Boiled, mashed, jacket, fried, chips, crisps – oh there’s so many things you can do with a potato. In the UK we consume around 94kg of potatoes per person each year. Potatoes are fat free, a natural source of fibre and rich in vitamin C, B6 and potassium. Despite that it’s one of the key food items I recommend my weight loss clients avoid.
So what exactly is the problem with potatoes?
Potatoes are a starchy carbohydrate and what that means is your body digests them rapidly. This results in a surge in your insulin levels quickly followed by a blood sugar crash. You’re left feeling tired, lethargic and pretty soon you’re hungry again.
Other foods in this category include white rice, white pasta and white bread. If you eat a lot of these starchy carbohydrates your body will store fat predominantly on the back of your arms, your back and around your waist. If you’re struggling to shift weight from those areas you probably have an insulin hormone imbalance. Longer term you’re putting yourself at risk of diabetes and heart disease.
The good news is that for most of you an insulin imbalance can easily be corrected by what you eat:
- Replace all those ‘white’ starchy carbohydrates with wholegrains.
- Try jacket sweet potatoes, parsnip chips or carrot & swede mash.
- Top your shepherds pie with celeriac and a cheeky sprinkling of cheese.
The way in which you exercise will also have an impact on your hormone balance.
If you can’t bear the thought of giving up white potatoes just reduce the amount you eat. I promise you’ll soon notice a difference not just around your middle but in your energy levels too.
If you’re concerned your insulin levels are out of balance why not apply for a Smart Start to a Slimmer You consultation. There are a limited number of slots available each month and you’ll receive some tips straight away on what you can do to for hormone balance and weight loss.
