Eat Your Vegetables - Potatoes

Low-carbohydrate diets, including paleo and keto, are regular fixtures in the weight loss landscape. But your body really does need carbohydrates to function.

“Despite their reputation as a starchy and unhealthy food, potatoes – as long as they aren’t fried – are a great source of nutrition to power you through your day,” said Jason Person, RD, LDN, clinical nutrition manager at Archbold. “Plus, potatoes are affordable and store well.”

Did you know half a cup of cooked potatoes is also a good source of potassium, vitamin C and vitamin B3, which helps your body produce energy? Potatoes are also low in calories if they are cooked without additional fats.

Plus, emerging research suggests that some of the starch in potatoes may act as a prebiotic that promotes the growth of healthy bacteria in your gut. Baked potatoes may have more of this type of good starch than boiled potatoes, but all potatoes cooked in varying ways do have it. Potatoes are high in fiber – eat the skin! – and antioxidants.