Why You Should Work More Sweet Potatoes Into Your Diet

Sweet potatoes are not only extremely tasty and versatile, but they are filling and really good for you. A medium sized sweet potato only has a little over 100 calories, and they are a great source of fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, potassium, and even iron. Plus there’s no fat, and then don’t require much dressing up to make them amazing. Sweet potatoes are slightly higher in sugar than white potatoes, but they are lower in calories and carbohydrates while being higher in fiber and other nutrients. Just be sure you eat the skin to get all the nutritional benefits. Here are some ways to work them into your current diet.

Sweet Potato Wedges

When you’re in the mood for french fries, go the healthier route and bake your own sweet potato wedges to satisfy the craving. They’re pretty easy to make, all you need to do is slice up the sweet potatoes, maybe brush on a bit of olive oil, and then bake them to your liking. Leave the skin on for extra fiber and crunch. Baking them at a high heat will make them extra crispy and almost caramelize the outside which is delicious.

Sweet Potato Pudding

Sweet potatoes can also be used to make a tasty and healthy dessert. The natural sweetness in sweet potatoes cuts out the need for added sugar, and their heartiness makes a creamy base.

Ingredients

• Cooking spray
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup honey, divide it up
• 1/4 cup 1% low-fat milk
• 1 slice whole wheat bread with the crusts removed
• 2 cups sweet potato that has been peeled, baked, and mashed
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
• 2 tablespoons chopped pecans
• 2 tablespoons chopped crystallized ginger
• 1/4 cup plain low-fat Greek yogurt

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and then grease the baking dish with the cooking spray.
2. Next take a bowl and combine the eggs, 3 tablespoons honey, milk, and bread. Beat it until it’s smooth and then add in the sweet potato, vanilla, cinnamon, and allspice. Then beat it again.
3. Next pour the mix into the baking dish and sprinkle the ginger and pecans across the top.
4. Bake at 350 for 25 minutes until the pudding sets.
5. While that cooks mix yogurt with honey to make a topping for when the pudding is served.