Spaghetti Squash Enchilada Boats

This gestational diabetes-friendly recipe proves that low-carb doesn't have to mean low in flavor.

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I’m currently beginning my 28th week of pregnancy, and while I wish I could celebrate the arrival of my third trimester with a margarita, I’ll be toasting with a bottle of Glucola instead. If you’re unfamiliar with Glucola, it’s a syrupy drink that pregnant women take during their third trimester to test for gestational diabetes.

Gestational diabetes occurs only during pregnancy and typically develops between weeks 24-32. The test itself isn’t so bad- you have five minutes to drink the Glucola, and then after an hour your blood sugar levels are checked. While the test is simple, waiting for the results is a little bit harder. I have a family history of diabetes, which is one of the risk factors for GD, and I’m honestly pretty anxious about my upcoming appointment.

Unmanaged, GD can cause complications during pregnancy and labor, but the good news is that it’s easily treated with diet, exercise, and medication if necessary. Because of my family history, I have been trying to watch my sugar and simple carbohydrate intake. This has not been easy, especially since my pregnancy cravings are currently rainbow sherbet and Fruity Pebbles.

One of my favorite low-carb meals to make has been this recipe for spaghetti squash enchilada boats. Spaghetti squash is much lower in carbohydrates than enriched pastas and breads, so I use it in place of traditional flour tortillas for a healthier version of one of my favorite Mexican dishes.

What Ingredients do I need for spaghetti squash enchilada boats?

• Spaghetti squash

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts

• Red bell pepper- or you favorite colored bell pepper

• Black beans

• Olive oil

• Enchilada sauce- I like to use my recipe for smoky enchilada sauce

• Salt and pepper

• Pasteurized shredded cheese- Mexican blend, cheddar, quesadilla or pepper jack are all good options

• Optional toppings: cilantro, sour cream, and guacamole are some of my faves

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

You can swap out the chicken for fresh veggies like squash, zucchini, mushrooms and additional bell peppers. I recommend sautéing the veggies before combining them with everything else. You’ll need about ¾-1 cup of additional vegetables.

What are other good foods for managing blood sugar levels?

• Lean proteins like chicken, turkey, and pasteurized eggs

• Complex carbohydrates like beans, brown rice, and sweet potatoes

• Non-starchy vegetables like salad greens, peppers, and cucumbers

Did You Make This Recipe?

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Ingredients:

• Medium-large size spaghetti squash (about 2 ½ lbs)

• 1 large or two small boneless skinless chicken breasts

• 1 medium red bell pepper, diced

• 1 14.5oz can black beans, rinsed and drained

• 1 Tbsp olive oil

• 1 cup enchilada sauce (store bought or homemade)

• 1- 1½ cups pasteurized shredded cheese (Mexican blend, cheddar, quesadilla or pepper jack)

• 2 tsp salt

• 1 tsp black pepper

• Optional toppings: cilantro, sour cream, guacamole

Directions:

For the spaghetti squash:

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees

• Slice the squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds

• Drizzle ½ Tbsp of olive oil on the inside of each piece and rub it all over the insides

• Season the inside of each piece with about ½ tsp salt and ¼ tsp pepper

• Line a cookie sheet with foil or parchment paper and place each half with the cut side down

• Pierce the outsides a few times with a fork

• Cook for 40-45 minutes or until you can easily piece the outside with a fork

• Flip them over (careful, they will be hot!) and scrape the insides with a fork to create "spaghetti" noodles

For the chicken:

• While the spaghetti squash is cooking, season chicken breasts with the remaining salt and pepper and cook in a skillet over medium heat on each side for about four minutes or until a meat thermometer reads 165 degrees

• Let them cool and then dice

For the boats:

• Scrape out your spaghetti squash noodles and add them to a bowl, along with the black beans, cooked chicken, diced bell pepper, and enchilada sauce

• Divide the mixture evenly between the two squash halves

• Top each half with ½-¾ cup of cheese

• Bake in the oven for 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted

• Serve with your favorite toppings

Sources:

1. Fenneld. (2021, June 24). What to eat when on a gestational diabetes diet. Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved January 31, 2023, from https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-should-you-eat-when-youre-on-a-gestational-diabetes-diet-plan/

2. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2022, April 9). Gestational diabetes. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved January 31, 2023, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gestational-diabetes/symptoms-causes/syc-20355339