How Does Potato Fasting Work?
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Potato Fasting Diet
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The potato fasting diet is a simple diet. On this short-term diet a person eats only potatoes. The potatoes are baked, steamed, roasted or boiled. Mashed potatoes may be used if they are made without milk or butter. The diet does not include fried potatoes. Potatoes are served for breakfast, lunch and dinner. They may be seasoned, but no butter, cheese, or sour cream is added. Potatoes are prepared with or without their skins. Green or discolored portions are removed. Potato skins are often left on the potatoes because skins contain fiber and nutrients. They also help hold nutrients in the potatoes during cooking. The potato fasting diet is designed for 1 or 2 days. Some people repeat the potato fasting diet every week or two until the desired lower weight is reached. For long-term diets, some people use a potato fasting diet for variation in their regular diet. The diet works because the potato is low in calories and fills up the stomach so the person does not feel hungry. At the end of a diet day, the person has eaten three meals and typically consumed fewer calories than one candy bar or frozen dinner.
Potato Variations
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The potato fasting diet uses any potato including yellow, red and white potatoes. Potatoes are prepared by any method except frying or cooking in oil. Some people cook several small potatoes in advance. For each meal they heat a cooked potato portion and season with salt, spices or herbs. Potatoes are mashed with potato water or herbal tea for moisture and flavor. Fat-free toppings like salsa or chopped cooked vegetables add variety. Easy meals include chopped cooked potato tossed with garlic and rosemary. Seasonings like mint, chives and fennel offer flavor without calories.
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Potato Nutrition
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An average potato has 110 calories. It has no fat and no cholesterol. A potato is high in dietary fiber and potassium. A 5-ounce potato contains about 600 mg. of potassium, comparable to bananas and broccoli. Potassium helps maintain normal blood pressure. The potato is high in vitamin C. Vitamin C is an antioxidant and helps heal wounds. Potatoes also contain small amounts of B vitamins and iron. Carbohydrates in potatoes are complex carbohydrates as fuel for the body.
Potato Fasting Tips
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The potato fasting diet is popular because it is easy. It requires 1 or 2 potatoes and optional seasoning. One large potato can be a day of meals. The large potato or several smaller ones are microwaved, roasted or boiled and divided into 3 or 4 portions for one diet day. When the potato is sliced, diced or mashed for each meal with herbs or spices, it offers a different texture and flavor through the day. Potato fasting dieters suggest drinking plenty of water or herbal teas. It helps cleanse and hydrate the body. Some people are not suited for fasting diets. A person should consult with a physician before using this or any other diet.
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Resources
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