What Is A “Good Carb?”

There is a ton of misinformation about what carbs are good for us (if any). Potatoes are the best example of this, as many people believe a potato is not good for you and potatoes make you fat. This is absolutely NOT true. Potatoes are full of healing nutrients, vitamins, fiber, glucose (that is the kind of “sugar” your body needs), and are even high in protein. They are also antiviral and antibacterial, and soothing to your digestive system.

Unfortunately, potatoes have gotten a bad rap as most people think of french fries when they think of potatoes. Deep fried and saturated in unhealthy oils, or baked and stuffed with bacon, sour cream, butter, and cheese are not the potatoes I’m talking about. It is important to understand that potatoes are no longer healthy when you pile on these unhelpful, inflammatory ingredients.

However, when you enjoy potatoes cooked in the right way with healthy accompaniments, they can be a nutrition powerhouse. French fries baked or air-fried with a small amount of coconut or avocado oil to make them crispy; a baked potato with fresh pico de gallo, salsa, or a smashed avocado; mashed potatoes with vegetable broth, coconut milk, and plenty of garlic - these are all healthy, nutrient-dense meals.

I use potatoes as an example of how whole vegetable carbs are not in the same category of processed carbs. Whole food vegetable carbs are fruit, starchy vegetables, such as potatoes, sweet potatoes, and winter squashes. Processed carbs are packaged breads, chips, crackers, muffins, cupcakes, frozen pizza, boxed macaroni and cheese, cup of noodles, protein bars, etc.

The point being, you will feel differently if you eat a donut vs. a banana; or in this example, a potato! They are not the same and our bodies recognize what is food and what isn’t. You don’t have to fear carbs when they are whole food carbs.

So why not learn how to make a chocolate cake out of whole food carbs that is healthy enough to eat for breakfast? Check out my video tutorial and recipe here.