Deny the Fried Foods

Put the Fried Foods Down!

We’ve come a long way in our society regarding consumption of fried foods since the original Supersize Me documentary came out. We have certainly improved to where we are making much more healthy choices, especially when it comes to eating out. However, it can be difficult when you’re looking for a quick meal to keep away from fried foods, specifically fried potatoes. In an article recently posted at Medical News Today, there is new evidence that eating fried potatoes weekly can almost double your risk of an early death. The article can be somewhat confusing where it appears at first glance that you increase this risk by eating fries 2-3 times per week. This is not the case, it is 2-3 portions taken in weekly. This could even be your “cheat meal” once a week where you gobble down a double set of fries.

Fried potatoes in your house:

What we’re referring to doesn’t just mean going out to a restaurant for fried foods, but also in your pantry. Remember, fried potatoes also include potato chips along with fries. The potato as an unrefined vegetable can be perfectly healthy included in a regular diet, however it’s when we slather it up with ranch or treated as fried foods before consumption that really turns a vegetable into something more harmful to your health. Here’s a common list of fried foods and fried potatoes that end up consumed without even realizing it:

-French Fries

-Potato Chips

-Hash browns

-Potato Wedges

-Fried potato cakes

So what now?

Here’s your Goal: start small and replace one meal a week with an alternative to fried carbohydrates. For example: a small salad. Continue onward to where you are replacing more frequently the deep fried or carbohydrate rich food with a clean vegetable base. Below is a video with some helpful hints to get started. Remember, you’re not looking to make a complete 180 degree change, but a gradual slow improvement. This can even mean replacing that bag of potato chips you have for lunch with a tortilla salad (salad with sprinkled tortilla chips. Sure it’s not perfect, but it’s about 90% better than those French fries you were eyeing.

Foods that make snacking or meals easier to get crispy vegetables:

Here’s a quick list of some eat to make (or buy) snacks that will replace your desire for some crunchy fried foods. These can be good when you have the urge to grab a bag of potato chips, or sit down to a big plate of French fries. Remember, it’s all about the 90/10 rule; occasionally you will fail just make sure it’s not an epic fail!

-Carrot sticks

-Celery sticks

-Ants on a log with sesame seed butter and raisins

-Brussels sprouts baked with coconut oil

-Grilled broccoli

-Grilled cauliflower

-Kale chips

-Edamame

-Over-baked crispy asparagus

 

If you ever want more information regarding helpful diet hints, please schedule an appointment by calling our friendly staff at 503-206-4620. Our Tigard clinic is open all weekdays except Thursday, and are open late into the evening. We have more helpful health information and tips at our Facebook page. Our blog also has many good articles we’ve written regarding many health topics, which you can access by clicking here. Learn about Tension Headaches here. 

Regardless: hang in there! Easing away from fried foods and changing your diet is a set of gradually steps. And even though you may fall down here and there and indulge in a plate of fries, you’re still going to make progress as long as you keep your goals in front of you. Even the failures still result in a 3 steps forward, 1 step back. And that’s how you reach the finish line of health!