Ok, so I have to admit that my brother and sister had a good laugh at my expense last night, when I suggested that perhaps the Whole 30 website had been hacked. How else could I explain that, all of the sudden, on the website white potatoes are now allowed on the program? But, it is true! They announced it today! White, fingerling, yukon, purple, baby, sweet potatoes, and yams are now all allowed on the Whole 30 program. This comes at an interesting time for me, as I am currently right in the middle of a Whole 30. One of the reasons that I LOVE the this program is that an explanation is always provided as to why or why not you may have certain foods. Here is what they had to say about the subject…totally makes sense to me! (And, I am looking forward to occasionally enjoying red potatoes at dinner with salt, pepper, rosemary and ghee…yum!)
- “We changed the official Whole30 rules to include all varieties of potatoes—white, red, Yukon gold, purple, fingerling, baby, sweet potatoes, yams, etc. Feel free to boil, bake, roast, pan-fry, grill, microwave, or steam them, but no commercially prepared or deep-fried potato chips or French fries. (That’s completely against the spirit of the Whole30.)”
- “Tip: White potatoes pack a whole lot of energy into a relatively small package. If you’re overweight, insulin-resistant or otherwise metabolically challenged, and not very active, you don’t need a lot of extra energy on your daily plate. If this is your context, use white potatoes sparingly in your Whole30 meal plan, if at all. Plus, if you eat mashed potatoes with every dinner, you’ll miss out on a world of colorful, nutrient-dense vegetables to explore. Bust out of your potato rut and discover a newfound love of Brussels sprouts, asparagus, or kale!”
So, there you have it! Of course, it is not going to be a potato chip and french fry free-for-all! They have included precautions/suggestions for different needs. Personally, I love sweet potatoes, and don’t see myself increasing my consumption of regular potatoes that much. But, it is nice to have the option! I am excited about this change and looking forward to whatever else they have planned for their big Official Whole 30 starting on August 1. I may just have to extend mine to get in on the fun! When they do an “official Whole 30” they post more (than usual) recipes, ideas, and motivation. Click on these links for the explanations straight from the source:
(1.) The official “Can I Have” Whole 30 guidelines (2.) Explaining addition of potatoes to the Whole 30
So, I have mixed feelings about this new change. I think I feel like you in the case that I will still try to avoid white potatoes and we shall see what else shall come on August 1st.
Hi Valerie! I have mixed feelings about it too. I am doing ok without them right now, so not sure if I will add any in for this Whole 30 or not. But it IS nice to have the option:-)
Are red-skinned potatoes (white interior) the same as “white potatoes”? Thanks!
Hi Zoe! Sorry for the delayed response! Yes, red skinned potatoes would be considered White Potatoes for Whole30 purposes:-)
Prior to this summer, you could only have sweet potatoes/yams on the plan…
Very interested in starting this new way to eat and your recipes.
The Whole30 is a fantastic reset! I recommend reading the Whole30 book and/or website for the full details on the program…wishing you all the best!