Hildi72's Journal, 17 August 2012

I have to know what Puetro Rican style green plantain is! Can not beleve that you have lost 20 pounds in a month - that is awesome!!  

Its called Tostones. They are green plantains (think of along green banana) that are smashed into a circle and fried. They are delicious and they have fiber and some healthy carbs. You just should not eat them too much or else you will gain weight. Every once in a while its ok. As far as the 20 lbs, yeah, its pretty cool. Crazy that it comes off like that but then it slows down. I think for most people the greatest rate of weight loss occurs in the first 1-2 months...then it slows down..your body fights to keep its mass.  

I am the backwards one - for me the beginning is the hard part - once i get into wight loss zone it starts falling off! The plantains sound great! 

That is awesome. I start quick then its a gradual loss. But I can see the change in my face already and my pants are looser. So its all good. Look up "Tostones" on google for recipes...they are yummy.  

I did and they look great!!! where did you learn that recipe? 

I am Hispanic. Actually, I am a caucasian person whose parents immigrated from Ecuador, We aren't Puerto Rican but in Ecuador they also make Totones and my mother would make them for me and the family. The Plantain is considered a staple food and is used in conjunction with rice, potatoes, kidney beans and chicken/beef in Ecuador. Actually, if you look at all the countries in Latin America, they all have different style and staple foods. Although we share a common language, our cultures can be vastly different. Think of it like Italians and Irish...they are both Catholic but they eat differently, they celebrate different holidays and they have different cultures. Similarly, we may share some of the same food with other countries but Ecuador has it own flavor and style. Anyway, I am fair skinned (people ask me if I am interracial and such) but I grew up in a spanish speaking household in NYC. I had the best of both worlds. Besides Tostones, we also make roast pork (Pernil), roasted chicken, steaks, seafood stews, and other things. The great thing about Spanish food in general is its variety. However, I have realized that my body does not process the starches as well as the veggies and meats. SO to lose weight I elimanated as much starch/carbs as I could. I don't eat rice, pasta or breads. I will occasionally indulge in Tostones. Try them...you will like them. Additionally, there is a sweet variety of Plantain dish called "Maduro" which is made with a ripe yellow plantain and is very sweet....so delicious. Google "Maduro" and you will see...it even looks appetizing.  

I must admit I love south american food!!! One of my good friends grew up in Brazil - her parents were cattle farmers from England. So I can totally relate to what you are saying. I am totally like you - the simple carbs kill me - I lost 30 n the dukan diet before i developed more food allergies - now I am pretty much doing the paleo diet. I am allergic to wheat, rye, barley, oats, coffee, soy, corn and dairy!!! NOt much choice left! I still have to watch how much rice I eat! It is mostly green veggies for me now but I am getting healthier!  

Yeah, that is the same for me. Whenever I eat the starchy carbs i gain weight. When I go protein and veggies/fruit I drop weight. Its simple but I love chocolate, potatoes, bread and rice. Now, I have to replace those things with protein, veggies and fruit. Luckily for me, I love chicken and steak so that helps. Thank you for being a buddy and following my journal it helps to have you as a friend and the encouragement you provide.