5 Reasons Potatoes Are Actually Good For You (And Why You Should Start Eating Them) | Sports Dietitian Answers

“PO-TAY-TOES! Boil em. Mash em. Stick em in a stew.” - Samwise Gamgee

Hobbits know their food and they do that food game well…and they love their taters, precious. 
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Despite the information you may have been given in the past or the misconceptions you may unfortunately have about the humble potato...potatoes are actually awesome.

I eat potatoes all the time and I have had my clients freely include them in their diet without issues and they have still seen the best results they have ever had because they implemented the right flexible nutrition system.

In today’s blog post,  I share 3 reasons that potatoes are ACTUALLY good for you!

#1: Potatoes Have The Highest Satiety Rating Of ALL FOOD

Foods can be tested to determine a “Satiety Rating” relative to a benchmark food and it’s rating - in this case white bread with a rating of 100.

Potatoes actually come in at 323. 

In order words, potato is actually a very filling food for most people and therefore can be a useful tool in maintaining a calorie deficit - the key to fat loss. 

What was that again about potato being a fat gainer? Hmmm, fake news indeed.

#2: Potatoes Are Actually Full of Nutrients

Something alot of people don’t seem to understand is that potato (both white and sweet varitieties) are naturally grown foods and are vegetables.

So they do in fact come equipped with a healthy dose of various nutrients - from vit A to potassium and others in between.

They are not “processed foods” unless we are talking about the farming of them. They are not refined foods unless we are talking about prepping them.

They are simply humble starchy veggies and do contain nutrients that can provide a nutritional benefit. So stop thinking they are unhealthy just because you think they are “empty calories”.

#3: Potatoes Have A Lower Calorie Density (Compared To Other Common Starchy Foods)

Did you know….that potatoes are actually NOT as high in calories as you may think?!

Fun fact, right? Hahah 

See compared to other starchy foods (such as rice, pasta, bread), volume for volume potatoes are not as calorically dense.

So as long as you control your diet and maintain a good strategy, potatoes can actually fit your plan a lot easier than you may think. Coupled with the satiety factor and it is obvious potatoes have had a really bad rep as being “fat loss unfriendly”. 

Eating potatoes AND losing weight? Yes please and very much an attainable reality for you.

#4: Potatoes Provide A Healthy Dose Of Carb Fuel For Active Individuals

Potatoes contain primary carbs in terms of macronutrients. In fact, they are a carb source and this is how I use them for clients too.

Being a carb source, potatoes can be a staple in an active individuals or athletes life to help them fuel themselves better and attain optimised performance levels.

Is this you? Could you use some fuel?

Then potatoes can actually help you here beyond just making your diet more filling. Use potatoes as an easy, go-to carb fuelling source for post-workout meals or to ensure your diet is not ‘carb deficient’.

#5: Potatoes Make A Diet More Enjoyable

A potato-less diet is a recipe for sad. 

At least in my humble opinion. I personally find being able to include the deliciousness and verstaltity of potato into my diet makes things a bit more fun and enjoyable which helps with nutrition sustainability.

Remember to not forget that food is more than just fuel for many people and if you use food as “soul food” or to enjoy time with loved ones, then making sure you don’t forget about enjoyment is key. 

Recap

There you go!

Now you know the truth about potatoes and the reasons why they can be a great addition to your diet - whether you are an athlete, an active professional, or a busy parent wanting to feel your best.

Potatoes should not be feared but instead embraced. And the only reason to avoid them is if you genuinely do not like them. Duh. 

So what is your fave way of eating potatoes? Leave a comment at the bottom of this blog post.

However, before I leave you…I do want to ask you some things because maybe you need someone you be your guide on this journey…

Do you feel you need expert guidance when it comes to your fuelling, recovery, and nourishment?
Not seeing the body you feel happier, healthier, and more confident in?
Performance lagging like an early 2000’s dial up internet setup?

I may be able to be of assistance. 

If you are ready to take your nutrition and body to the next level and elevate your performance in a way that doesn’t make you want to punch your Sports Dietitian, then let’s chat.

I have developed a bespoke nutrition coaching solution that allows you to work with me personally 1:1 to help start bridging the gap between where you are now and where you want to be with your physique & performance. 

In this program, I'll personally coach you using my flexible nutrition system to help you harness the power of calories and macro strategy to regain your competitive edge - think of it as a bespoke nutrition solution that empowers you to eat better to achieve better. 

If you want to have someone in your corner guiding you with all this, ensuring you only focus on the ‘right stuff’, and get better results while doing it all… send me an email and let’s chat.

I do high level nutrition coaching for active professionals and athletes and I have spots open for new clients wanting to leverage the power of nutrition with a Sports Dietitian

Interested in learning more? 

Simply email me at: [email protected] to have a chat about this and see if we are a good fit to work together and get you your best results yet. 
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Or to apply now to see if you are a good fit, simply CLICK HERE and start the process for reaching your peak potential. 

Coach Aleksa 

Brisbane Sports Dietitian and Nutritionist