The majority of us are aware that those French fries, potato chips and cheese filled potato skins are not the healthiest options for snacks or sides to a meal. Unfortunately, not everyone knows that mashed potatoes, baked potato or any other form of potato you might enjoy causes weight gain in most individuals.
A study from Harvard University pointed to the American staples of meat and potatoes as one of the main reasons America faces an obesity epidemic. Potatoes are high in calories and high in starches, resulting in greater weight gain in those who eat a potato rich diet when compared to those who rarely eat potatoes.
Substituting vegetables or fruits for those potato chips, French fries, mashed potatoes or baked potatoes is easier than you might think and can help you reach your personal weight loss goals faster than expected.
Breakfast Substitution:For those with a habit of eating fried potatoes or hash browns with breakfast, try changing out that potato for some type of squash. Squash has fewer calories and adds a little bit of sweet to the flavor.
Making hash browns with squash requires about 1 cup of squash, ½ cup of finely grated onion, one egg and some salt and pepper. Mix up the ingredients and then add some canola oil to a pan. Heat up the oil and drop in the mixture. Cook it about one minute or until browned and then turn it over to cook the other side.
Snack Alternative: For those with a penchant for eating fattening potato chips as a snack, finding something to replace those chips is always something of a challenge. Fortunately, making chips from any other root vegetable is simple and tasty.
Cut up any preferred root vegetable, such as radish, turnips, parsnips or swede into thin slices. Sprinkle with salt and olive oil and then put it in the oven on a high temperature of about 350 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. When the “chips†are dried out and crispy, remove them and let them cool. It usually takes about 30 to 40 minutes.
Lunch and Dinner Alternative: Lunch and dinner often use similar potato options such as French fries, baked potato or mashed potato. As an alternative to any of those options, substitute steamed broccoli, cauliflower or a combination of both vegetables. The steamed vegetables are particularly tasty with a small amount of added butter to the top and a little pepper.
As a dinner alternative to mashed potatoes, boil some cauliflower until it softens. Add the cauliflower, a little skim milk, salt, a touch of butter and pepper to a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth. This alternative to potatoes has fewer calories and tastes similar. For an added touch of flavor, boil some mushrooms and blend with the cauliflower.
Enjoy your snacks and meals without potatoes. You’ll lose weight and the added vegetables will make you feel healthier.
