The Truth About Potatoes and Weight Gain
You’ve probably heard the claim that potatoes are fattening. After all, they’re high in starch and carbs, so they must make you gain weight, right? Well, it turns out that the jury is still out on this one. While some studies have found a connection between potato consumption and weight gain, others have found no such link. So, what’s the truth? Let’s take a closer look.
Are Potatoes Good or Bad for Weight Loss?
There is no doubt that potatoes are high in carbs and starch. One small potato contains around 37 grams of carbs and 4 grams of fiber, which means it has a net carb count of 33 grams. That’s more carbs than a slice of white bread! However, it’s important to note that not all carbs are created equal. The type of carbs in potatoes is complex carbs or “good” carbs. These types of carbs are slowly metabolized by the body and provide lasting energy. In contrast, simple carbs or “bad” carbs are quickly metabolized and can cause spikes and crashes in blood sugar levels. So, while potatoes may be high in carbs, they’re not necessarily bad for weight loss.
In fact, some studies have even found that potatoes can help with weight loss. One study looked at overweight and obese women who followed a weight-loss diet that included either a potato or a carbohydrate-rich food (such as pasta) at each meal. After eight weeks, the women who had eaten the potato-based diet lost more weight and fat than the women who had eaten the carb-rich diet. Additionally, they also had lower levels of hunger and higher levels of satiety after meals
While there is some evidence to suggest that potatoes can help with weight loss, it’s important to remember that potatoes are still a calorie-dense food. This means that if you consume too many calories from any food—potatoes included—you will gain weight. So, if you’re trying to lose weight, it’s important to limit your intake of potatoes and other calorie-dense foods
How Many Potatoes Can You Eat Per Day?
Health experts generally recommend that people eat two to three servings of starchy vegetables per day. One serving is considered to be ½ cup cooked or 1 small potato. However, if you’re trying to lose weight, you may want to consume fewer than two servings per day until you reach your goal weight. Additionally, it’s important to remember that how you prepare your potatoes can also affect their calorie content. For example, french fries are generally considered to be unhealthy because they’re deep fried in oil. On the other hand, boiled or roasted potatoes are generally considered to be healthy because they don’t contain added fats or oils
So, should you avoid potatoes if you’re trying to lose weight? The answer isn’t quite so simple. While potatoes are high in carbs and starch, they also contain fiber and vitamins that can benefit your health. Additionally, some studies have even shown that potatoes can help with weight loss. Just remember to limit your intake of potatoes if you're trying to lose weight and to prepare them in a healthy way (boiled or roasted rather than fried). And as always, consult with your doctor or registered dietitian before making any major changes to your diet.
Are Potatoes Good or Bad for Weight Loss?
There is no doubt that potatoes are high in carbs and starch. One small potato contains around 37 grams of carbs and 4 grams of fiber, which means it has a net carb count of 33 grams. That’s more carbs than a slice of white bread! However, it’s important to note that not all carbs are created equal. The type of carbs in potatoes is complex carbs or “good” carbs. These types of carbs are slowly metabolized by the body and provide lasting energy. In contrast, simple carbs or “bad” carbs are quickly metabolized and can cause spikes and crashes in blood sugar levels. So, while potatoes may be high in carbs, they’re not necessarily bad for weight loss.
In fact, some studies have even found that potatoes can help with weight loss. One study looked at overweight and obese women who followed a weight-loss diet that included either a potato or a carbohydrate-rich food (such as pasta) at each meal. After eight weeks, the women who had eaten the potato-based diet lost more weight and fat than the women who had eaten the carb-rich diet. Additionally, they also had lower levels of hunger and higher levels of satiety after meals
While there is some evidence to suggest that potatoes can help with weight loss, it’s important to remember that potatoes are still a calorie-dense food. This means that if you consume too many calories from any food—potatoes included—you will gain weight. So, if you’re trying to lose weight, it’s important to limit your intake of potatoes and other calorie-dense foods
How Many Potatoes Can You Eat Per Day?
Health experts generally recommend that people eat two to three servings of starchy vegetables per day. One serving is considered to be ½ cup cooked or 1 small potato. However, if you’re trying to lose weight, you may want to consume fewer than two servings per day until you reach your goal weight. Additionally, it’s important to remember that how you prepare your potatoes can also affect their calorie content. For example, french fries are generally considered to be unhealthy because they’re deep fried in oil. On the other hand, boiled or roasted potatoes are generally considered to be healthy because they don’t contain added fats or oils
So, should you avoid potatoes if you’re trying to lose weight? The answer isn’t quite so simple. While potatoes are high in carbs and starch, they also contain fiber and vitamins that can benefit your health. Additionally, some studies have even shown that potatoes can help with weight loss. Just remember to limit your intake of potatoes if you're trying to lose weight and to prepare them in a healthy way (boiled or roasted rather than fried). And as always, consult with your doctor or registered dietitian before making any major changes to your diet.