Potatoes

Potatoes are a starchy food, which means they are a source of energy as well as providing fibre, vitamins and minerals. Nutrition experts recommend starchy foods including potatoes as a perfect base for a healthy balanced diet. Potatoes are naturally fat free. They have a low energy density (the amount of calories/kilojoules they provide per gramme) which makes them ideal for helping with weight management when cooked with little or no fat and served in appropriate amounts.

Starchy Foods

Starchy foods should make up about a third of your diet as they give you the energy you need to get through the day.
They are the most important food group for an active lifestyle.
Potatoes are rich in starchy carbohydrates so are great at providing energy but they also provide fibre and certain key vitamins and minerals with their associated health benefits.

Carbohydrates are stored in the muscles as a fuel called glycogen. To maximise your energy levels you need to keep your glycogen stores topped up each day.

Potatoes can be a good choice before exercising or going to the gym. An adequate starchy carbohydrate intake is essential to exercise efficiently and make each workout more effective in burning fat rather than muscle.