Are baked potatoes bad when dieting?

I've read others logs that say they stay away from potatoes, but when I checked the Calorie Counter -- it shows they have about 200 cals each and are high in protein and fiber and low in fat?

Wed. Jul 26, 4:15pm

You would be better off with sweet potato or yams. The white starches are converted to sugar faster. I consider a white potato a "bad carb" along with white bread and regular pasta. OK once in while yes, but not regularly.

Wednesday, July 26, 2006, 4:18 PM

potatoes are very good for your body-in moderation.see the attached link for nutritional info.

Link

Wednesday, July 26, 2006, 4:20 PM

I watch my "white carbs" too, but I don't really consider a potato a bad choice because it's 100% in its natural state, no refining, no nothing. And when you look at its micronutrients - remember, it is a root vegetable (key word: vegetable), so it has much, much more to offer than rice or pasta or most breads.

Wednesday, July 26, 2006, 11:33 PM

i agree... maybe it isn't the very best vegetable you could choose while dieting, but it has alot more nutrients than fat free junk food that we often find ourselves eating.

the potato is fat free and has potassium, vitamins C and B6, and lots of fiber, especially if you eat the skin! just go easy on the butter and sour cream!

Thursday, July 27, 2006, 12:12 AM

One thing to note about potatoes - they're a good source of nutrients, but most of those nutrients are in the skin. If you just eat the middle, you can't justify it by saying that you're getting a ton of nutrients.

That being said, I've never denied myself a potato. Just watch the butter/sour cream/cheese/bacon bits! Whether or not they're on a potato, they're high cal!

Thursday, July 27, 2006, 11:42 AM

I can't recall where I heard/read this but I believe it said to eat the baked potato with full fat sour cream and that would aid in the digestion or whatever needs to be done with the sugars to help them.

Thursday, July 27, 2006, 11:46 AM

I have been very successful at losing weight while keeping a distance from potatoes and other examples of what someone here is calling "white carbs". White rice, normal pasta and especially white bread, I treat the same way.... not terrible, but not the best either. I consider them carbs I will only go for occassionally or when out of ideas.

I also agree with someone else about sweet potatoes, and I have enjoyed the potato comfort factor by making mashed sweet potatoes, or baked or grilled wedges. Sweet potatoes burn better (supposedly) but they also soften better and taste better without condiments. I can easily eat sweet potatoes grilled with nothing but a touch of oil, whereas a regular potato with no butter, no cream, no cheese is kind of a drag.

Thursday, July 27, 2006, 1:26 PM

Sounds gross, but...

I think I read this in Runners World many years ago:
Before a race, eat a baked potato w/brown sugar and cut up banana.

It's actually quite good! I know that this has nothing to do with what the OP asked, but I thought I'd just mention this!

Thursday, July 27, 2006, 2:54 PM

I like the little new potatoes and I think they are lower in starch while still providing the good things.

Thursday, July 27, 2006, 4:55 PM

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