Thanksgiving is on the horizon for those in the USA, and among many delicious recipes, sweet potatoes often make an appearance on the dinner table. Not only that, but in November in general, sweet potatoes often take a starring role. 

Do you have a favorite sweet potato recipe for this time of year? Reply to me with your top ways to eat these amazing potatoes!

The thing is, sweet potatoes should be on your plate throughout the year, or when in season and not just as a Thanksgiving treat. 

They are bursting with health benefits and natural deliciousness, as well as being a nutritious powerhouse that can aid your weight loss journey and keep you satisfied and full!

Sweet potatoes have been around for ages, centuries in fact, They go back 5,000 years and probably longer. Today you can find them all over the world, from Central and South America where they originate, to countries in Africa, India, Vietnam and Europe. 

Let’s look at what makes these special spuds just so healthy and good for your weight-loss plan. 

Blood-Sugar Stability

Sweet potatoes are complex carbs, right off the bat that makes them better for you than simple carbs with less nutritional value. Simple carbs get digested fast. A sweet potato won’t spike your blood sugar as fast, meaning it helps to keep your energy levels steady and your mood balanced. Slower digestion also means you’ll be feeling full for much longer. 

Fiber for a Healthy Gut 

A Sweet potato has 15% of your daily value of fiber, which is great news for your gut health. Fiber is an important part of digestion and will help keep your bowels moving, an essential component in a weight-loss diet.

Huge Vitamin Boost 

Sweet potatoes have a high antioxidant, vitamin A, beta carotene, Vitamin C, and manganese content. This spells great news for your vision, immunity, bones, skin and overall health. Betacarotene can even improve the texture of your skin by helping to protect you from sun damage, helping to reduce wrinkles and skin sagging. 

Reduced Inflammation 

Sweet potatoes are amazing for reducing inflammation in the body with their high antioxidant content. Vitamin C, carotenoids, and phenylpropanoids are amazing for protecting your body against chronic diseases caused by the build up of inflammation over time. 

Mood Booster 

Sweet potatoes are good for your mental health and can help to calm any anxiety due to their high vitamin B6 content. B6 is a vitamin required to synthesize serotonin - a neurotransmitter that helps to balance and regulate your moods.

Reduce Belly Fat 

Sweet potatoes are low in calories, filling, and as we have said, full of nutrients. There’s no need to cut them from your diet to lose weight. In fact, as they are so rich in fiber and keep you full for longer, sweet potatoes are likely to help your efforts to trim your waistline by stopping you from reaching for more fattening, unhealthy snacks

How to Prepare Them? 

Sweet potatoes are super versatile and can be cooked in so many ways and even eaten raw, grated or spiralized into salads. 

You can steam, bake, roast, mash, saute, or air-fry these potatoes. They can be enjoyed alone, with a simple side of dark leafy greens, and a filet of white fish or chicken, or as part of a curry, wok, or casserole. 

Whatever you like! Let me know your favorite way to add nourishing and filling sweet potatoes to your diet.