Potatoes – To Eat or Not to Eat?!
Do you know someone who doesn’t eat fruit or yogurt because of the sugar content, yet they will eat pretzels or rice cakes in unlimited amounts? There are so many misconceptions about carbs. If you are going to take one thing from this post: Carbs are not created equal. Here’s just one example – POTATOES!
All potatoes contain beneficial resistant starch. These resistant starches and fiber get fermented in the gut and produce short-chain fatty acids. Short-Chain Fatty Acids:
- Keep you fuller longer
- Increase mineral absorption and nutrient circulation
- Prevent absorption of toxins
- Decrease inflammation
Are you ready for this… Even. White. Potatoes.
When compared to a sweet potato, the overall nutritional value is similar but the type of nutrients vary. This means a variety of potatoes is important for a variety in nutrients.
Some people have sworn off white potatoes because of their glycemic index (a value assigned to foods based on how slowly or how quickly those foods cause an increase in blood sugar levels). But keep in mind that when it comes to the glycemic index and how your body responds, there are many things that come into play. This can vary depending on your cooking method, your sleep quality, genetics, activity level, time of day, medications, gut bacteria and the amount of protein, fiber and fat that’s eaten with the food item. So don’t get so consumed on this number.
Everything in moderation! So yes that means a meat and potatoes meal is not recommended daily (sorry!). But here are ways to eat potatoes with a healthier twist:
- Boiled
- Roasted
- Baked
- Topped with olive oil and herbs
- Topped with salt
Limit potatoes prepared:
- As chips
- Fried
- “Loaded” with all the fixins’
- With lots of cream and butter
Vanessa Lennick, RD, LRD
Registered Dietitian
Proximal50 Life Center
Want to know more? Ready to ditch the diet and find nutrition strategies that actually work for YOU? Ready to eat real food and enjoy it? Schedule a free consult with Vanessa online:
