The Starch Solution : Can you say potatoes!
The Starch Solution Vegan
The Starch Solution is a plant-based, whole food diet that emphasizes the consumption of cooked starches like potatoes, rice, and corn, along with some non-starchy vegetables. It’s similar to the 80/10/10 diet in terms of being low in fat and high in carbohydrates, but the main difference is that instead of focusing on eating large amounts of fruit, the Starch Solution focuses on starchy foods as the main source of energy and nutrients.
Proponents of the Starch Solution argue that these foods are the most satiating, calorie-dense, and nutrient-rich foods available, and that they should form the foundation of our diets. By including plenty of cooked starches, the diet provides a steady source of energy and reduces the need for snacking or overeating.
It’s worth noting that while the Starch Solution is a vegan diet, it doesn’t restrict other food groups. People following this diet are encouraged to eat a variety of non-starchy vegetables, like leafy greens, carrots, and tomatoes, along with some legumes and grains. However, the focus is on starches as the primary source of nutrition.
Overall, the Starch Solution is a high-carbohydrate, low-fat diet that emphasizes the consumption of cooked starches and non-starchy vegetables. If you’re looking to try a new way of eating and are interested in a plant-based diet, it might be worth considering! This one is a good one to help ween yourself off of a non-vegan diet.
Is this version of the diet good for me? Aren’t a lot of starches bad for you?
Indeed, this form of the vegan diet could be bad for you. Eating a lot of starchy foods can affect your blood sugar. Starchy foods, like potatoes, rice, and corn, are rapidly broken down into glucose in the digestive system, which can cause a rapid increase in blood sugar levels. This can be a problem for some people, particularly those with conditions like diabetes, who need to carefully manage their blood sugar levels. This version of the diet should most certainly not be recommended for a diabetic. However, not everyone will experience a significant increase in blood sugar levels from eating starchy foods. Factors like the type of starch, the way it’s prepared, and the presence of other foods in the meal can all influence how the body responds. This form of the diet was actually the first one I tried as potatoes and rice are two of my favorite foods. I am a type 2 diabetic though so I had to transition off of this in short order.
It’s important to talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian if you have concerns about how starchy foods will affect your blood sugar. They can help you develop a meal plan that takes into account your individual needs and health status.
The Starch Solution form of the diet was created by Dr. John McDougall. You can read more about him and his philosophies by following the link to his name, or you can check out his books on Amazon by following this link.
There are many, many other options other than the ones listed above, but this gives you a good start on what to look for when looking for Starch Solution vegan.