Sweet potatoes are a nutritious and versatile food that can be prepared in a variety of ways, such as baking, mashing, frying, etc. Regardless of how you enjoy them, adding more sweet potatoes to your diet can be a weight loss solution. So how do sweet potatoes help you lose weight?
Sweet potatoes are a rich source of dietary fiber (both soluble and insoluble). Fiber aids in weight loss by increasing feelings of fullness, reducing calorie intake, regulating appetite hormones, and slowing digestion… all of which help maintain a healthy weight. The combination of fiber and complex carbohydrates in sweet potatoes can increase feelings of fullness and satisfaction after meals.
Here are the reasons why sweet potatoes are one of the top carbs for weight loss and weight control.
Sweet potatoes are great for controlling hunger.
Although not high in protein, sweet potatoes can help control hunger when dieting for weight loss, especially when compared to other carbohydrate sources like refined grains and added sugars.
This is especially good when eating sweet potatoes with the skin on, which adds some insoluble fiber.
Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamins , minerals, and antioxidants while being low in calories compared to other starchy foods. Additionally, sweet potatoes can help reduce calorie intake when used as a substitute for higher calorie side dishes such as regular potatoes or white rice.
This is a low-calorie alternative to processed potatoes and fits into a calorie-restricted diet needed for weight loss.
However, although it is considered a top food for weight control and weight loss, you must eat it in moderation according to your physical condition because if you eat more than your body needs, you can still gain weight ‘uncontrollably’.
Eating sweet potatoes can effectively support weight loss.
Sweet potatoes are a source of prebiotics.
In addition to their high fiber content, sweet potatoes also contain prebiotics , compounds that promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. Prebiotics help create an environment where friendly microorganisms can thrive, aiding digestion and promoting a healthy gut microbiome… which can help with better weight control.
Sweet potatoes are rich in complex carbohydrates that provide a steady source of energy.
With their complex carbohydrate content, sweet potatoes provide a steady source of energy, preventing energy crashes that can lead to sugary snack cravings.
The high water content and complex starches found in sweet potatoes, compared to other carbohydrates with the same amount of calories, have been found to help you feel fuller and more satisfied for longer periods of time. This may help control calorie intake over time, promoting more effective weight loss.
Sweet potatoes have a low glycemic index, making it easier to stick to a balanced diet.
Sweet potatoes have a relatively low glycemic index (GI), so they have a slower impact on blood sugar levels. This can help prevent energy crashes and sugar cravings, making it easier to stick to a balanced diet that supports healthy weight loss.
Sweet potatoes are a low glycemic food, meaning they don’t cause blood sugar spikes and drops that can leave you feeling low on energy or hungry early on like refined grains or processed grains with added sugars.
