Whether you’re counting calories or just want to know what you’re putting into your body, it’s always good to have an idea of the nutritional value of your favorite foods.
So, let’s dive into the sweet and savory world of sweet potatoes and explore their calorie content!
What Is A Sweet Potato?
While you might have seen sweet potatoes sold at grocery stores and supermarkets, you might never have tried one or know what it is.
Well, as its name suggests, a sweet potato is a root vegetable and a potato kind that comes from the morning glory family.
They’re not related to regular potatoes, and they have a distinctive sweet taste and orange flesh, while they also come in various shapes and sizes, ranging from small to large, and can be either round or oblong.
So, the next time you see these tasty tubers at the grocery store or on a menu, you’ll know exactly what they are!
Are Sweet Potatoes Nutritious?
Let’s just say they are the real deal, as sweet potatoes pack a punch when it comes to essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
They are bursting with beta-carotene, which is converted into vitamin A in your body. And we all know vitamin A is crucial for healthy eyes and a robust immune system.
Not only that, but sweet potatoes also contain high levels of vitamin C, potassium, and vitamin B6, which work together to maintain healthy skin, support nerve function, and regulate electrolyte balance!
How Many Calories Are In A Large Sweet Potato?
Now, we know you started reading this article to get the answer to this question, so it’s time for us to tell you what the calorie content of a large sweet potato is.
Well, you’ll be pleased to know that sweet potatoes are actually relatively low in calories as a large sweet potato typically contains around 200-250 calories, depending on its size.
Of course, the calorie count can vary depending on how the sweet potato is prepared – for example, adding butter or sugar will increase the calorie count.
However, when eaten plain or with healthy toppings like Greek yogurt or hummus, sweet potatoes can make a nutritious and satisfying addition to your meals without derailing your calorie intake, so don’t be afraid to indulge in some delicious sweet potato goodness!
How Does The Cooking Method Affect The Caloric Content Of Sweet Potatoes?
As we just mentioned, adding butter or sugar to your sweet potato recipe will increase its calorific content, meaning that the way you cook your sweet potato matters!
So, what’s the best way to cook them?
Generally speaking, baking or roasting sweet potatoes is the healthiest way to cook them as it preserves most of their nutrients while keeping the calorie count low.
Boiling sweet potatoes can cause some nutrients to leach out into the water, but it’s still a relatively healthy option.
However, frying sweet potatoes or making them into chips can significantly increase their calorie count as they absorb a lot of oil during the cooking process.
The same can happen if you are using sweet potatoes to make desserts, where the addition of sugar and butter will, once again, add more calories, fats, and carbs to your meal and can easily derail your dieting efforts.
So, if you’re looking to enjoy the nutritional benefits of sweet potatoes without racking up the calories, try baking or roasting them in the oven. Not only will they be delicious, but they’ll also be healthy and satisfying!
How Can You Incorporate Sweet Potatoes Into Your Diet?
As we’ve seen, these versatile root vegetables can be used in a variety of delicious dishes and offer a ton of nutritional benefits, so here are some creative and tasty ways to incorporate sweet potatoes into your meals:
Sweet Potato Toast
For a sweet potato toast, slice a sweet potato lengthwise and lightly toast it in a toaster or under the broiler until it’s crispy. Then add your favorite toppings, such as avocado, eggs, or nut butter.
Sweet Potato Fries
To make some delicious homemade fries, cut some sweet potatoes into thin strips, toss them in a little bit of olive oil, and bake them in the oven until crispy.
Sprinkle with some sea salt or your favorite seasoning, and enjoy!
Sweet Potato And Black Bean Tacos
For a taco night, sauté some diced sweet potatoes with black beans, onion, garlic, and your favorite taco seasoning.
Serve in warm tortillas with all your favorite taco toppings, like salsa, avocado, and sour cream and make a margarita to enjoy your meal with!
Sweet Potato And Kale Salad
If you roast cubed sweet potatoes in the oven and toss them with fresh kale, dried cranberries, feta cheese, and a balsamic vinaigrette, you will end up with a healthy and delicious salad you will love!
Sweet Potato Soup
For a sweet potato soup to warm your soul and body, boil sweet potatoes until tender, then blend them with vegetable broth, garlic, and spices.
The end result will be a creamy and healthy soup you can serve with crusty bread or a salad for a complete meal.
Sweet Potato Smoothie
Do you want to enjoy a late-night or breakfast smoothie? Then blend some cooked sweet potato with almond milk, banana, cinnamon, and honey for a sweet and nutritious beverage that will keep you full and satisfied.
Sweet Potato Gratin
Last but not least, turn a classic potato gratin into a sweet potato one by slicing some sweet potatoes thinly and layering them in a casserole dish with cream, cheese, and breadcrumbs.
Bake in the oven until bubbly and golden brown for a decadent and delicious side dish!
The Bottom Line
So, now that you know how many calories a sweet potato has and how you can cook it the right way, make sure to buy some sweet potatoes and experiment with some healthy recipes!
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