Replace An American Staple

Any guesses what the staple is? Well, to give you a hint... it is a common vegetable that is seen typically fried or instant something or another. Wait, instant stuff isn't usually made from real ingredients, well at least not this particular food. 

Any guesses? Oh, one more hint. Congress recently said it was an acceptable (and widely pushed) vegetable at school lunches. (Ketchup too because it is made from tomatoes. How about the kind without HFCS for starters - that could help.) Gee. 

But, before we go any further. I'm not attacking the food because when we eat a variety of vegetables (and fruit) every day, this food a.k.a american staple is okay for consumption. However, it becomes problematic when it is eaten every day and especially when it's no longer considered "closest to nature." 

Like the FLOTUS said (paraphrased) recently in May, "There's nothing wrong with said food, but school lunches and WIC participants already get enough of them as it is." As you have come to know on my blog and in my health coaching business, I focus on eating the [real] rainbow. Real Rainbow = fruits and vegetables, closest to nature, a variety, and lots of them a day! Check this. 

I know you've already guessed what it is... right? In case you're still wondering: It's potatoes! More on this hot potato topic: here. If you like potatoes, you may be interested in these 3 dishes: purple potatoes, buttery sage potatoes, and herb fries. Again, if potatoes are your only source of vegetables, it's time to diversify! Raises hand: "I've got a suggestion!!"

Plantains make an excellent substitute for potatoes. I am going to share my two recipes next!