Throw traditional out the window. Say goodbye to your carb loaded pasta dishes and a big hello to spaghetti squash. This wonderful squash, when cooked, takes on a spaghetti texture and is pack full of essential vitamins and minerals.

Take manganese for example, something you probably weren't even aware you needed, if you are anything like me, have zero clue how you get it (besides supplements). The University of Maryland Medical Center reports manganese aids in the production of healthy bones, tissues and sex hormones (yes please). It also plays a part in metabolism, regulation of blood sugar, absorption of calcium and the functioning of the nervous system (double yes please). Other minerals found in smaller amounts in spaghetti squash include potassium, magnesium, calcium, copper, iron, phosphorus, sodium, zinc and selenium.

Spaghetti squash is also rich in fiber, which keeps you feeling full longer and aids in weight loss. It also has lots of vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Last but not least this squash is also full of vitamin A which helps in maintaining normal vision and healthy skin. Doesn't get much better than that!

Insert mildly creepy squash selfie......

How do you prepare spaghetti squash?

Preheat oven to 350

Clean your squash and cut it in half length-wise and scrape out all the "guts" and seeds and rub the insides with a bit of olive oil.

Puncture a few times with a fork and set it flesh side down onto a baking sheet and let cook for 30 minutes.

Once finished, scrape out the insides with a fork (it will come out in long spahetti like strands) and season it with a bit of olive oil and salt and pepper!

I decided to have some fun with my spaghetti squash and prepared it 3 different ways to appeal to all the picky eaters in my house. For the super healthy (me), the sorta healthy (my mom who is visiting), and the hearty appetite (my husband).

Vegan Santa Fe Style Spaghetti Squash

Ingredients

1 cup prepared spaghetti squash

1/3 cup black beans

1/4 cup corn

1/4 cup diced red pepper

1 TBS cilantro

1 TBS green onion

Pinch of Cumin

Pinch of Ground Red Pepper

Salsa to taste

Toss ingredients and enjoy!

Spicy Asian Spaghetti Squash

Ingredients

1 cup prepared spaghetti squash

1/3 cup red cabbage

1/3 cup shredded carrot

2 TBS gorgonzola cheese

2 TBS giardinare

1/4 tsp savory spice

1/4 tsp onion powder

1/4 tsp garlic powder

Optional: Use Lee Kum Kee Sriracha Chili sauce to give it an extra kick!

Salt and pepper to taste

Toss all ingredients and enjoy!

Fiesta Baked Spaghetti Squash

Ingredients

1 cup prepared spaghetti squash

1/2 cup shredded all white chicken

1/3 cup black beans

1/4 cup corn

1/4 cup diced red pepper

1 TBS cilantro

1 TBS green onion

Pinch of Cumin

Pinch of Ground Red Pepper

1/3 cup Parmesan

1/2 cup Mexican shredded cheese

Place your mix into one half of your cut squash or oven safe dish and add your cheeses to the top and bake at 350 degrees uncovered for 20 minutes.