Sweet potatoes are a nutrient dense and delicious food.
Sweet potatoes are high in beta carotene, complex carbs, Vitamin C and A, fiber, and potassium. The Center for Science in the Public Interest named the sweet potato as the number one veggie. And here’s something that might suprise you (from FoodReference.com ):
Among root vegetables, sweet potatoes offer the lowest glycemic index rating. That’s because the sweet potato digests slowly, causing a gradual rise in blood sugar so you feel satisfied longer. It’s time to move sweet potatoes to the “good” carb list. Many of the most popular diets these days have already.
Missing sweets? Grab a sweet potato! I grew up on sweet potatoes, usually in a casserole loaded with extra sugar. However, we also ate them by themselves or with cinnamon. They are plenty sweet on their own. Many a late night panic run to the Dairy Queen has been avoided at my house thanks to the sweet potato!
Missing chips? Sometimes it’s just fun to have something to snack on that’s crunchy. A lot of companies make sweet potato chips. My local grocery carries the brand pictured below, but there are others. My son also thinks he’s getting a treat when he eats these. Beware of restaurant sweet potato chips as these can often be deep fried and soaked in butter. Baked is the way to go!
Terra Sweet Potato Chips
Sweet Potato Nutrition Facts
(for one medium size sweet potato)
Calories 130
Fat 0.39 g
Protein 2.15 g
Net Carbs 31.56 g
Dietary Fiber 3.9 g
Calcium 28.6 mg
Sodium 16.9 mg
Potassium 265.2 mg
Folate 18.2 mcg
Vitamin C 29.51 mg
Vitamin A 26081.9 IU
Source: US Department of Agriculture
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