Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of vitamins A and C, as well as a good source of fiber. They’re also relatively low in calories, making them a great choice for people trying to lose weight.
Additionally, sweet potatoes contain a type of starch that’s slowly absorbed by the body, which means they can help you regulate your blood sugar levels and keep you feeling fuller for longer.
Sweet potatoes can be a great addition to a weight loss diet, as they are a nutritious and filling food. The following advice will help you include sweet potatoes in your diet:
- Substitute sweet potatoes for higher-calorie foods: Sweet potatoes can be used as a substitute for higher-calorie foods like white potatoes, rice, or pasta. For example, you could make sweet potato fries instead of regular fries, or use sweet potato noodles in place of spaghetti.
- Add sweet potatoes to your meals: Sweet potatoes can be added to a variety of dishes, such as soups, stews, and casseroles. As a side dish, they may also be grilled or mashed.
- Eat sweet potatoes with a source of protein: To make your sweet potato-based meals more filling and balanced, be sure to include a source of protein. This could be lean meat, fish, tofu, or legumes.
- Be mindful of portion sizes: While sweet potatoes are a nutritious food, they still contain calories. To make sure you’re not ingesting more calories than you need, pay attention to portion sizes. A serving size of sweet potato is about one medium-sized potato, or ½ cup mashed or diced.
- Avoid high-calorie toppings: Be mindful of what you add to your sweet potatoes. Avoid high-calorie toppings like butter, sour cream, or marshmallows, which can negate the calorie savings of the sweet potato itself. Instead, try adding flavor with herbs, spices, or a small amount of olive oil.
