Don't Eat Those Fries

Don’t eat those fries, by Chris Freytag



Everybody loves all-American french fries, but the kind we love are not always the healthiest choice! It my be easy to order that side of fries when you are eating out or take some fries to go at your favorite fast food restaurant when you are getting something for your kids, but if you want to control your weight you probably want to think again. A medium fries at McDonald’s is 390 calories, which may not seem “soooo” bad, but it’s 19 g of fat. And Burger King has 480 calories and 23 g of fat in a medium order of fries!

Don’t get me wrong…I am not totally shunning french fries. I am part of that crowd that occasionally gets a craving for some savory fries. And honestly, fries seem to go so well with a lot of the things we are all grilling this summer…think burgers, shish-kabobs, BBQ chicken, etc. But, I have a great answer for you. As an alternative, TRY my homemade fries! They are delicious, will kill that craving and potatoes actually have nutritious value to them! They are perfect for a side dish for anything you are making this summer and I sometimes do them on the grill.

Here’s the recipe (It’s easy!)

Ingredients:
* Potatoes - (depending on how many you are feeding - about a half to whole per person)
* Extra-virgin olive oil or canola oil, Sea salt & black pepper
** optional spice ideas: cinnamon, cumin or curry powder

Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Wash potatoes and cut into long slices or wedges. (I keep the skin on).
Brush with olive oil, and shake on salt, and desired spices on both sides.
Bake on baking sheet until brown and crispy, about 40 minutes, flip them over once or twice.

As an alternative, grill on non-stick tin-foil.

And, if you are feeling more adventurous, try sweet potato fries. These are my favorite. You’ll get an added boost of beta-carotene and they are absolutely delicious!