Are Potatoes Good For You?

But as Nathan wrote, and as our registered dietitians teach at the Pritikin Longevity Center today, potatoes are actually very good for you, especially if you’re trying to lose weight. That’s because, ounce for ounce, potatoes are one of the most filling and low-calorie foods we can eat. (And the fuller we feel, the less likely we’ll be tempted by waistline-busting foods like chips.)

Whole Potatoes

Speaking of chips, it’s important to remember that you want to buy whole potatoes, not potatoes that have been processed into fatty, calorie-dense foods like potato chips and French fries. We’ve all been known to sit in front of the TV and eat a big bowl of potato chips. The problem is, that’s about 1,200 calories!

By contrast, a big baked potato topped with a calorie-light dressing like salsa weighs in at just 300 calories (one-quarter the calories of the chips), yet the baked potato is just as filling and satisfying, maybe even more so.

Are Potatoes Good for Your Heart?

Absolutely!  But be sure to top your potato, not with artery-busters like sour cream and butter, but with healthy, delicious, calorie-light toppings like:

• Fat-free sour cream
• Mustard
• Red pepper flakes
• Salsa
• Fat-free plain yogurt sassed up with a horseradish.

A Healthy Alternative to French Fries & Potato Chips

Complex carbohydrates sources such as whole grains, potatoes, yams, and beans are super stars for our health because they deliver fiber as well as mega amounts of other nutrients. The Pritikin Eating Plan suggests at least 5 servings daily. Start with this delish recipe Roasted Potato Wedges.

Edited by Kell Wynn on 6/26/19