Zucchini

healthy living

Orange Skin and Other Food's Weird Effects on the Body

Fruits and veggies are full of vitamins and nutrients, but eating them can do some funky things to your body.

Fruits and veggies are full of vitamins and nutrients, but eating them can do some funky things to your body. We all know that beans can make you gassy and onions can cause bad breath, but here are some of produce's effects on the body that might not be as familiar.

  • Asparagus: After eating some grilled spears with dinner, you may notice an odoriferous effect when you use the restroom. Does everyone experience smelly urine after eating asparagus? No, but if it happens to you, it's completely harmless. Mercaptan is the culprit. This compound found in the green stalks causes the ammonia- or sulfur-like smell to be released when you relieve yourself.
  • Beets: You enjoyed some delicious beet salad at your friend's barbecue and hours later a visit to the powder room has you reaching for your phone to dial 911. Don't be alarmed! Many people experience reddish-colored urine after they eat beets. It's either caused by a genetic condition known as Beeturia (that's the real name!) or an iron deficiency. A trip to your doctor for a quick blood test will let you know if you need to include more iron-rich foods in your diet.
  • Carrots: A person needs 2,310 international units (IU) of vitamin A a day. One carrot contains 10,255 IU, half a cup of red pepper has 2,333 IU, and half a cup of sweet potato contains 15,740 IU. If you're a fan of these foods, it's easy to overdo it on vitamin A. Your skin can become saturated, which results in an orange glow. This symptom alone isn't harmful, but if it's coupled with blurred vision, nausea, irregular periods, and hair loss, you've probably overdosed on vitamin A and it's time to cut back. Sadly, getting too much vitamin A while pregnant can also cause birth defects, so don't ignore that orange tint!

Find out what food causes a color change in your number two.

community

A Reader Recipe: Zucchini Oatmeal With Blackberry Syrup

Vegetables can be just what your breakfast needs.

Vegetables can be just what your breakfast needs. Just ask FitSugar reader Sprint2theTable, who shared this recipe for zucchini oatmeal in our Healthy Recipe group.

I like zucchini bread for breakfast. Zucchinis are in season and especially delicious from the local farmer's market. These factors lead me down a path to an obvious breakfast conclusion . . . zucchini oatmeal.

Read on for the full recipe!

community

A Reader Recipe: Vegan and Gluten-Free Zucchini Apple Breakfast Cake

How good does this zucchini apple breakfast cake with cashew glaze from FitSugar reader be-healthful look?

How good does this zucchini apple breakfast cake with cashew glaze from FitSugar reader be-healthful look? To sweeten the deal, it's vegan and gluten-free, which means that almost anyone will be able to enjoy it. She posted this recipe in the Healthy Recipe community group.

See the recipe when you read more

Vegetarian

Meatless, Moneysaving Monday: Zucchini and Olive Pizza

Hoping to still make it a Meatless Monday over the holidays?

Hoping to still make it a Meatless Monday over the holidays? For some inspiration, check out what OnSugar blog Cooking in Pajamas is making: zucchini and olive pizza.

Yum! Homemade pizza! If you are starting with ready-made dough (and why wouldn't you?), it is quicker, healthier, cheaper and tastier to make your own. It is . . . really! Even if your favorite pizza is a standard variety tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese, a homemade version really is delicious. Plus, you don't have to go out to get it.

For her recipe — which would taste equally great with seasonal vegetables like eggplant — keep on reading.

Masterchef

Yummy Links: From Michael Chiarello to MasterChef

summer

Zucchini Pancakes

Turns out we're not the only ones with savory pancakes on the brain.

Turns out we're not the only ones with savory pancakes on the brain. Here, OnSugar blog Fresh Tart turns to the season's zucchini bounty for flapjack inspiration.

You might be looking for new, delicious ways to use zucchini right about now. How did I know? Crazy right, how I read your mind?

I'm good that way.

These savory pancakes are hardly new, but they are certainly delicious. Filled with fresh herbs and salty bits of feta cheese, the pancakes pop hot off the griddle tender and eggy, with beautifully crispy edges. Rarrr.

Find out what goes into her addictive Summer hotcakes when you read more.

fast and easy

Fast & Easy Dinner: Feta Chicken With Zucchini

In the heat of Summer, I usually crave a fresh and light meal that's simple to prepare.


In the heat of Summer, I usually crave a fresh and light meal that's simple to prepare. This one combines chicken, feta, and zucchini for a tasty dinner that takes under an hour to make. If you're looking for a healthy way to spruce up a basic chicken breast, this is a great dish to whip up. I recommend serving it on a bed of whole wheat pasta, or on a mixed green salad with a simple balsamic dressing. For the fit-friendly recipe, read more.

fast and easy

Monday's Leftovers: Linguine With Zucchini and Chickpeas

A hectic start to the week calls for a laid-back Monday night meal that's light on time and fuss.

A hectic start to the week calls for a laid-back Monday night meal that's light on time and fuss. Make it both meatless and stress-free by composing a basic pasta dish from last night's leftover zucchini, as well as pantry items you've already got on hand.

Rather than overpowering the mellow flavors of garbanzo beans and zucchini, dress them simply with salt and your favorite olive oil, then infuse the oil with garlic and red pepper for a bit of bite. Toss in al dente pasta and grated Parmesan, and you've got a drama-free dinner. Want the recipe? Get it now.

summer

Fast & Easy Dinner: Summer Vegetable Crepes

With the help of ready-made crepes, you can have a vegetarian French-inspired feast in a matter of minutes.


With the help of ready-made crepes, you can have a vegetarian French-inspired feast in a matter of minutes. The filling is a mixture of zucchini, green beans, corn, ricotta, and monterey jack cheese. It's rich and creamy, but not too heavy to enjoy on a warm Summer evening. Pair the crepes with a mixed heirloom tomato salad and a crisp sparkling Rosé. Interested in learning this uncomplicated and delicious recipe? Please read more.

recipe

Mural Meal: Healthy Owl Burger and Fries Are a Hoot!

I've got some big burger fans in my house, so I'm always looking for ways to make them kid-friendly and fun.


I've got some big burger fans in my house, so I'm always looking for ways to make them kid-friendly and fun. But I'm not thrilled about serving up plain old fries and hamburgers, so I'm always looking for ways to change things up. Last night, I found just the thing to please my picky crew — a healthy twist on burgers and fries. Instead of red meat, I used ground turkey and added in some shredded zucchini to sneak in more veggies. I baked up some sweet potato fries and used the rest of the zucchini to make veggie chips to serve on the side. I garnished the turkey burger with a slice of cheddar and my son thought his edible owl art was a hoot!

Get the easy recipes and my step-by-step pictures when you read more