Lose weight, not the potatoes

Eat potatoes and lose weight

Good news for potato lovers, a new study demonstrates that people can eat potatoes and still lose weight!

Researchers from the University of California at Davis and the Illinois Institute of Technology sought to gain a better understanding of the role of calorie reduction and the glycemic index in weight loss when potatoes are included in the diet.

"Some people have questioned the role of potatoes in a weight loss regimen because of the vegetable's designation as a high glycemic index food," explained Dr. Britt Burton-Freeman, PhD, the lead investigator of the study.

"However, the results of this study confirm what health professionals and nutrition experts have said for years: it is not about eliminating a certain food or food group, rather, it is reducing calories that counts," said Burton-Freeman.

The 12-week potato diet

Ninety overweight men and women were randomly assigned to one of three groups:

"The results of this study confirm what health professionals and nutrition experts have said for years: it is not about eliminating a certain food or food groups, rather, it is reducing calories that counts." - Dr Britt Burton-Freeman.

1. Reduced calorie/high GI

2. Reduced calorie/low GI

3. Control group with no calorie or GI restrictions

All three groups were provided with potatoes, healthful recipes and instructions to consume five to seven servings of potatoes per week. At the end of the 12-week study period, all three groups had lost weight and there was no significant difference in weight loss between the groups.

"There is no evidence that potatoes, when prepared in a healthful manner, contribute to weight gain. In fact, we are seeing that they can be part of a weight loss program," said Burton-Freeman.

Potatoes pack a nutritional punch

One medium-size (150 grams, skin-on) potato contains just 110 calories per serving, boasts more potassium (620g) than a banana, provides almost half the daily value of vitamin C (45 percent), and contains no fat, sodium or cholesterol.

Recommended reading: Losing weight fast doesn't mean you regain it faster

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