Vegetables that are high in Starch

You probably already know that you should be eating more vegetables. They’re packed with vitamins, minerals, and disease-fighting antioxidants and they have a lot fewer calories than other food groups. It’s not just the quantity of your vegetable intake that is important, it's also the quality. While all vegetables are healthy, some are healthier than others. Some types of veggies are higher in starch and carbohydrates great for energy and helping to fill you up while others have a high sugar content which is not so great for weight loss efforts. Keep reading to find out what the unhealthy version of these common veggies looks like, which ones to avoid completely, and some healthier alternatives.

Carrots

If you love carrots, you can continue to enjoy them as part of a healthy diet. However, sweet potatoes are a healthier choice. That's because carrots contain more starch, which gets quickly converted into sugar in your body. And since the average person gets more than half of their daily calories from foods high in sugar, avoiding the extra sugar is important. Worried about getting enough vitamin A? Sweet potatoes are a great source of it, while carrots have almost no vitamin A at all. Overall, sweet potatoes are a healthier, less starchy choice than carrots.

Potatoes

Potatoes are a popular vegetable, and in all honesty, they are a vegetable. However, they are high in carbohydrates, which mean that they are not a good choice for those who are trying to lose weight. You might be surprised to learn that one potato has about 110 calories, but nearly one-third of those calories come from the starch the potato is naturally rich in. One medium potato has about 30 grams of carbs and 2 grams of fibre. When you are trying to lose weight, you want to avoid foods that are high in starch. Potatoes are a better side dish than the main source of your diet’s nutrition.

Corn

Corn is a popular vegetable that can be eaten on the cob, as a side dish, or even in some desserts. While corn will not harm you, it is not so great for your waistline. Corn is high in carbohydrates, which is great for providing energy, but not so great for weight loss. A single ear of corn has about 79 calories, but nearly half of those come from carbohydrates. One ear of corn has over 20 grams of carbs, which is more than most people need in one day. Furthermore, most of the calories in corn are from starch, not from vitamins or minerals. If you do eat corn, try to avoid butter or other high-calorie additions.

Beans

Beans are a popular, protein-rich food that can be eaten in many ways. However, beans fall into the starchy vegetable category, which means that they are not the best choice for weight loss. One cup of great northern beans has about 230 calories, with about two-thirds of those calories coming from carbs. Beans also have about 20 grams of protein. However, beans are a legume, which means that they have a lot of complex carbohydrates. Beans have a lot of fibre, which is good for your digestive system. To stay healthy while trying to lose weight, you should reduce your intake of fibre. Instead, eat more fruits and vegetables, which are high in fibre.

Beets

Beets are healthy vegetable that is loaded with antioxidants. The famous rich red colour of beets is a sign that they are a healthy food, but they are also low in calories. Beets contain mainly sugar and minerals, which means they provide little protein and fat. A one-cup serving of beets contains only 77 calories, but 17 of those are from sugar. Beets are a healthy vegetable, but they are better to eat in moderation because of their high sugar content.

Brussels sprouts

Brussels sprouts are a popular vegetable, especially for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners. However, Brussels sprouts are high in starch, which makes them a poor choice for the dieter. One cup of Brussels sprouts has about 34 calories and 10 grams of carbs. That means that one cup of Brussels sprouts has more than 10% of the recommended daily amount of carbs. Brussels sprouts are healthy, but they aren't a good choice for losing weight..

Conclusion

Vegetables are an important part of a healthy diet, and some are better choices than others. While all vegetables are low in calories and rich in vitamins and minerals, some tend to be higher in sugar and carbohydrates than others. Choosing carrots, beets, Brussels sprouts, or corn over potatoes, beans, or corn will help you maintain a healthy weight. And if you are trying to lose weight, avoid eating too many starchy vegetables like carrots, beets, or corn. Instead, choose low-carb vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, asparagus, or bell pepper.