The potato, part I: Are potatoes paleo? (with baked potato recipes)

They have gotten a rather bad reputation over the years (They are too high in carbohydrate, they are reported to have no nutritional value, they will make you gain weight, etc). People who, like me, stick to a paleo (or paleoish) diet, are divided on this subject. Some completely avoid potatoes, in favour of sweet potatoes. Some use them sparingly, (only after a workout or during particularly active days, because of the high energy density), and some love them. Most people tend to associate them with junk food (fries, chips, etc), but it all depends on how you treat them.

Personally, I treat them with love, just like all of my food. I just read an immensely interesting article about them. It perfectly explains why people would think potatoes are bad for you, and why they are, in fact, not at all bad for you. I won’t bore you with the details, since I wouldn't be able to explain as well as the original author. Me, I’m just glad that I don’t need to deprive myself of my dearly beloved potato. I never did think they were a tool of the devil. I rolled into paleo eating through the Whole30, which allows potatoes, but does warn you to not let potatoes take the place of your other veggies. I sort of stuck with this approach and it works great for me. I treat potatoes like I treat any other veggie, and I try to get as much variety as I can in my menu. I just love how versatile they are.

Also, I’m half German, and we are genetically programmed to love our taters. My Dad will definitely corroborate this statement. Wir lieben unsere Kartoffeln. How can we not? In this series, I’d love to share some of my favourite recipes with you, and maybe you’ll find a place in your heart for them too. :-)