Wellness Wednesday.

And we're back!  Well, to be honest, I'm feeling a little brain dead writer's block recently so the topic today was actually inspired by a phone call I just had with my mom about an hour ago...and it's super simple.  Sweet potato v. white potato.  Which one to choose and why...

Potatoes...one of the easiest side dishes to whip up with virtually any meal.  Hash browns at breakfast, french fries at lunch and a baked potato with dinner...the possibilities are endless for a good ol' potato.  The ways in which we prepare potatoes are also endless - it's a no-brainer which ones are the healthiest... deep-fried = bad!!!  (But the occasional french fries from your favorite fast food restaurant are okay...remember, everything in moderation!) 

Let's start with the white potato.  In a 100 gram portion (slightly under a quarter of a pound) the white potato has approximately 92 calories, 21 grams of carbs, 2.3 grams of dietary fiber, 2.3 grams of protein, and 17% of the recommended daily value of vitamin C.  Not too shabby.  Pretty low in calories - which can change quickly depending upon your choice of toppings, because who really eats a potato plain, right?  

I'll be honest, this looks delicious.

Okay, let's move on to the one we really know is better for you...but why?

I must say, sweet potato french fries are definitely my favorite kind of french fries...especially dipped in ranch dressing. 

+ ranch dressing = heaven!!!

Super healthy!!!  Um, I wish.  This is definitely one of my go-tos when I occasionally indulge.  Anyways, back to the healthy reasons...  Compared to the white potato, the sweet potato has approximately 90 calories, 21 grams of carbs, 3 grams of fiber, 2 grams of protein, 35% of the recommended daily value of vitamin C, AND 380% of the daily recommended value of vitamin A.  They are loaded with antioxidants - studies suggest that eating antioxidant-rich foods could lower the risk of developing certain chronic conditions, like cardiovascular disease and cancer.  Sweet potatoes also have a lower glycemic index than white potatoes.  The glycemic index is a measure of how quickly blood glucose (sugar) rises after eating.  Foods that have a lower glycemic index do not cause a quick spike in blood sugar.  As a result, people tend to not have the roller coaster experience of sugar highs and lows, which can lead to hunger and the consumption of extra calories.  In other words, foods with lower glycemic indexes make you feel fuller, longer.

There you have it, Mom.  Choose sweet potatoes over white potatoes - most of the time if not always!