Potatoes. A paleo food?

So, let's talk about this. Paleo people all over the world tend to disagree on this subject, but let's look at some of the reasons why.

1. Potatoes are packed with carbs.
   While that is undoubtedly true, it's but necessarily a reason not too eat them. In fact, for people who need a lot of calories (like nursing mothers, or athletes), they can really help sustain the body's energy levels. I don't have kids, and I'm not an athlete, which is why I try to limit the use of potatoes to those days when I'll be very active.
   The real problem with carbs though, is often nor the carbs themselves, but the antinutrients that often come along for the ride, as is the case with grains and legumes. Potatoes, however, are not inflammatory, so here, my conclusion would be that potatoes can be a part of a varied paleo diet. Don't let potatoes replace the other veggies on your plate, but let them be a part of your veggie rotation every now and then.

2. Potatoes don't have a lot of nutrients.
   This is the reason many people prefer sweet potatoes over white potatoes. It's actuary not true. When comparing the two, it turns out they're pretty similar.
   Potatoes are actually full of vitamin B6 and C, as well as potassium and manganese.

3. Potatoes have a rather high glycemic index.
   This is a good reason to pair potatoes with a vegetable with a lower GI to balance out your meal. When recovering from an exertion, a higher GI is actually a good thing. A quick baked potato with some protein makes a great post workout recovery meal.

4. Potatoes are a part of the nightshade family.
   True. For those of us with an auto immune illness, chronic joint pains or leaky gut syndrome, it may be a good idea to stay away from potatoes. However, this does not mean that they are a bad idea for everyone.

Now, I'm half German. That means that genetically, I'm predestined to love potatoes. That doesn't mean everyone has to agree with me.

There is no such thing as a perfect, one size fits all eating plan. When eating potatoes, evaluate your body's reaction, and if they don't affect you in a negative way, then by all means, include them in your menu rotation. They are so versatile, and easy to use, it would be a shame not to.

I'd love to share with you my German grandma's recipe for Bavarian potato salad. It's one of my favourite potato recipes, and it takes me on a trip down memory lane every single time I make it. It's also perfectly portable, and paired with hard boiled egg for protein, it can be turned into a complete lunch, as it is loaded with low carb veggies as well.

So this is what you do:

• Scrub and boil 5 starchy potatoes. I prefer peeling them afterwards but this is personal preference. Drain them and set them aside to cool down.

• Combine 2 finely chopped red onions, 1 finely chopped sweet apple (you could grate it but that means you don't get those lovely crispy apple bits, again, personal preference), 2 cubed tomatoes, 5 finely chopped, sugar free pickles.

• When the potatoes have cooled down, peel peel and cut into bite sized chunks, and add them to the other ingredients.

• Dress with fresh paleo mayo. Making your mayo with white balsamic seems to give it a hint of sweetness, the way the Germans like their mayo, so that is what I do. But any mayo recipe works, really.

• Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper (always taste first), and that's it. You're done!

Enjoy!

Sources:
https://www.fitnessmagazine.com/weight-loss/eating/are-potatoes-healthy/
http://edition.cnn.com/2017/05/12/health/potato-healthy-food-drayer/index.html
http://www.prevention.com/food/nutrition-myths-about-healthy-fruits-and-veggies
https://paleoleap.com/are-white-potatoes-paleo/