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Starchy Veggies - Per Day / Qty


SassyinSTL

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So... a lot of the recipes and meal suggestions that I've been seeing contain starchy veg. I'm defining allowable starchy vegs as the following:

  • Parsnips
  • Potatoes
  • Pumpkin
  • Squash (all varieties)
  • Sweet potatoes
  • Yam
  • Zucchini

So i have a few questions:

1. Does Whole30 count these all as starchy or are there some that are okay every day vs some that are meant only when I'm active (30+ mins cardio, breaking a sweat that day)?

2. If i'm not active that day, does that mean no starchy veg of any kind?

3. If I am active that day, how many meals can have a starchy veg?

 

Part of the problem is that I don't like a lot of vegetables (don't even think about suggesting brussel sprouts - gah-ross!) and I'm looking to fill my plate with all that veg.  I think this is my weakest point in the whole program.

 

I think I'm doing it wrong so I want to confirm.  I know I'm feeling great, my clothes are looser on Day 9 (yay!) but I don't want my missteps to continue!  :P

 

Thanks!

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Mostly, we recommend everyone start with a fist-sized serving of starchy vegetable each day. People who are more active (whether that's through exercising or just being someone who is on their feet walking around all day or doing jobs that are physically demanding) may need more, as can people who are prone to depression or anxiety or women who are nursing, pregnant, or in the week or so leading up to their period.

 

Zucchini is not really starchy, nor is summer (or yellow or crookneck) squash. Winter squashes like butternut, acorn, or spaghetti squash are starchier.

 

Those vegetables that are starchy do still have different levels of carbs in them, so do pay attention to how you feel -- I know someone who can't eat sweet potato even in the context of Whole30 meals because it messes with her blood sugar, but can eat parsnips and beets and other starchy vegetables without problem. If you find you feel bad after eating some of them -- like, tired or sluggish -- then limit those a little more.

 

It is recommended that for people who are mostly sedentary, especially if they have weight to lose, that they don't eat as many starchy vegetables, but if Whole30 is much of a change from what you were eating, you may still see results, both weight-wise and in terms of feeling better, even if you eat a little more of them. Do keep trying new vegetables (even brussel sprouts -- they're really not gross, try them roasted with bacon) and trying to get more of your vegetables from non-starchy ones, but don't worry too much about it as long as you're not eating all potatoes all the time or something, and as long as you're feeling good.

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I'm not a mod so maybe they have different advice but I would think that a few extra starchy vegetables every day aren't going to hurt anything.  I eat at least one serving of starchy veggies every day no matter if I work out or not.  I basically consider them in my vegetable count and just look to get a variety of veggies each day, so somedays that means I'm eating a sweet potato and carrots with my dinner, other days are some yellow potatoes and a non-starchy veggie, etc.

 

I do not think zucchini is a starchy veggie though.

 

Also, have you considered preparing vegetables different ways?  I like most veggies so it's not bad for me to just toss a steamer bag in the microwave, but when I take the time to roast them... omg, delicious!! (even brussel sprouts with a little dip on the side, yum!)

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Winter squashes are starchy.... Zucchini and summer squashes aren't.

And I love brussel sprouts and honestly think most people would if they tried them prepared several ways. There's a (non w30) salad blend at Costco that has shaved raw brussel sprouts and I love it. I also love them roasted (currently my go to is avocado oil, garlic salt and chili powder) I also love roasted root veggies too, and broccoli and cauliflower... I roast pretty much everything in the cooler months. But sometimes someone else had to make them for me first before I liked them (a nice grocery store had samples of roasted brussel sprouts and I realized the over cooked steamed/boiled was what I had issues with. I love them roasted or grilled now.)

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Karen, whats in the Brussels Sprout salad blend thats non whole 30? Corn?

Sugar sweetened cranberries and the dressing (I love it when I'm not w30) I'd need to look at the ingredients again to be sure. It's my go to "I'm entertaining people and need a salad" from Costco

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