Blog & Food Journal
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The Potato debate, are they good or bad?
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- 8/7/2010 6:55:46 AM
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Are Potatoes good or bad?
This is a question I had when I changed to a whole foods plant based diet. I have always assumed that the bad out weighed the good and in general we should stay away. I always felt indulgent when I ate them, almost like they were a special treat that should only come out every once and a while. I was talking with Veteran Mommy about potatoes some time last year and was surprised to find out how often her family ate baked potatoes. I was thrilled to start eating them more often with less guilt! I love a good baked potato topped with sauteed onions, mushrooms and peppers, with a little avocado.. ooh my mouth is watering just thinking about it!
The other day I had some friends over, we were talking about health and nutrition (people that don't eat the same I do) and we were just having some left over Potato Medley. One commented on how too much potatoes is never healthy. I said too much of anything could be un-healthy but potatoes are good for you. She went on to say that they are too high in carbs.... and...... well that's all she could give me.
Potatoes have bad reputation from of all the low-carb diets out there because they are high in carbs and lower in protein. However, that doesn't mean all potatoes are bad for you. For obvious reasons, french fries isn't the best choice. But I laugh to think back several years ago when I would make my kids finish just one more bite of their "nutritious hamburger or chicken nuggets" before having their french fries.... blech. I should've let them go with their instincts, I'd take a fried veggie over any animal product these days:)
Also a baked potato contains ZERO fat or cholesterol on its own, its when we add the butter, sour cream,bacon bits, chili..... etc that we mess up the potato.
Good points
- No saturated fat
- No cholesterol
- Very low in sodium
- High in potassium
- High in vitamin B6
- High in vitamin C
Nutrition Facts Serving SizeAmount Per ServingCalories278Calories from Fat3% Daily Value*Total Fat0g1%Saturated Fat0g1%Polyunsaturated Fat0gMonounsaturated Fat0gCholesterol0mg0%Sodium30mg1%Total Carbohydrates63.2g21%Dietary Fiber6.6g26%Sugars3.5gProtein7.5gVitamin A 1% • Vitamin C 48% Calcium 4% • Iron 18% * Based on a 2000 calorie dietHealthy ideas to enjoy a potato: *Always baked*
Kale hashbrowns has to be favorite of mine!
And of course, another favorite of mine, a baked potato topped with sauteed onions, mushrooms, and peppers, and avocado.
Please share of your favorite potatoes recipes with us.
- Whole Food Mommies
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PROFILE
I am a mom of four young girls. I love to run and be active. In March of 2007 I tested positive for BRCA1, a known breast and ovarian cancer causing gene. I met with genetic counselors and was given the advice to have an elective mastectomy and oophorectomy to ensure my health. I knew that was the only way. We decided to have one more baby before the surgeries. We had twin girls in October 2008. I had many sleepless nights just waiting and wondering when the cancer would strike. In May 2009, after reading about a whole foods-plant based diet, ("The China Study", and "Eat to Live"). I decided I will not have the elective surgeries. I will use nutrition as my drug of choice. It's empowering to have this knowledge, and to be in charge of my family's health! I am so excited to learn more and share with you!