Are you looking for a tasty and healthy side dish option? Look no further than roasted butternut squash! With just 110 calories per 119-gram serving, this delicious vegetable is sure to satisfy your hunger without sabotaging your diet.
In addition to being low in calories, roasted butternut squash is also packed with essential vitamins and minerals. Just one serving provides 125% of your daily recommended intake of vitamin A and 50% of vitamin C, as well as smaller amounts of iron, calcium, and potassium.
In this article, we'll explore the many benefits of roasted butternut squash and share some easy and delicious ways to incorporate it into your meals. Whether you're looking for a low-calorie option, a vegan-friendly side dish, or a healthy alternative to potatoes, roasted butternut squash is sure to please!
Calories in Roasted Butternut Squash
As mentioned earlier, one container (119 g) of roasted butternut squash contains 110 calories, making it a great choice for anyone looking to maintain a healthy weight or lose a few pounds. Additionally, roasted butternut squash is low in fat and high in fiber, which can help you feel fuller for longer and prevent overeating. So go ahead and enjoy a generous portion – your waistline will thank you!
Vitamins and Minerals in Butternut Squash
Butternut squash is packed with essential vitamins and minerals that are vital for good health. In addition to vitamin A and C, which we mentioned earlier, it also contains significant amounts of vitamin E, magnesium, and folate. These nutrients play a key role in maintaining healthy skin, eye, and immune function, as well as preventing chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer. So not only is roasted butternut squash delicious, it's also incredibly nutritious!
Low-Calorie Option
Roasted butternut squash is an excellent low-calorie option for anyone looking to maintain a healthy weight or lose a few pounds. It's incredibly filling and satisfying, thanks to its high fiber content, which can help prevent overeating and snacking between meals. Additionally, roasted butternut squash can be seasoned and spiced in a variety of ways, making it a versatile addition to any meal. Try dipping it in hummus or tzatziki, drizzling it with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, or seasoning it with your favorite herbs and spices.
Great for Weight Loss
In addition to being low in calories, roasted butternut squash is also high in fiber and water, which can help you feel fuller for longer and prevent overeating. Studies have shown that people who eat more high-fiber foods tend to weigh less and have healthier body compositions than those who don't, making roasted butternut squash an excellent choice for anyone looking to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight.
Vegan-Friendly
Roasted butternut squash is a great option for anyone following a vegan diet, as it's completely plant-based and free from animal products. It's also a good source of protein, iron, and other key nutrients that are often lacking in vegan diets. To make roasted butternut squash even more delicious and satisfying, try pairing it with other vegan-friendly foods like quinoa, tofu, or roasted vegetables.
Perfect for Meal Prep
Roasted butternut squash is an excellent option for meal prep, as it's easy to prepare in large batches and keeps well in the fridge or freezer. Simply chop the squash into cubes or slices, toss with olive oil and your favorite seasonings, and roast in the oven until tender and caramelized. Roasted butternut squash can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads and grain bowls to soups and stews. It's also a great snack option, as it's low in calories and incredibly satisfying.
Delicious Side Dish
Roasted butternut squash is a delicious and versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of main dishes. Its natural sweetness and nutty flavor make it a great addition to savory meals, while its vibrant color adds a pop of visual interest to any plate. Some of our favorite ways to serve roasted butternut squash include topped with chopped nuts or seeds, drizzled with honey or maple syrup, or mixed with other roasted vegetables like brussels sprouts, carrots, or onions.
Easy to Make
Despite its fancy-sounding name, roasted butternut squash is incredibly easy to make at home. Simply slice the squash in half lengthwise, remove the seeds and fibrous center, and cut into slices or cubes as desired. Toss the squash with olive oil and your favorite seasonings – we love using garlic powder, black pepper, and a sprinkle of cinnamon – and roast in the oven until golden brown and tender. Serve hot or cold, depending on your preference.
Good Source of Fiber
As we've mentioned, roasted butternut squash is a great source of fiber, with one serving providing 7 grams of this essential nutrient. Fiber is important for a variety of reasons, including regulating digestion, lowering cholesterol levels, and promoting feelings of fullness and satiety. In addition to roasted butternut squash, some other great sources of fiber include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. Adding more of these foods to your diet can help improve your overall health and wellness – and keep your belly feeling happy!
Healthy Alternative to Potatoes
While potatoes are a classic side dish, they're often high in calories and low in nutrients. Roasted butternut squash, on the other hand, is a healthy and delicious alternative that's packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Use roasted butternut squash in place of potatoes in your favorite recipes, like hash browns, baked fries, or mashed potatoes. You'll get all the satisfying flavor and texture, without any of the guilt!
Eating healthy doesn't have to be boring – roasted butternut squash is a delicious way to add more nutrients and fiber to your diet!
Frequently Asked Questions about Roasted Butternut Squash
1. How is butternut squash typically prepared?
Butternut squash can be prepared in a number of ways, including roasting, boiling, steaming, or pureeing. Roasted butternut squash is a common preparation that brings out its natural sweetness and caramelizes its surface.
2. How many calories are in a serving of roasted butternut squash?
A 119g container of roasted butternut squash typically contains around 110 calories. This makes it a relatively low-calorie food that can be enjoyed as part of a healthy diet.
3. What are the nutritional benefits of butternut squash?
Butternut squash is a good source of fiber, potassium, and vitamins A and C. These nutrients help support digestive health, immune function, and healthy vision, among other things.
4. Can butternut squash be frozen?
Yes, butternut squash can be frozen for later use. However, it is important to blanch it first to preserve its texture and color. To do this, simply bring a pot of water to a boil, add the squash pieces and cook for 2-3 minutes. Then, transfer the squash to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain the squash and pat dry before freezing.
5. What are some tasty ways to use roasted butternut squash?
Roasted butternut squash can be enjoyed as a side dish, added to salads, or used as a topping for pizza. It can also be blended into soups, stews, or smoothies for a nutritious and creamy texture.