Smart Swap Saturday: Zucchini Noodles

ByMacy Michelle

When starting a healthier lifestyle, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed by all the products and food on the market. I am a firm believer that simple swaps add up and make a difference over time. Each Saturday I will feature a Smart Swap! These Smart Swaps will be healthier choices and recommendations for your favorite not-so-healthy foods. 

Today’s Smart Swap: Zucchini Noodles

If you’re eating pasta and looking to add more veggies or searching for a lower carb option, zucchini noodles are a great choice!

Let’s break it down! 

In 100 grams of traditional white pasta, there are about 70 grams of carbohydrates and 345 calories. These numbers can vary slightly depending on the brand of white pasta. 

100 grams is about ½ cup. Unless you’re measuring or weighing out your pasta, you probably are consuming more than 100 grams! 

Healthy Swap: Zucchini Noodles

Zucchini Noodles, also commonly called Zoodles, are a great healthy swap for white pasta! I definitely eat carbs and think you should too- however if you are watching your carb intake or are looking to add more veggies into your diet, zoodles are a great way to do so! 

In ½ cup of Zucchini Noodles, there are about 2 grams of carbohydrates and 10 calories. 

What a crazy difference! You don’t have to worry about overdoing it on zoodles, as they are low in calories, low in carbs and comprised of veggies! 

I top my Zucchini noodles, just like I would pasta. Typically, I use a low sugar red pasta sauce with turkey meatballs. I also like to heat up a couple wedges of Laughing Cow cheese and use those as a substitute to a creamier pasta sauce. You can also experiment with adding different seasonings to spice it up. Lately I have been adding a dash of garlic salt- so yummy!

Key Takeaways:

  • Zoodles are a great swap when watching carbs, looking to add veggies or looking for a lower calorie meal option
  • White pasta has about 70 grams of carbs per ½ cup, zoodles have 2 grams of carbs per 1/2 cup.
  • Many stores now carry pre-made zucchini noodles. Check both the fresh and frozen section! When buying pre-made zoodles, make sure to read the nutrition label. I always recommend choosing the one that is has zucchini as the only ingredient.
  • Many restaurants also offer zoodles now! 

Are you excited to try this swap? Let me know in the comments below!