Unhealthy Potato Mistakes You Might Be Making
By Sara Butler
Potatoes have gotten a bad rap in the food world. The truth is that potatoes can be very nutritious to eat, but the reason they have a questionable reputation is because of a few common mistakes people make while eating them. Here is what you need to know about the humble potato and the mistakes you might be making when eating them.
Potatoes Are Good for You!
People look down on potatoes because of their carbohydrate content, but they're a complex carbohydrate that is nutrient-dense.
One medium potato has only 110 calories, but it also provides your body with about 30 percent of the Vitamin C you need per day, 10 percent of Vitamin B6, and 15 percent of your potassium. They're good for you!
Common Potato Blunders
So, if potatoes are so healthy, then why are they considered unhealthy by so many? It might have to do with a few of the most common potato mistakes that turn these little healthy tubers into something that may be bad for you. This includes:
- Prepping them incorrectly - How do you prep your potatoes? If you fry them or douse them in fat, then you're nullifying the health impact they can have in your diet. Remember, a medium potato has 110 calories, but a medium serving of deep-fried french fries has about 380 calories, as well as added fat and salt. The solution is to roast your potatoes in a healthy fat instead, such as olive oil. And when you have a baked potato, top it with Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
- You don't look at portions - Part of a healthy eating plan involves portions. Any healthy food can be made unhealthy if you eat way more than one portion at a time. If you're trying to watch what you eat, then you need to watch your portion size too.
- You don't eat the skin - The skin of the potato is where all the good stuff is! In a medium potato, the skin has about 7 percent of the fiber you need for one day and will help to keep you feeling fuller for longer. Simply keep the skin on when you prep your potatoes to reap these benefits!
You don't have to give up potatoes in order to be healthy. Simply know how to prepare and eat them and you'll do fine!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Sterling, Va.