Potatoes have gotten a bad reputation because they’re high in carbohydrates, but it turns out, it’s undeserved. Carb lovers will be thrilled to know that the guilty pleasure veggie may actually be a secret weapon to losing weight easily. According to a new study, potatoes are incredibly nutrient-dense and they’re an important part of a healthy diet.
And even better? Because spuds are low calorie but very filling, researchers found that eating them can help shrink waistlines. “People tend to eat the same weight of food regardless of calorie content in order to feel full,” explains study co-author Candida Rebello. “By eating foods with a heavier weight that are low in calories, you can easily reduce the number of calories you consume.”
Study participants, who were overweight, obese or had insulin resistance, were given two different diets, both high in fruits and vegetables and had 40% of the typical American meat consumption swapped with beans, peas or potatoes. Portion sizes weren’t reduced, but calorie counts were by including potatoes. And when researchers compared nutrients in the diets, they found potatoes were just as healthy as beans and peas. While the study’s findings don’t mean we should only chow down on potatoes, it does show there’s no need to avoid them. And Rebello says by eating them, “In effect, you can lose weight with little effort.”
Source: NY Post
[Courtesy of Dr. Dave’s Ultimate Prep]
[Photo Credit: Getty Images]