Potatos: Sweet vs Russet

JAllen32

Question for my food geniuses out there...I am considering adding sweet potatos to my roast this evening. I usually use russet. So I'm trying to figure out what the calories would be. I found a website that has all the potato nutition info and it basically says this:

213gm(7.6oz) russet=164 cals (21.5cals per oz)
130gm(4.6) sweet=111 cals (24cals per oz)

From what I see, sweets have a bit more calories, and only about 10 less carbs, so why is it that sweets are so much better for us? I have never liked sweets, but I figured I'd give it a try since they are "better". But I need to understand why. Also, maybe my math is wrong? Help! TIA!!

IvoryParchment

Sweet potatoes are full of fiber and beta carotene. But the bottom line is how many calories you consume. Russet potatoes aren't that high in calories and they have pretty good nutrition if you eat the skin, but the stuff people put on them turns them into nutritional disasters.

love4fitnesslove4food_wechange

Question for my food geniuses out there...I am considering adding sweet potatos to my roast this evening. I usually use russet. So I'm trying to figure out what the calories would be. I found a website that has all the potato nutition info and it basically says this:

213gm(7.6oz) russet=164 cals (21.5cals per oz)
130gm(4.6) sweet=111 cals (24cals per oz)

From what I see, sweets have a bit more calories, and only about 10 less carbs, so why is it that sweets are so much better for us? I have never liked sweets, but I figured I'd give it a try since they are "better". But I need to understand why. Also, maybe my math is wrong? Help! TIA!!

They aren't so much better for us but you rarely see someone making "au-gratin" sweet potatoes, or frying them...usually the preparation is healthier and the calories are therefore lower but if you're talking a baked potato...or mashed without tons of extra butter, cream, or fats then choose whichever one you like better.

JAllen32

Ok got it! Thanks guys! I add potatos and carrots in with my roasts, so I was thinking of adding some sweets in too. And maybe trying some baked "fries". I might try a baked one, if Im feeling brave! Lol. I love baked potatos plain with just a little salt, so maybe Ill do that. Thanks again!

countrygirl_717

I just found a recipe for sweet potato fries that I love! I normally do not like sweet potatoes either so I was really surprised when I liked this. Here's the link: http://www.instructables.com/id/Perfect-Oven-Sweet-Potato-Fries/?ALLSTEPS

The only change I made was to use a flavored olive oil (mine is tuscan herb from a local olive oilerie) I really think that's what made the day for me. Also, I dipped them in a little light sour cream. MMMmmm!

JAllen32

I just found a recipe for sweet potato fries that I love! I normally do not like sweet potatoes either so I was really surprised when I liked this. Here's the link: http://www.instructables.com/id/Perfect-Oven-Sweet-Potato-Fries/?ALLSTEPS

The only change I made was to use a flavored olive oil (mine is tuscan herb from a local olive oilerie) I really think that's what made the day for me. Also, I dipped them in a little light sour cream. MMMmmm!

Thanks!! That sounds great!