Alternatives to Potatoes ?

Potatoes are a healthy part of any diet, so long as you don’t use them to bulk up your meal.  As I have said before, I am not following a specific diet, it’s a case of reducing your portion sizes and this goes for the amount of potatoes you eat.  So for example, instead of eating potatoes with every meal, I have been eating alternatives, such as cous cous, rice, noodles, pasta and spaghetti.  I’ve also eaten sweet potatoes, which are less of a carbohydrate than normal potatoes, such as maris pipers and they also taste absolutely amazing. 

Other alternatives to potatoes that I haven’t yet tried are butternut squash and turnip.  Although I must admit to enjoying butternut squash soup and roasted butternut squash with a good roast dinner.  I can’t say that I have specifically thought of replacing potatoes with butternut squash, although I am happy to give it a go. 

I’ll look to try over the next few weeks and report back on my opinion.

To summarise, potatoes are a healthy part of any diet, so long as you eat a balanced meal.  Don’t fill your plate with potatoes.  Make sure that you have enough vegetables and meat.  After all it is about portion size and this is where you should concentrate your effort.  You’ll be surprised at how easy it is to cut down on the amount you eat and if you still crave a snack in the evening then cut up a raw carrott or eat a piece of fruit – these are far better alternatives to a packet of crisps or chocolate !

Special diet ?

I’ve decided not to follow a special diet, since I know that a lot of people tend to cut out all carbohydrates, such as potatoes, bread etc.  In fact a number of people start the Atkins Diet – although this is not for me !

In terms of diet, I have made a real effort in terms of making sure that I start the day with a good breakfast.  There used to be a time when I would not eat breakfast at all.  Although I now understand that it is better to start the day with breakfast, ideally something that is a slow release food – such as porridge.  By having breakfast you are making sure that your metabolism gets a good kick start in the morning and the slow release food makes sure that you don’t get hungry until lunchtime.  So my regular breakfast these days is a good bowl of porridge.

As for lunch I tend to have a sandwich on brown bread, with a good amount of salad and mayonnaise on the bread instead of butter.  I have swapped the packet of crisps for some fruit, such as a pear an apple or a banana.  Depending on whether I still feel hungry or not, i’ll then have a low fat yoghurt.

As for my evening meal, i’ve cut down on the amount of potatoes I eat and started to eat alternates, such as rice, noodles or cous cous.  Oh and i’ve substituted the potatoes for more vegetables.  No longer have a pudding unless I feel particularly hungry, in which case I tend to have some fruit.

Finally, I no longer eat when I feel hungry.  I will get myself a glass of water instead, since i’ve tended to find that I am generally thirsty rather than hungry.  It’s also amazing how much better you feel by drinking more water.

So, as you can see I have made minor changes to my diet, as well as cutting down on the portion sizes / amount I eat.  That’s about it, no special diets and no help from Dr Atkins !!