Spaghetti Squash Bowl

I'm fixing to share with you a delicious way to get a serving of vegetables with the flavors of Italy. OK, really, its not that good but its close. I mean, nothing beats the real pasta and full flavor, fattening sharp cheeses. But hey, I'm trying to stay healthy and keep my weight down. I can say I have reached my weight loss goal so now I'm learning to eat right so I can keep it down. I'm gonna need it during the holidays coming up.

I have learned a new vegetables called Spaghetti squash. Something never heard of in my house until I started dieting. Its actually good. Not like Moms fried squash in an iron skillet good, but good. It can take the place of any pasta dish as a healthy substitute. You can find many recipes online for these big nuts but I'm going to share my "light one". It's under 200 calories per serving and you will not have that bloated guilty feeling that over eating can cause. However, you will feel full, very full.

Spaghetti Squash Bowl
1 spaghetti squash
1/2 cup of pasta sauce
1/2 cup of shredded low fat Mozzarella Cheese
2 Tablespoon Skim milk Ricotta
Dash of Italian seasoning and or Basil

1. Wash and dry the whole spaghetti squash.
2. Cut in half and scoop out the seedy center. (this is the hard part).
3. Spray the inside of each half with olive oil, salt/ pepper then lay open side down in a baking dish.
4. Bake 350 degrees for 45 minutes to an hour.
5. Remove from the oven and let it cool just a bit.
6. With a fork, scoop and pull squash from edges to the center. You will see it fall off like spaghetti.

7. Place the spaghetti in a bowl and mix in the pasta sauce and Ricotta.
8. Return the spaghetti to the squash shells, layering the spaghetti and shredded cheese ending with cheese on top.
9. Place back into the oven and cook another 15 minutes.

That's it.

This recipe is made up by me using light indigents. But like I said, you can find other recipes online and adjust the ingredients to your liking (like add some meat). Experiment with it. I'm sure you can come up with something satisfying for the whole family. Kids will even like it. Just don't tell them its good for them!!

Nutrition Info: 1 serving = 1/2 squash.
Calories- 195
Protein- 14g
Carbs- 19g
Fiber- 5g
Sugar- 10g
Fat- 9g
Cholesterol- 25mg
Sodium- 316mg
Potassium 50mg

Down and Out

Down and out. That's how I have felt the past week or so.

I have been in some severe upper back pain. Thought I had another herniated disk so I was just giving it some time to heal with a little ibuprofen but that pain reliever was just not touching it. I still continue to walk my 3 miles each day and go to work. Somehow walking didn't make it any worst. Sitting was the hardest. The pain just kept getting worst. I mean, at times, I feel like I'm gonna be paralyzed and other times with the pain extending to my chest, having a heart attack. So im giving the walking a rest.

My husband has been great despite his own pain he endures in his knees from years of hard work. He makes sure I have everything I need and always lending a hand around the house and driving me to work at times. He is the best and I'm getting more spoiled each day.

After days of agony, I finally fell to tears and went to the doctor. I just knew one of those miracle steroid shots would add instant relief and I could stop wallowing. Little did I know when I was trying to tell him what my problem was. I was wrong.  I'm sure he's smarter than I am at this so I heard him out.

Upon examining me and triggering the main problem areas. He diagnosed me with muscle spasms which was causing a pinched nerve. Ouch is yes. That explained the numbness I have in my left arm and hand. No comfort here. He prescribed me some muscle relaxers (me like) and Prednisone. I put that off as long as I could......A day..... I'm turning to all I can for relief now. The relaxers are great but can only take them before bed because I turn into a noodle (me like).  I can finally rest at night but working during the day is a pain in the neck (you get it?).

Anyhow....The doctor did grant me one of those miracle shots before I left the office but I didn't get the relief I expected. He told me it could take up to 2 weeks of healing. Really?  Somehow I strained that muscle with lifting, reaching or bad posture. I have all three.

So I've been a little down and out and not much fun at home or work but I believe God can heal me on his time. I just need to ride it out. But quick please.