Category: Nutrition and Calorie Tips

Sweet potato are a healthier option… right? 🍟

There’s a common misconception that ‘normal’ white potatoes are bad, and unhealthy whilst sweet potatoes are the ‘good’, healthy option.

As a result I often hear clients saying they’ve gone for the ‘healthy’ option of sweet potato fries instead of normal potato fries and the assumption is that they’re lower calorie.

In reality both types of potato have lots of health benefits. White potatoes are high in vitamin C, B6, potassium and fibre, whilst sweet potatoes have all that and high levels of beta-carotene (which converts to vitamin A) but they have lower levels of protein and more sugar than white potatoes. Whilst raw sweet potatoes are lower GI (i.e. less likely to cause a rapid rise in blood glucose) baked sweet potatoes actually have a higher GI than baked white potatoes, so it’s not quite as simple as we may think.

Both types of potato have nutritional benefits and both are great foods to include in your diet, but if you’re watching your calorie intake and choosing sweet potato fries because you believe them to be a lower calorie option then think again. This example is from a high street restaurant (Bills) and demonstrates what a difference there is between the two.

When it comes to calories and fat normal fries are actually the better option … but frankly both are still fried in oil so neither is a particularly low calorie or ‘healthy’ choice per se so just have whichever you prefer! 🤗🍠🥔🍟

Enjoy 🤗

xx

But it’s full of sugar… 🍦

Have you ever been told you shouldn’t be having (insert snack of choice) because it’s FULL of sugar? As if sugar is something that’s inherently bad?

The reality is there is nothing ‘bad’ about sugar. We need sugar – it’s a great source of easy energy and it also tastes great. Sugar is made up of two components, fructose and glucose. The molecular structure is the same no matter where they come from. Fruit contains fructose, glucose and also some sucrose (a combination of fructose and glucose). Sweets/ ice creams etc will tend to be higher in sucrose.

This is a great example – a Solero ice lolly is a perfect low calorie snack or dessert. In the case of the Solero you’re getting mostly just sugar (and a small amount of fat and protein), with an apple you’re getting the sugar, fibre, vitamins and minerals. The fibre slows digestion making it more filling (and good for your gut heath). This means you’re less likely to want to eat more later, and it’s better for your blood sugar levels. So objectively the apple is a better choice health-wise.

However, foods also provide other things – such as pleasure, convenience etc. So if you’re trying to watch your calories, and you really fancy an ice cream you’re better off just having them. Or if you want to swap a higher calorie dessert that you’d normally have for a Solero then thats a great choice! In terms of the impact on weight/fat loss there will be no difference as long as you stay within your daily calories and are aware they will be a less filling option. And in terms of sugar content the apple is actually higher.

I’m not suggesting the Solero is better for you than an apple, nor am I suggesting you avoid fruit in favour of ice creams lol! I’m just suggesting we recognise that no foods are ‘bad’, and that as part of a balanced, healthy diet you can have both! Sometimes the Solero will be what you need, sometimes the apple!

Enjoy 🤗

xx

Brown rice is healthier… or is it? 🍚

Most people feel like they’re being healthier if they’re having brown rice rather than white. However is it actually that much better?

White grain products have just had the outer layer of the grain removed – in most cases this doesn’t remove that much in terms of nutrition. In terms of calories both products tend to be the similar, although sometimes the white version is actually lower in cals so if you’re tracking your intake then it can be a way to cut some cals. In this example you can see that the brown rice is actually over 40 cals more per 100g.

But what about fibre I hear you cry? Well as you can see, the fibre content is actually pretty similar between the two – there’s only 1g more per 100g in this particular brown rice. If you’re already having a balanced diet, which includes fruit, veg and other grains, then you’re better off simply choosing the one you prefer the taste of and not worrying too much about the fibre. If you’re trying to reduce calories then you may decide to go for white to save a few cals there!

🤗xx

Just an ice cream.. 🍦

I am a big ice cream lover, and even more so when the sunshine is out! What better than a yummy after dinner treat or snack on a hot day?

If you’re having one every day though (like me!) then those calories do add up and if you’re trying to lose weight then you may find that fitting something like a Magnum into your calories every day is tricky.

You could just have them less often, or you could swap to a lower calorie option. A salted caramel Magnum comes in at 308 calories. An oppo salted caramel ice cream is only 125 cals! So technically you could even have 2 and still be saving some calories! These are actually one of my my favourite ice creams – they taste just as decadent as a Magnum with far fewer cals so it’s a win win! There are obviously lots of other flavours and brands out there too.

So if you do want to enjoy some

Ice cream but save some cals try going for the lower cal option.

🤗xx