Summer is here, and with it comes the desire to shed those extra pounds we gained during the winter months.
But who says you have to give up your favorite comfort foods like mashed potatoes? Not us! In this article, we’ll show you how to create delicious and healthy summer slimdown mashed potato ideas that’ll keep you satisfied while you’re working towards your weight loss goals.
The Power of Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are a staple comfort food that can be enjoyed year-round.
However, when trying to lose weight, it’s essential to make some adjustments to keep your diet in check.
The good news is that mashed potatoes can be a great base for a healthy meal if you make a few simple tweaks.
The Skinny on Potatoes
Before we dive into the recipes, let’s talk about potatoes themselves.
Potatoes are a nutrient-rich food that provides fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
They’re also relatively low in calories, making them an excellent addition to your diet.
However, when cooked with butter, cream, and cheese, they can quickly become calorie-dense.
Lighten Up Your Mashed Potatoes
So, how can you enjoy mashed potatoes without sacrificing flavor or weight loss progress? Here are some tips to get you started:
Use Greek yogurt or cottage cheese instead of sour cream or mayonnaise.
Opt for olive oil or avocado oil instead of butter.
Add in some roasted garlic or herbs for extra flavor.
Try using cauliflower or zucchini instead of some of the potato for added nutrients.
5 Summer Slimdown Mashed Potato Recipes
Here are five summer slimdown mashed potato recipes that are perfect for your weight loss journey:
Garlic and Herb Mashed Potatoes
2 large potatoes, peeled and chopped
1/4 cup Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Salt and pepper to taste
Boil the potatoes until tender, then mash with Greek yogurt, olive oil, garlic, and parsley.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cauliflower and Cheddar Mashed Potatoes
1 head cauliflower, broken into florets
1 large potato, peeled and chopped
1/4 cup reduced-fat cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Steam the cauliflower until tender, then mash with the cooked potato, cheese, and olive oil.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Zucchini and Feta Mashed Potatoes
1 medium zucchini, chopped
1 large potato, peeled and chopped
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Boil the potatoes until tender, then mash with zucchini, feta cheese, and olive oil.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
2 large potatoes, peeled and chopped
2 cloves garlic, roasted (see note)
1/4 cup Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Boil the potatoes until tender, then mash with roasted garlic, Greek yogurt, and olive oil.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Note: To roast garlic, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the garlic cloves on a piece of aluminum foil, drizzle with olive oil, and fold the foil into a packet.
Roast for 30-40 minutes or until the garlic is soft and caramelized.
Spicy Southwestern Mashed Potatoes
2 large potatoes, peeled and chopped
1/4 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
1/4 cup reduced-fat sour cream
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
Boil the potatoes until tender, then mash with black beans, sour cream, olive oil, cumin, salt, and pepper.
Conclusion
There you have it – five delicious summer slimdown mashed potato recipes that are perfect for your weight loss journey.
By making a few simple tweaks to traditional mashed potato recipes, you can enjoy this comfort food while still keeping your diet in check.
Remember to use Greek yogurt or cottage cheese instead of sour cream or mayonnaise, opt for olive oil or avocado oil instead of butter, and add in some roasted garlic or herbs for extra flavor.
FAQs
Q: Can I use other types of milk instead of Greek yogurt?
A: Yes! You can substitute Greek yogurt with other types of milk such as almond milk or soy milk.
Just keep in mind that they may change the flavor and texture of the dish slightly.
Q: Can I add other spices or herbs to my mashed potatoes?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with different spices and herbs like paprika, thyme, or rosemary.
Just remember to taste as you go and adjust the seasoning accordingly.
Q: Can I make these recipes ahead of time?
A: Yes! Most of these recipes can be made ahead of time except for the roasted garlic recipe.
Simply store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator overnight or freeze for up to three months.
Q: Are these recipes suitable for vegetarians?
A: Most of these recipes are vegetarian-friendly except for the recipe that includes feta cheese.
You can substitute it with vegan feta cheese or omit it altogether if you prefer.
Q: Can I serve these recipes as a side dish or main course?
A: Both! These recipes can be served as a side dish or as a main course depending on your preference.
You can also get creative and add some protein like grilled chicken or salmon on top for added nutrition.