙂
Betsy says
daffodils!?!??!?!? everytime i read your blog, i get more and more jealous of you. grrr 😉
do you like the thai tea? i was thinking about buying it.
BC says
Lily, I have dreams about food too. I had a dream the other night that I was eating green tea ice cream (which I always wanted to eat but never have). I have also had dreams about Larabars. :/
Liz says
Greta….I have to ask…spiniach, carrot and CHOCOLATE BROWNIE Mix?? I consider myself the least picky person alive…but this makes me wonder hahah? Did you mean pumpkin?
Anne says
Oh I loveeee that song. So soothing 🙂
Amy A. says
Nice find on the song! I just love boys’ choirs. Their voices are so pure. And that is a lovely version of Pachebel’s Canon. I believe it about 30+ versions. I’ve played that song many times in weddings and probably a different version every time – solo, trio, quartet, organ accompanied, and prob other ways! and all are wonderful!
Amy A. says
ps I play the violin!
NC says
hey everybody, I wanted to share a link that was on the AIM today homepage:
http://body.aol.com/diet/weight-loss-program/flat-belly-foods
wohoo a lot of your faves or on there, kath!
Elle says
Thanks for putting the song up! I love being introduced to new music. One of these days I’m going to download some of those country songs you post about (don’t tell my city slicker friends ;). It’s nice to get some nutritional and cultural education in one hit! Do you spice your spaghetti squash at all when you eat it (besides the sauce)? I made it once a few weeks ago but found it very bland unless I was using it as an ingredient in something else. I think processed foods have killed my taste buds. Sigh.
Kristie says
Hey, I read your blog pretty much on a daily basis so I figured I would get around to joining into these here exciting discussions and finally start posting some comments!
Your spaghetti squash dinner looks delicious. I love making spaghetti squash dishes with homemade sauce. SO healthy and you get so much food! Such a great alternative to pasta.
That yogurt fish snack looks delicious too! I eat yogurt with frozen berries on nearly a daily basis, but I never really heat them up beforehand. That looks super tasty, I think I may have to give it a try tomorrow!
Kristen's Raw says
I love your pictures 🙂
They’re so cozy, comfy, and delicious looking!
ashley says
Hey Kath, just one more question on calorie intake, if I’m consistently a couple hundred under (after exercise calories) a few times a week, is this a bad thing? will it lower my metabolism? i don’t want to lose weight but I love exercise and am training for a marathon and its hard to eat back all the calories i burn daily and im not sure if I should because i also dont want to gain weight…
Courtney says
I dream about food, too! While I used to have bad dreams about food, now that I eat and cook healthy foods (and have for years now), I dream about all sorts of good things. I dream about actually cooking, or shopping at the market, but most often I dream about veggies. I kid you not…I had a dream last night about spinach. I like to think it’s my body telling me things while I sleep. (Or that I watch the Food Network too much!)
Lindsay says
Kath ~ I LOOOOOOVE Canon too, and I, too, played it in grade school… I played piano for YEARS and stopped playing once I went to college 🙁 I also plan on walking down the aisle, er beach, to that song too 🙂
I love the way your spaghetti squash looks, I definitely have to try it, I never have had it before, because it “scared” me, but after seeing your video it’s pretty easy-looking to make!
Kath says
Kim,
I watched the Kristen Chenowith video – cute!!
B_Hlthy,
I found the pommelo at HT. Maybe ask the manager?
Lindsey ,
It’s Brown Cow Low-Fat Plain. We often buy Stonyfield Low-Fat Plain too.
I microwaved the fruit until nice and hot and then topped it on the cold yogurt – otherwise the yogurt might separate and get gross.
Mel,
You need a REALLY good tomato sauce on top!! Don’t just use the jarred stuff – try making one with crushed tomatoes and lots of veggies.
I think soups will last for months in the freezer, but I’m not sure if there’s a recommended time. I think probably no more than 6 mos. Try Googling it.
Ashley,
Thanks for your nice comment!
Elizabeth,
3-5 pieces of sugar-free gum a day gave me GI distress (which I didn’t realize was the cause for at least a year). If your gut is normal, then enjoy your gum. I do think it’s a great way to keep the mouth busy.
Greta ,
Way to be creative with those veggies!! I’m definitely going to experiment with food purees when I have kids someday.
Lily,
I don’t dream about food regularly, but I certainly have before. It’s probably normal unless it’s causing you anxiety or negatively impacting your life in some way. Maybe try keeping a dream journal to see if there’s a connection between what you’re eating and what you’re dreaming about?
JennK,
I posted it in Wednesday’s breakfast post. I meant to say Canadian Brass, but 3 Trumpets is also a favorite of mine! I just love brass 🙂
Lauren,
Cute video! I love how he admits he’s a geek.
Hi Elle,
I think the key to good spaghetti squash is a good homemade sauce. Load it up with your favorite veggies along with some homemade tomato sauce. I have a recipe on the side bar that’s wonderful when tomatoes are in season. In the winter we used whole canned tomatoes and do Alton Brown’s sauce with carrots, celery, mushrooms, zucchini and more. I like spaghetti squash plain, but I’m really weird, so I’d say just come up with good toppings and use it as a filling base.
Ashley,
You don’t want to be NETing below your BMR on a regular basis. One day won’t do much harm, but 3-4 days a week might be detrimental to you metabolism, so I wouldn’t recommend it. Try to plan more calorie-dense snacks like trail mix, nuts, PB, smoothies, etc. if you’re having trouble eating enough.
Kath
Ashliqua says
Kath,
Your meal looks amaaaazing! I bought a spaghetti squash last week and that pic is EXACTLY what I want to get out of mine 🙂
PS-Your fish snack is so cute–you’ll be a great mom someday!
Susa says
what a cute idea with the fish!
Have you tried the Yogi tea with almond milk? They have vanilla flavored a. milk @ Publix and it is delicious with Yogi tea (or some Bigelow/Stash Chai).
Enjoy!