Potatoes diet

Dietitian.Lauren Hmede
Mar 6, 2019
2 min read

The potato diet is followed only over three to five days and it is a type of fad diet that promises rapid weight loss and it only allows plain potatoes consumption. As it is very restrictive and very poor in nutritious food, it is not scientifically proven.

· You need to eat cooked potatoes over three-five days

· Eat 2-5 pounds of potatoes daily

· Condiments, sauces, ketchup, mustard or cheese are not allowed .

· Salt is okay to be added

· If case of thirst you may drink water, black coffee or tea

· Light exercise and walking are allowed while heavy intensity exercises are not allowed.

· If you take medications you can continue using them but don’t use any un-prescribed supplements.

· White potatoes are not allowed other types like White Russet, Yukon Gold, and red potatoes are allowed

· Other variations of the diet are more lenient.

· Spud fit challenge allowed sweet potatoes and some minimal herbs, spices, and fat-free condiments are also allowed.

· Cooking method is really important as frying potatoes is not allowed

· The potato diet will likely cause short-term weight loss, as it’s very low in calories.

Potatoes also contain a compound that may decrease hunger, though research is limited.

Other Benefits

Though there are many reasons to criticize the potato diet, it does have some potential benefits:

· Potatoes are highly nutritious. They are rich in vitamin C, fiber, iron and potassium

· It’s not complicated. It is very easy and simple you just need to eat potatoes for 3-5 days

· It’s affordable. As potatoes are not expensive

· It’s high in fiber. They are good source of fiber which has been linked with weight loss and improved blood cholesterol

Despite the benefits, this diet cannot be nutritious as it lacks B12, calcium and zinc and many other vitamins and minerals.

Instead following a well-balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean protein and whole grains is the best diet for appropriate weight loss and optimal nutrition.

Potential Downsides

There are significant downsides to relying on potatoes as your sole food source.

Extremely Restrictive

It is a very restrictive type of diet when most nutrients are deficient. In addition it lacks protein and healthy fat.

It has been linked to rapid weight loss and weight gain.

Foods to Eat

Though potatoes are the only food allowed on the potato diet, they can be prepared in several different ways, including:

· baked potatoes

· boiled potatoes

· steamed potatoes

·raw potatoes

· oven-baked, oil-free hash browns

· oven-baked, oil-free home fries

· oven-baked, oil-free French fries

Foods to Avoid

Certain types of potatoes should be avoided as well — especially anything fried in oil or overly processed. Here are examples of potato foods and products to avoid:

· sweet potatoes

· yams

·french fries

· tater tots

· hash browns

· potato chips