Okay, I am back on the grind to losing about 20 pounds between now & Jan 1, 2009. One way that I plan on doing that is getting back to COOKING. Since I moved a couple of years ago, I admit, I’ve been so intent on freelance writing + completing my novels and degree, that i’ve grabbed food on the go. AACK!
Plus eating healthy can BE expensive, especially with the types of food that I like to try. I realized, I’m getting older, my body doesn’t bounce back the way it used to AND I’m not nearly as active as I used to be especially with a DESK job. So ono top of outdoor activities, I bought my slim in 6 DVD. I LOVE this DVD and it works (if you stick with it, no joke). When I tried it out, the first 2 weeks (didn’t change my eating habits) I lost 5 inches and I wasn’t as disciplined with the workouts. So now I will be.
I will also (for social interaction) get back into my zumba classes. IT’S FUN and exhilerating but you know it works your thighs and it’s 45 minutes of non-stop cardio work with latin & hip hop moves. AACK!
So if I eat food sensibly, in moderatioin and substitute some of hte FOOD I CRAVE with healthier versions. I’m hoping to accomplish that goal.
One of my weaknesses is POTATOES! I swear from BAKED to FRIED to MASHED I LOVE THEM. And even though Potatoes have a Vitamin C, potassium and b6 among other vitamins and minerals and helps with colon cancer, glucose tolerance + helps with insulin sensitivity. You see, potatoes are GREAT after all!
However, potatoes also have a 26 gram carb count which most of this carb is ‘resistant’ starch. (YIKES) and it’s fiber is only 2 grams (with skin). We know that carbs break down into sugar and are MUCH needed in the health benefits of the human body, BUT too many ‘bad’ carbs and you’re working with ‘weight’ gain down the road. I’m not going to get TOO TECHNICAL here as I’m not a nutrionist nor fitness expert, so please do your own research on the ACTUAL pros & cons on potatoes and carbs.
Anyway, I had to find creative ways to EAT my tatoes in a healthier way. Don’t get me wrong, I still eat my white potatoes on special occassions and when I just want to live it up with the texture and tastes, BUT on a regular basis this is what I’ve been doing.
BAKED: Baked SWEET potato : So odd since I’m not a lover of ‘candied yams’ but for some reason I love a BAKED SWEET POTATO. Dress it up the way you would a normal potato and WHALLAH!
FRIES- SWEET Potato FRENCH FRIEDS (BAKED). I haven’t MASTERED the crispy crunch aspect of it yet, but so far the taste is OfF THE CHAIN. You can also use the regular potato in the BAKED version if you just have to have it, instead of deep frying them.
MASHED; Mashed cauliflower is a GREAT substitution! I tried it last night and you know, I have a NEW Favorite VEGETABLE.
If you surf the net you’ll find TONS of recipes on each of these. Find the ones that take the less ingredients BUT have the better ingredient replacement and substitution. For example using low fat or non-fat soy milk instead of regular milk, tofu, chicken bullion cubes/ power (for taste), and you can add all the types of ‘extras’ you like but keep in mind the calorie count depends on the ‘EXTRAS’ you use.
Not to mention cauliflower has potassium, fiber + protein! If that doesn’t at least make you want to give it a try how about this—-
Cauliflower is lighter to CARRY + .no peeling, not hard to cut, quick to boil (ready in minutes). 
If you’ve got other ways to cook potatoes or substitute them please post your comment!
Happy cooking.
kd
Filed under: Fitness & Health | Tagged: baked fries, baked sweet potato, biking, cauliflower, cycling, healthy cooking, idaho potato, kayaking, mashed cauliflower, mashed potatoes, potato, slim in 6, sweet potato, zumba dallas
