In Praise of the Potato: Creamy, Dreamy, and Built for Champions

Where comfort meets clean fuel—Chef Johnny’s garlic mashed potatoes, creamy enough to crave, clean enough to train on.

There’s something sacred about the potato. Simple. Humble. Unapologetically real. It doesn’t scream for attention like an avocado or beg to be trendy like kale. But if you give it a little respect—roast it, boil it, or, in our case, whip it with garlic, butter, and soul—you get something transcendent. Comfort in a spoon. A side dish that can carry a whole damn meal on its back.

At Meal Prep San Antonio, my Garlic Mashed Potatoes aren’t just an afterthought. They're heaven on earth—pillowy, rich, and laced with roasted garlic that hugs your taste buds like a Sunday afternoon nap. Grab it as a side for $3.99, or let it shine next to one of our signature dishes, like the Classic Meatloaf or our Seared Organic Salmon—each available for just $13.99.

But before we dig in—let’s talk about the elephant in the room. Or rather, the carb in the kitchen.

The Carb Myth: Busted

Here’s the thing: potatoes have taken a beating in the fitness world. Somewhere along the line, “low-carb” became synonymous with “healthy,” and this starchy powerhouse got tossed under the keto bus. But I’ve spent 13 years as a certified nutrition coach and longer than that in kitchens—and let me tell you, carbs are not the enemy.

Carbs are fuel. Carbs are muscle. Carbs are recovery. If you’re hitting the gym, running hills, or just trying to keep up with your kids, your body needs carbohydrates like your car needs gasoline. And potatoes? They’re one of the best damn sources of clean-burning energy nature ever grew.

Here’s the nutritional profile of a medium-sized potato (with skin):

• Calories: ~160

• Carbs: ~37g

• Fiber: ~4g

• Protein: ~4g

• Fat: 0g

• Vitamins: B6, C, potassium, magnesium, iron

Not only are they loaded with vitamins and minerals, but the kind of carbohydrates found in potatoes digest efficiently, meaning you’re getting sustainable energy—not a sugar crash. If you're strength training or working on muscle gains, potatoes are your ally. Pair them with lean protein and veggies, and you’ve got a balanced, performance-driven plate.

Potato Redemption: They're Not the Problem, Overeating Is

Let’s be real. The potato didn’t make America obese. The over-processed, deep-fried, cheese-smothered, butter-bombed versions of potatoes served in 64-ounce portions did. It’s not the ingredient—it’s the execution. It’s not the carbs—it’s the lifestyle.

At Meal Prep San Antonio, I’m not trying to sell you junk food disguised as health food. My Garlic Mashed Potatoes are made the old-school way:

• Yukon gold potatoes

• Fresh roasted garlic

• A little grass-fed butter

• A splash of whole milk and cream, depending on the dish

• Salt, cracked pepper, and love

That’s it. No thickeners. No fake oils. Just the stuff your abuela used to make, but dialed in for modern macros and clean living.

The Soul of the Side Dish

Let’s get into it.

Classic Meatloaf – $13.99

with Garlic Mashed Potatoes & Roasted Lemon Asparagus, This is the one. The plate that brings you home. We’re talking seasoned ground beef, slow-baked to that golden brown crust, dripping with pan juices, nestled next to creamy garlic mash and finished with roasted lemon asparagus for that bright, zesty kick.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

• Calories: 280

• Fat: 12g

• Protein: 22g

• Carbs: 18g

• Fiber: 3g

• Sodium: 480mg

  
  

This plate isn't pretending to be low-carb. It’s real food. Balanced. Flavorful. Honest.

Seared Organic Salmon – $13.99

with Garlic Mashed Potatoes & Lemon Butter Asparagus, This one’s for the health nuts, the macro-trackers, and the taste chasers. Wild-caught, organic salmon, seared until the edges crackle with flavor. It’s rich in omega-3s, packed with protein, and resting on a bed of—you guessed it—those dreamy garlic mashed potatoes.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

• Calories: ~304

• Fat: ~18g

• Protein: ~25g

• Carbs: ~11g

• Sodium: ~330mg

  
  

This dish hits the sweet spot: indulgent but clean, rich but light, satisfying without the sluggish aftermath.

Built for Lifters, Dreamers, and Doers

When I build a meal, I’m not thinking about TikTok trends or what’s hot on Whole30 this week. I’m thinking about you. The mom training for her first 5K. The vet rebuilding his strength after an injury. The night-shift nurse who wants something warm, fast, and nourishing.

Potatoes belong in your meal prep. They’re not just filler—they’re foundation. Whether you’re bulking, leaning, or just eating to feel good, you need a carb that holds up under pressure. Rice is cool. Quinoa’s nice. But nothing satisfies like mashed potatoes that are made with purpose.

Final Bite: The Potato Is Sacred

I’ve worked in fine dining kitchens, flipped burgers in fast food joints, and now I run a prep kitchen built around the idea that food should fuel you and feed your soul. I’ve had the $80 truffle potato puree—and I’ve scarfed gas station wedges at 2 a.m. after a 14-hour shift.

But nothing—and I mean nothing—compares to a perfect scoop of garlic mashed potatoes served with intention.

At Meal Prep San Antonio, we’re not chasing fads. We’re serving fuel with flavor. We’re taking ingredients that have been unfairly villainized and giving them their crown back.

So yeah, we love the potato here. Always have. Always will.

You can get your fix on the side for $3.99, or make it the center of your plate in our Classic Meatloaf or Seared Salmon—both for $13.99.

Either way—welcome home.

Hungry?

🔥 Order your weekly meals now at MealPrepSanAntonio.com

🚚 Local pickup & delivery available

💪 Fuel that works as hard as you do

FAQ: Garlic Mashed Potatoes & Carbs Done Right

1. Are potatoes really healthy for meal prep?

Absolutely. Potatoes are rich in fiber, potassium, and complex carbs—ideal for energy, recovery, and muscle-building when portioned right.

2. I thought carbs were bad—why include mashed potatoes?

Carbs aren’t the enemy. Over-processed food is. Our garlic mashed potatoes are clean, simple fuel made with whole ingredients and no junk.

3. Can I order just the garlic mashed potatoes as a side?

You sure can. Grab a side of our heavenly garlic mashed potatoes for just $3.99—available with any meal or on their own.

4. What meals include garlic mashed potatoes?

They come with our Classic Meatloaf and Seared Organic Salmon—both available for $13.99 and packed with balanced nutrition and bold flavor.

5. Do these meals fit a fitness or weight loss plan?

Yes. Each dish is macro-balanced with lean protein, clean carbs, and fresh veggies—perfect for fueling performance or clean eating goals.