It happened. This weekend I finally made zoodles - zucchini noodles! I found already prepared spiralized zucchini noodles at Trader Joe's and decided to give it a try. I paired it with "Zhoug Sauce" - a spicy green condiment made from cilantro, canola oil, jalapeno peppers, chile flakes, garlic, cardamon, salt, and cumin. I paired it with extra veggies and grilled chicken for an amazingly fulfilling dinner!
Zucchini is low in calories because it has a high water content, and it is also full of antioxidants, vitamin C, and potassium which can have a positive effect on digestion, cholesterol, blood pressure, and heart health. It's truly a wonder veggie. (https://draxe.com/zucchini-nutrition/ click here for more information about zucchini!)
Swapping higher calorie pasta for zucchini noodles is a great way to eat a higher volume of food for fewer calories without feeling like you're depriving yourself. It also increases your vegetable intake while reducing processed foods, leaving you full of essential vitamins and nutrients.
Ingredients:
-Chicken:
-1 chicken breast (boneless, skinless)
-1 tbsp olive oil
-1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
-1 tsp garlic powder, salt, pepper
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Zucchini:
-1 package of zucchini noodles (buy prepared or use a spiralizer with 1 zucchini)
-2 tbsp Zhoug Sauce (I found it at Trader Joe's, but you could also use pesto or your favorite jarred tomato sauce!)
-1 tbsp olive oil
-1 Roma tomato
-1 head of broccoli
-2-3 tbsp Parmesan cheese
-1/4 fresh lemon juice
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Directions:
-Marinate the chicken: cut the chicken breast in half lengthwise and place in bowl. Add olive oil, apple cider vinegar, salt, pepper, and garlic pepper.
-Set aside for about 5 minutes. Place in skillet on medium heat and cook both pieces for 8-10 minutes per side until cooked through.
-Take the chicken out of the pan and let it rest (cover with foil to keep it warm) while the zucchini is cooking.
-Dice the tomato (remove the seeds) and cut up broccoli into bite size pieces.
-Drizzle pan with olive oil and add the tomato and broccoli (can add other veggies here too, spinach would be a good option!)
-Cook for about 2-3 minutes then add 1 serving of zucchini noodles. The total package contains about 4-5 servings, I just used a big handful!
-Add 2 tbsp (spoonfuls) of Zhoug Sauce (or sauce of choice), olive oil, lemon juice, and cook together until combined, about 5 minutes.
-Plate the zoodles and chicken, top with parmesean cheese.
-Enjoy!
Helpful hint: For one serving, I ate half of the chicken breast and saved the other half. The next time I make the zoodles, the chicken is already prepared! When making protein or meals that can be easily transported and reheated, it's a good idea to make extra and take it with you to work for lunch or have for dinner. Planning ahead increases the likelihood that you will stay on track with your goals! Intention usually goes hand in hand with action. Meaning, the chances of you carrying out behaviors that align with your desired outcomes are increased if you intend to do so. Makes sense right? Take the extra time to set yourself up to make smart choices this week!
In strength and health,
-Marisa
