Potatoes: five ways to achieve healthy spud heaven
No matter how much people preach about potatoes being packed with nasty carbohydrates, it’s impossible to stay away from them for too long. They’re a British favourite and are often found adorning plates up and down the country at dinner time.
However, the potato isn’t as bad as people make out. Thanks to high levels of vitamin C, potassium and fibre, potatoes can play a major part in any healthy eating plan.
One of the other main reasons we love potatoes is versatility. Just about any dish goes with some form of potatoes, although everyone has their own preferred choice. With that in mind, here are five ways to make the most of this tasty tuber.
Baked
Jacket spuds are a classic lunchtime snack or main meal accompaniment. They can be lathered with a low-fat spread or butter, filled with a delicious topping or eaten plain as an accompaniment to salads or other dishes. Also known as a baked potato; they can be baked entirely in the oven, heated in the microwave or even bought pre-prepared so they’re ready in minutes.
Chipped
The thought of munching on chips whilst on a healthy-living plan might be enough to send your tummy into overdrive – but it is possible. Instead of heading to a burger joint for your fries fix, get some McCain chunky home cut chips in the oven for a much healthier side dish that’s still packed with flavour. Season with salt sparingly or go without to truly appreciate the taste.
Mashed
There is a big difference between mashed and creamed potatoes. If you want these tatties to be kind to your hips, you’ll need to forgo the butter, cream and salt. Instead, add a drop of milk and some low-fat spread to your potatoes and then pass them through a ricer for ultra-smooth mash.
Roasted
The defining point of Sunday dinner, the roast potato is a healthy-living plan’s worst nightmare. The crispy outer shell and fluffy inner potato is achieved by loading them with goose fat but you can get something similar by roasting your potatoes (skin-on) with a load of veggies in some olive oil. Frozen roast potatoes are also a good alternative as you can get crispy perfection without all the fat.
Gratin
Perhaps the unhealthiest dish of them all, potato gratin is typically loaded with a creamy cheese sauce and topped with breadcrumbs. Devour this comfort food without feeling guilty by replacing cream with milk and grilling the breadcrumbs, rather than waiting for the cheese to crisp in the oven.
