I have been a potato lover ever since I was a kid. I remember when mom used to ask us what we want for our next meal, grind pork with potatoes or a pork and potato omelet would always be on top of my list.
My mom did not have a hard time making me eat vegetables and root crops. That is why growing up, I have learned to cook dishes that include my favorite veggies.
Though potatoes have always been a staple in our house, and I have been acquainted with them ever since I was a kid, I never understood the benefits they provide for my body. I remember the saying, “Sometimes we neglect the things we already have…” when things become too frequent in our life, we tend to not even bother.
What I do know is that potatoes should always be cooked properly: they taste great eaten plain, or mixed with cheese or meat; and they are a good source of carbohydrates.
Remember the Go, Glow and Grow chart from elementary? When we were asked to enumerate some ‘Go food’, potatoes would be one of the first answers!
But little did I know that carbohydrates are not the only benefit that potatoes provide for our body …
Keep on reading and I will tell you more about my recent discovery.
POTATOES ARE MORE THAN JUST CARBS
I wanted to learn more about nutrition when I started being conscious about my health and body. I try to eat healthy foods now and do workouts as much as possible. (Check out my regular Monday workout here). As most ‘pros’ say ‘Abs are made in the kitchen’. I am not saying that I already have abs, but I guess that is part of the goal! That is why keeping track of what I eat is a necessity.
I came across a number of fitness articles saying that I should consume protein-rich food to build muscles and increase my carb intake for more energy especially when I do my workouts. I believe one should not be afraid to eat carbohydrate rich food especially if you choose healthy dishes and eat them in the right amounts.
After further research and learning more than the basics, I learned that for more improved athletic performance, I should be consuming…. Potatoes! Yes, my favorite veggie!
A medium US potato, about 148 grams (5.2 oz.) with skin on, for example, packs 26 grams of carbohydrates. It’s a nutrient-dense food that contains as much, or even more, vitamins and minerals than spaghetti, brown rice or whole wheat bread (compared on a per-serving basis). The same-sized US potato with skin on also contains 620 mg of potassium, more than a medium banana! Imagine, you get all these nutrients as well as fiber, protein, vitamins B and C, calcium, iron and magnesium, in a compact and tasty package that has only 110 calories.
Taking in carbohydrates is really important especially if you are working out. Whenever I do my Tough Mudder training, I see to it that I take in carbs at least 3 hours before every session. Carbohydrates work both as brain fuel and as an energy source for working muscles. Athletes and the physically active must consume an adequate amount to get through an endurance exercise. It is important to replenish one’s store of carbs especially in intense or prolonged exercises.
So, the next time you think about “carb-loading”, choose the right source of carbs… Try power-packed potatoes!
The Superfood – US Potatoes now available in the Philippines
Luckily, good quality potatoes are now available in the market. A wide variety of gluten-free, cholesterol-free, sodium-free US potatoes are now readily available here in the Philippines.
Dehydrated (powder, flakes, granules, etc.) or frozen potatoes (wedges, straight cut, shreds, hash browns, crinkle cut, waffle fries, basket weave, sidewinder, skinny fries, etc.), can now be sourced in supermarkets. Table-stock or fresh potatoes like russets, reds, yellows, whites, purples, fingerlings, and petites will be also be available soon.
There is a wide range of US potato recipes to explore for pre- and post-workout meals. You can check out all the recipes at www.potatogoodness.com.
Smokey Maple Potato Bites
Potable Egg and Potato Mini Frittatas
Even small amounts as snacks during intense workouts can help make recovery faster, try this Potassium Potato Smoothie.
Twiinzified Neon Z-Tribe Zumba
Last July 8, Potatoes USA supported Twiinzified Neon Z-Tribe, a two-hour Zumba program featuring over 30 of the country’s top Zumba instructors. With neon and tribal fitness fashions, the creative fitness event made use of black lights for a glow-in-the-dark party at the Skydome in SM North EDSA.
Hundreds of Zumba enthusiasts sampled US potato dishes and learned more on how this superfood can rev up our health and fitness goals with the right diet.
For more information on US potatoes, and how it can optimize mental and physical performance, visit https://www.potatogoodness.com or follow Potatoes USA-Philippines on Facebook.
