If you're a fan of mashed potatoes, you'll love Naturally Potatoes' Garlic White Mashed Potatoes! With only 122 calories per 1/2 cup, these mashed potatoes are a great side dish option for any meal.

These mashed potatoes also offer a variety of nutrients, including vitamins B6 and C, potassium, and fiber.

Read on to learn more about how to make mashed potatoes healthier, the potential benefits for weight loss, and more.

What are Naturally Potatoes?

Naturally Potatoes are a brand of mashed potatoes made with real ingredients like potatoes, butter, and milk. These mashed potatoes are free from artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives, making them a healthier option than many other store-bought mashed potatoes. In addition to Garlic White, Naturally Potatoes offers a variety of flavors like Sour Cream & Chive, Classic Butter, and Loaded Baked Potato.

Garlic White Mashed Potatoes: What Makes Them Unique?

The Garlic White flavor of Naturally Potatoes' mashed potatoes sets it apart with a unique flavor profile. The addition of garlic and white pepper makes these mashed potatoes savory and flavorful. These mashed potatoes are also made with real garlic and no artificial flavors or colors.

How to Make Mashed Potatoes Healthier

While mashed potatoes are already a nutrient-dense food, there are a few ways to make them even healthier. One way is to use low-fat or non-fat milk instead of whole milk, or use a non-dairy milk like almond or soy milk. Another option is to substitute some of the potatoes with a vegetable like cauliflower, which can decrease the calorie and carb count while offering more fiber and micronutrients. You can also opt for a mashed sweet potato recipe which is higher in vitamin A and fiber than regular mashed potatoes.

Mashed Potatoes and Weight Loss: Can They Be Part of a Healthy Diet?

While mashed potatoes have a reputation for being a high-calorie food, they can still be part of a healthy diet when consumed in moderation. Studies have shown that potatoes can actually help with weight loss due to their high fiber content, which can help you feel full. However, it's still important to watch portion sizes and be mindful of added ingredients like butter and cream.

Potatoes and Carbohydrates: What You Need to Know

Potatoes are known for being a carbohydrate-rich food, and mashed potatoes are no exception. However, not all carbs are created equal. The carbohydrates found in potatoes are complex carbohydrates, which are more slowly digested and provide sustained energy throughout the day. Additionally, potatoes are a good source of resistant starch, which acts as a prebiotic and can improve gut health.

Mashed Potatoes and Fiber: How Much Do They Contain?

Fiber is an important nutrient for digestive health, and luckily mashed potatoes are a good source of fiber. For example, Naturally Potatoes' Garlic White Mashed Potatoes contain 2 grams of fiber per 1/2 cup serving. By incorporating other high-fiber foods like vegetables and whole grains into your meal, you can meet your daily recommended intake of fiber.

Are Mashed Potatoes Good for Gut Health?

In addition to fiber, mashed potatoes offer other benefits for gut health. As mentioned earlier, potatoes are a good source of resistant starch. Resistant starch acts as a prebiotic, meaning it feeds the good bacteria in your gut and improves overall gut health.

Mashed Potatoes and Protein: Can They Help Build Muscle?

One nutrient that mashed potatoes lack is protein, which is important for muscle growth and repair. However, there are ways to increase the protein content of mashed potatoes. One option is to incorporate Greek yogurt or cottage cheese into your mashed potato recipe, both of which are high in protein. You can also serve mashed potatoes alongside a protein-rich main dish like grilled chicken or fish.

Mashed Potatoes vs Baked Potatoes: Which is Healthier?

When it comes to potatoes, many people wonder which preparation method is healthier: mashed or baked. While both can be part of a healthy diet, it depends on the added ingredients and cooking methods used. For example, baked potatoes are often topped with high-calorie ingredients like cheese, bacon, and sour cream. However, if you opt for a baked sweet potato and top it with nutrient-rich toppings like broccoli, black beans, and salsa, it can be a healthy meal option. Ultimately, it's important to choose the preparation method that suits your individual nutritional needs and preferences.

Mashed Potatoes as Comfort Food: How to Enjoy Them Guilt-Free

While mashed potatoes can be a healthy and nutrient-dense food, they are often seen as a comfort food and can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. To enjoy mashed potatoes guilt-free, it's important to watch portion sizes and opt for healthier preparation methods like using low-fat milk and incorporating vegetables. You can also experiment with different flavors and toppings like fresh herbs, garlic, and roasted vegetables to add variety and nutrition to your mashed potato recipe.