If you’ve started a weight loss program, you’ve probably been told you need to avoid certain foods, or at least, limit how much you’re eating.
One of those foods is carbs.
But should you cut them out completely? Or are some carbs better than others?
Although some people will tell you that eating carbs is bad—and won’t help you lose weight—they are wrong.
There is nothing wrong with having some carbs in your weight loss program.
My favorite carb to eat happens to be potatoes. And it should be yours as well.
Although potatoes don’t contain all the nutrients you need…it can be part of a healthy nutritional approach to give you some of the nutrients your body needs to be successful.
Potatoes not only contain carbs—which are broken down into a usable form of energy—they also contain the fiber, vitamins, and minerals that are essential to a healthy nutrition plan—and one that will help you lose weight and burn fat.
But what kind of potato is best?
Although you can include any type of potato into your diet, there are some differences between your normal russet or Idaho potato, and a sweet potato, or some fingerlings.
Let’s take a closer look:
White Potatoes (Idaho, Russet, Yukon Golds)—like all potatoes, russets, Idaho, and Yukon gold potatoes are fat-free, and contain a boatload of nutrients. They are a great source of fiber and vitamin B6. Not only do these potatoes keep your body fueled, it could keep you burning fat all day long.
Sweet Potatoes—just like the white potatoes, sweet potatoes are a fat-free, cholesterol-free food that’s perfect for any nutrition plan. Not only does it contain plenty of fiber, sweet potatoes are also a great source of iron, calcium, selenium, vitamin C, and the B vitamins. The carbs found in sweet potatoes can help keep you feeling full, and provides a great source of fuel for the rest of your body.
Fingerling Potatoes—just like the other potatoes mentioned, fingerling potatoes contain the fiber, nutrients, and minerals your body needs to stay healthy. One main difference, however, is the color of the fingerling potatoes. Some may be red, purple, and white, meaning they pack a different antioxidant punch than the others.
Here’s the take home message:
There are a lot of diets that avoid certain foods—like potatoes—in order to help you boost your weight loss. And if you love potatoes, but have been avoiding them so you can lose weight, you don’t have to any longer. Potatoes, which are very nutritious and healthy, contain powerful nutrients for boosting your health and your weight loss.
Unless you’ve been told by a professional not to include potatoes in your nutrition plan, go ahead and eat them. Your body—and weight loss—will thank you for it.
Your friend and trainer,
Paul F Sweatt CPT
Train Smart. Train Hard. Train Safe. Train to Sweatt.