The Zoo and Zoodles

The Zoo and Zoodles

What kid doesn't love the zoo?! It's my little ones' favorite outing. We go at least once a week; even though leaving the house is always pure craziness. I pack a week's worth of food and drinks in my purse because someone always needs something. Then I tackle the kids to get them dressed... and the shoes... oh putting on shoes! Why does that have to take 15 minutes?!

Once we are at zoo and it's all worth it. We made it out of the house! Hooray!! I love seeing my babies so excited looking at the animals as if it's all new every time. But what's not new? The stinkin' exhaustion! Is it just me or is the zoo a workout?

First there are a million hills to push the double stroller up. Then one kids wants to ride on my shoulders while I hold the other one... we ditch the stroller cause no one wants to ride in it. Next are the sprints, racing after my daughter as she darts into a crowd. Oh and the gift shop... why must every kid-place have a dang gift shop at the exit!!?

My son wants everything and my daughter runs around like a tornado throwing every toy on the floor. I try to keep up as I squat and retrieve all of the stuffed hippos, plastic frogs and monkey backpacks. It's tiring just thinking about it. But I promise, it is worth it! Ha. We really do have fun.

So after a long zoo day, this mama needs zoodles! Seriously! I don't have the energy to prep and cook a gourmet meal... so I turn to my favorite quick, healthy, gourmet-enough zoodle dish. All it takes is a zucchini, some marinara and whatever else you want to toss in. 

To make the zoodles - there are a couple options. You can get a fancy spiralizer which I have and love. Or you can get the simple... and less expensive... hand-held Veggetti Spiral Vegetable Slicer (I also have this).

For zucchini noodles, I typically use the veggetti. It's fast and less clean up. I do love my spiralizer, though, for sweet potatoe noodles, apple chips, French fries, etc. Either way, I use one zucchini per person.

Once they're spun into zoodles, simply steam or take the total slacker route (my favorite) and just pour the sauce on and microwave for 1-2 minutes. You can eat it just like that with a little mozzarella ... and dinner is served in under 5 minutes. 

For me, I like a little more oomph - protein. I usually brown some ground beef to pile on or slice up an all-natural chicken sausage to sauté. Both options only take 5-12 extra minutes. 

So mama, you've earned it! Take a night off from slaving in the kitchen. Ditch the elaborate Peppercorn Encrusted Filet Mignon with Balsamic Reduction ... and do the zoodle. That sounds down right fancy pants to me!

Little miss styled in our Palms Joggers (coming soon) and little man styled in our You + Me tee HERE.

- Elyse (make sure to follow Elyse on Instagram HERE)