Healthy Eating For a Healthy You

SportCo Rehabilitation is brining you a weekly weight loss tip to help you eat healthier, lose weight, and get the best performance out of your body. We hope you find it helpful.

Try A Sweet Potato!

With summertime in full swing, it’s easy to grab potato chips, pasta or unhealthy snacks on your way out to the pool! One easy substitute that is actually good for you should be what you choose, and that is the sweet potato! Not only is it a beautiful carbohydrate with its bright orange, summertime color, it’s a complex carbohydrate as opposed to simple carbs like white potatoes, white rice, breads, and sugary foods. Carbs can be divided into simple and complex. Simple carbs contain shorter chains of sugars than complex and are easier for the body to breakdown and have little value to the body. Complex carbohydrates like sweet potatoes take much longer to breakdown.  They generally have a lower glycemic load, which means that you will get lower amounts of sugars released at a more consistent rate instead of peaks and valleys to keep you going throughout the day. Consider having a more complex carb to keep you going longer throughout your summertime activity, and keep your sugar levels more even. This will allow for fun filled days without that groggy feeling after a meal, or light headed feeling when out in the sun for some time!

Some of the benefits of the sweet potato are:

High in Vitamin B6- prevents degenerative disease

Good Source Vitamin C-helps maintain skin’s elasticity

Contain Vitamin D- helps with energy levels, mood

Contains Iron – white cell production

Packed with Magnesium-relaxation and anti-stress

Full of Caroteniods- eyesight and immunity

Baked Sweet Potatoe Fries Recipe:

Olive Oil, for tossing

5 sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch long slices, then 1/4-wide inch strips, using a crinkle cut knife

Oil

1 tablespoon House Seasoning (recipe follows)

1/2 teaspoon paprika

Directions

Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.

Line a sheet tray with parchment. In a large bowl toss sweet potatoes with just enough oil to coat. Sprinkle with House Seasoning and paprika. Spread sweet potatoes in single layer on prepared baking heat, being sure not to overcrowd. Bake until sweet potatoes are tender and golden brown, turning occasionally, about 20 minutes. Let cool 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

Per Serving: Calories: 273-280 calories

This tip brought to you by Dr. Jenna Cook. Dr. Jenna is a chiropractor in our Naperville clinic serving patients just like you who live in Naperville, Aurora, Oswego, Montgomery and the other surrounding towns. She has years of experience and is always available for questions.

In addition, SportCo has a medically designed weight loss and healthy eating program that is proven to work for those who are in need of more than just a few tips. Call us today for free information. 630-922-6500 www.sportco1.com