Are you considering trying a Paleo diet? Already started? If so, it’s important to understand root veggies and why they’re needed in this type of diet. Because the Paleo diet removes all grains, it’s important to have some healthy carbohydrates thrown in the mix. Many people believe that Paleo is a low-carb diet. However, that is not true. Read more below. If you’re searching for a new fitness coach in Raleigh NC, please call us at CrossFit Invoke today. We can help you lose weight and get fit.
Root veggies are starchy, complex carbohydrates that are needed for a good intake of minerals and vitamins. Below, you will find several of the most used root veggies in Paleo style eating. Sweet potatoes are the most common popular way to get carbohydrates into a Paleo lifestyle. However, sometimes they can get boring. Don’t assume that sweet potatoes are the only starchy carbs you can have on your quest to eat healthier and more natural.
Taro root is a tuber-like starch that originated as a food stable in South Indian, African and Oceanic cultures. It’s even considered to be one of the oldest cultivated plants on earth. This veggie is almost completely made up of carbohydrates but it’s very high in fiber, vitamin D and B6. It’s also high in magnesium. Consider steaming the veggie, baking it or throwing it into a stew much like you would a white potato or sweet potato.
Yucca, also known as cassava, tapioca, or Brazilian arrow root, is a tuberous root that is high in starch and native to South America. It is drought resistant and a staple in diets all over the world. It’s also important to incorporate this into a Paleo diet, as well. This root is very starchy, in fact, it has twice as many carbohydrates as a regular white potato. Because of this, it is great as a potato substitute. It can even taste like french fries when prepared properly. Consider baking them into oven fries, fry them, cut them up in oil or mash them into mashed potato-like side dishes.
Plantains are found in most grocery stores. They look like large bananas and can sometimes be green or brown and black. How ripe they are will determine the best way for you to use them. For example, overripe plantains will be used for baking. Green ones make the best chips. They are high in carbs and less sweet than a banana. Rarely will you eat a plantain without cooking it first. Whether you slice them up and break them into chips, use them for baking, or use them as a substitute for mashed potatoes, you will find that plantains are great, no matter how you use them. Because they’re high in carbs and versatile, you can use them for pancakes, waffles, lasagna and crackers. You won’t be sorry you tried this delicious, easy to use root veggie.
If you’re having fun learning more about root vegetables you can try within your Paleo diet, be sure to visit back for our next blog post. There you will find even more information!
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