Potatoes are starchy carbohydrates that give you extra energy as well as fiber and potassium. Potatoes can be good for you as long as they are cooked right and eaten in the right proportions. Many kids today eat too little of other types of vegetables. Instead they opt for starchy carbohydrates like potatoes.
If you want your kids to get the maximum amount of nutrients from potatoes don’t fry them. Instead boil or steam them. Frying is not healthy because it causes oil to be soaked up. One French fry is estimated to contain around 3 tsp of oil. Aside from this the salt that is added to fries can predispose you to high blood pressure.
A regular sized potato has 43 g of carbohydrates which is equivalent to 150 calories. For those who are watching their weight, eating too much can lead to weight gain. This is why dieticians often advice their clients that if they want to lose weight, hold back on the potatoes.
Again potatoes are not necessarily harmful. It depends on how you cook it and how much you consume on a daily basis. To keep your potatoes healthy try some of these ideas:
- Boil your potatoes instead of frying. Boiled potatoes are healthier since you don’t use oil in boiling. To make it more palatable add broccoli and top it with cheese. Cheese is a good alternative to salt since it give your dish that salty taste but is still healthy.
- Add potato wedges in stews and soups. This can complement other vegetables in the dish and make your soup dish more delicious.
- Use low fat butter and cream when making mashed potatoes. Most people love mashed potatoes. They go perfectly with steak. However the butter and cream used to cook it are what makes it high in fat and unhealthy. If you really love mashed potatoes make it less sinful by using butter and cream that is low in fat. This way you will still be able to enjoy your favorite dish, minus the guilt.
For those who want to lose weight, eating potatoes may not be the best option. However, a small portion could just be enough to satisfy one’s craving. Living healthy need not be hard. A balanced meal is always your best bet when planning your diet menu. Try eating your meal in a relaxed environment and you’ll feel more satisfied. No worries, no pressure… just a nice, quiet time to enjoy your food. Adding a flower arrangement to lighten up the mood, or a water feature perhaps, like bamboo fountains, a feng shui fountain, or a mist fountain will help achieve your desired ambiance.
