Things to keep in mind when having potatoes on your weight loss journey

Potato is an integral part of many cuisines across the globe. It is consumed boiled, fried, sauteed, as a curry, in street foods, and as a salad. But most people, especially those trying to lose weight, avoid this versatile vegetable. So when nutritionist Deepshikha Jain said that potatoes can also be enjoyed by those on a weight loss journey, we wanted to learn more.

“Stop frying them. Cook and cool the potato for 6-7 hours and then consume it. That will make it low in glycaemic index. Also, eat potato as a snack or with protein instead of combining it with roti/rice/bread which is a carbohydrate source,” Jain suggested.

But is that the right way to go about it?

Jinal Patel, dietitian, Zynova Shalby Hospital, Mumbai said it is a myth that potatoes contain simple carbohydrates that only lead to significant weight gain. “It is important to know that eating too much potatoes can also hamper your overall well-being. Potatoes are often cooked with multiple spices, butter, ghee, herbs, cream, and oil which can be harmful to health. This can also increase the calorie content of the potato,” said Patel.

She added that it is crucial to understand that potato is a “starchy vegetable” that is jam-packed with carbohydrates and protein.

“Nutrients like carbohydrates can be easily converted into sugar, and stored as fat in the body. It can also slow digestion in people with sensitive stomachs. So if you actively eat potato-based dishes then be cautious. Despite being boiled or cooked in advanced, potatoes eaten in excess are harmful to health,” said Patel.

Here’s what to note (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

Patel emphasised moderation for good health. “You can try cooking them with less oil and spices,” said Patel.

She also said that potatoes can be advised for gastrointestinal relief in case of loose stools or diarrhoea depending on their body’s condition. “Individuals are advised not to blindly trust hacks and videos they see online. Always consult experts before making new alterations in your food habits. They can help you with customised modifications,” said Patel.

Disclaimer: The copyright of this article belongs to the original author. Reposting this article is solely for the purpose of information dissemination and does not constitute any investment advice. If there is any infringement, please contact us immediately. We will make corrections or deletions as necessary. Thank you.