Are potatoes healthy or bad for you?
Potatoes are a staple in many classic winter recipes, like chips and gravy, jacket potatoes, or a hearty shepherd’s pie. They’re comforting, versatile, and delicious. But there’s a lot of confusion about whether eating potatoes is good for your health or if they’ll make you gain weight. Well we may have finally found the answer.
Apparently when potatoes are cooked and then chilled, their starch structure changes, increasing the amount of resistant starch (RS). This type of starch resists digestion in the small intestine and behaves more like fiber, leading to slower glucose absorption and a lower glycemic response.
So how do they help you lose weight without feeling like you’re starving? Potatoes to the rescue! When you cook them, then chill them (hello, potato salad!), they pack more resistant starch, which helps lower the calorie density of your meals. Translation: you get to eat more, enjoy every bite, and still cut calories. Who knew spuds could be such superheroes?
This is all revealed in our podcast of the week “The Nutrition Couch“, hosted by experienced dietitians Leanne Ward and Susie Burrell. In each episode, they dive into the world of nutrition, busting common myths and breaking down confusing food trends.
They share practical, real-world tips to help you make healthier food choices without having to give up your favourite meals or feel restricted. Whether you’re looking to improve your eating habits, learn more about balanced nutrition, or just enjoy insightful conversations about food, this podcast is packed with helpful advice and relatable content for everyone.
Inside this episode:
Are Potatoes Healthy Again?
Discover surprising research showing how cooled potatoes can help with blood sugar control and even aid in weight loss.
What Are Ultra-Processed Foods?
Learn how to spot the difference between convenient, healthy packaged foods and highly processed options that harm your health.
The Best Budget-Friendly Soup
We share our go-to $2 winter soup that’s high in fiber, plant-based, and actually tastes amazing.
Healthier Tomato Sauces for Kids
Find out which tomato sauces are lower in sugar but packed with great flavor—tested and approved by toddlers!
Whether you’re a busy parent, looking to lose weight, or want easy and actionable nutrition advice, this episode is packed with tips to make healthy eating simple and enjoyable.
We’ve followed it and can’t wait for the next episode, but in the meantime we are deep diving into the previous episodes.
