Everybody loves french fries but most people know that they aren't the best for them. 

Done traditionally, the potatoes are put in vegetable oil at high heat. These oils have been highly oxidized and damaged by the heat causing the fats to become volatile. When consumed, they lead to systemic inflammation and can trigger allergic reactions. 

On top of that, potatoes aren't the most nutritious food. Yes they do have some beneficial minerals, including potassium, but the are also very high glycemic, meaning they spike blood sugar. The blood sugar spike in combination with the consumption of damaged fats is a definite recipe for weight gain. 

Baked potato fries are better, as they are not steeped in damaged oil and are usually done at a lower heat for a longer time. These are also more likely to be done with heat stable oils, so you might avoid that issue. However, they're still high glycemic and can cause blood sugar spikes which will lead to crashes, lack of energy, more cravings and even hormonal disruptions throughout the body. 

"Ok. But I'm not giving up French Fries! Are you crazy?! They're so delicious!!!"

Agreed! There is a place for comfort foods, and if its gotta be potatoes, you do you, but I always suggest a way to UPGRADE! 

You've heard of the sweet potato fry, thats definitely an upgrade! The sweet potato delivers a heavier dose of nutrients like vitamin A, which helps with wound healing and supports healthy hair, skin and nails. Always bake them, because those ones you order in the restaurant are still fried in that same oil as your regular old potatoes. 

Sweet potatoes are an upgrade for sure. But they are still pretty high glycemic. So, my alternative to your, dear friends, is Mr. Rutabaga! 

Mr. Rutawhowhat?

RUTABAGA! Or as the rest of the world knows them, SWEDES!

Rutabaga is actually a hybrid between turnips and cabbage. That's gotta be good for you, right!?

RIGHT! As a part of the brassica family, this sweet, nutty, root vegetable is FULL of antioxidants and other cleansing properties! 

One cup of Rutabaga contains 53% of your daily vitamin C! Yea, who needs oranges, right?... still cool to eat oranges though guys.

They also contain a significant portion of iron, which is more easily absorbed when combined with all that vitamin C. It also boasts decent doses of minerals such as potassium, magnesium, calcium and phosphorus! SOLD!

Best of all, they have a MUCH lower glycemic load that both regular potato and sweet potato, so no blood sugar spike for you. HUZZAH! 

I'd call that a LEVEL UP, wouldn't you?

Here is my Spicy Rutabaga Fries recipe to get you started so you can test it out and see for yourself how you can get that yummy comforting french fry feeling, without the crash and cravings! 

Spicy Rutabaga Fries

INGREDIENTS

1 lb rutabaga

1/4 cup olive oil

Sea salt & pepper

1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional - this is what makes them spicy!)

DIRECTIONS

1) Peel rutabaga, and cut into match stick sized fries

3) Preheat oven to 435 degrees

4) Place rutabaga on a large baking sheet and toss with olive oil, sea salt, and pepper. If using, crumble the red pepper flakes over top. 

5) Place in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes until the edges start to brown

6) Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, and enjoy! 

There are always alternatives to those foods that give us trouble but taste so damn good. Eating healthy can be fun too! 

Let me know what you think of the recipe and what your favourite french fry faker is!

Cheers! 

Megan

THE REALISTIC HOLISTIC

If you make this recipe, don’t forget to take a pic and tag me on instagram @realistic.holistic and use #realisticholistic - show me how you’re incorporating real health into your real life!