Potatoes are yummy and satisfying prepared in many ways but the typical American loves French fries! Their warm, salty, fatty tastiness can’t be beat. Some of us eat French fries on an almost daily basis. We say we won’t but there are just too many busy days when the fast food option is too convenient to pass up. And of course the fries at that famous place with those yellow arches are SO tempting. You can smell them as you drive up the block (I swear they must blow the scent of French fries through the neighborhood knowing our mouths will begin to water like Pavlov’s dogs). But we are not dogs but thinking creatures who know that all that fat and salt cannot be good for us. So what do we do when we’ve got a fry addiction? Here are some ideas and some alternatives to French fries.
1. Eat regular meals: It’s when we are hungry that our defenses are down and we give in to temptation. Make sure your stomach is not growling at you and it will be much easier to just say no.
2. Do something else such as taking a walk instead of watching television. Watching TV increases our cravings for fatty snacks. Couch and potatoes is not a good match.
3. If you do give in, order the small fries don’t super-size. Then order a grilled chicken sandwich or a salad to go with them.
4. Try getting an order of fries for your family to share when you go out to eat instead of everyone ordering them as their side dish. Everything in moderation!
5. There are many varieties of frozen French fries available in the freezer section of most grocery stores. They are usually pretty good but choose to bake them instead of deep frying.
6. Don’t think you have to give up this lovely version of potato goodness all together. If you eat out a lot and automatically add fries to every burger or sandwich just start thinking about it more and maybe every other time order a salad instead.
Yummy Healthier Alternative to French Fried Potatoes
Two large yams peeled and sliced into thin strips
2 Tablespoons canola oil
½ teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon sea salt
1. Preheat oven to 450’F
2. Combine the yams, oil, chili powder, garlic powder and ground cumin in a bowl and toss well. Lay the yam slices in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 25 minutes. Halfway through the baking turn the yams slices over and then continue baking. Remove from oven, place on a paper towel and sprinkle them with salt. Serve and enjoy!
Makes 4 servings.
