-http://www.self.com/health/blogs/healthyself/2011/08/4-high-sugar-veggies-to-avoid.html
3 High-Sugar Veggies to Avoid
Thursday, August 4, 2011 at 11:31 AM
| posted by selfeditor
Let's be clear: We all need to eat more vegetables, not less! Whether you're dieting or not, vegetables are nature's most virtuous foods. All vegetables -- even starchy, high-sugar ones -- boast fiber, disease-fighting nutrients and important minerals. And, they're all better for you (and your waistline) than a Krispy Kreme.
But if you often find yourself torn between carrots and peppers, you're not alone! We asked registered dietitian and chef consultant Michelle Dudash for three higher-sugar veggies and their nutrient-packed counterparts:
1. Carrots: Sure, they're great to munch on, particularly when you're dipping them in hummus or ranch dressing. Unfortunately, they pack more sugar than their equally crunchy counterparts. One medium raw carrot contains nearly 5 grams of sugar and 31 calories, while a stalk of celery provides close to 0 grams (0.4, to be exact) of sugar and 7 calories. Red and green bell peppers contain less sugar than carrots, too.
2. Potatoes: Baked, boiled, mashed or (gasp!) French fried, the potato is a starchy vegetable that raises blood sugar levels fast. And most of us top our potatoes with cheese, butter, sour cream, bacon! and other dietary offenders. Just one medium baked potato without skin (156 g) has 2.7 grams of sugar and 145 calories. A better option: cauliflower. The same amount contains only 2.2 grams of sugar and 36 calories! We know what you're thinking: Cauliflower in place of a spud, no way! Trust us. Just steam, boil or bake the cauliflower, then mash or puree. Top with your favorite potato toppings (maybe skip the bacon) and you'll hardly notice the difference. Not only does cauliflower contain disease-fighting chemicals -- including indole-3-carbinol, a substance that may help protect your ta-tas from cancer -- it's also an excellent source of fiber. Not a big fan of mash? Try making cauliflower au gratin. Delish!
3. Beets: Just one-half cup of boiled beets serves up almost 7 grams of sugar! Turn to red cabbage instead for only 2.5 grams of sugar, adding flavor with red wine vinegar and shredded granny smith apple. Instant side dish!
But if you often find yourself torn between carrots and peppers, you're not alone! We asked registered dietitian and chef consultant Michelle Dudash for three higher-sugar veggies and their nutrient-packed counterparts:
1. Carrots: Sure, they're great to munch on, particularly when you're dipping them in hummus or ranch dressing. Unfortunately, they pack more sugar than their equally crunchy counterparts. One medium raw carrot contains nearly 5 grams of sugar and 31 calories, while a stalk of celery provides close to 0 grams (0.4, to be exact) of sugar and 7 calories. Red and green bell peppers contain less sugar than carrots, too.2. Potatoes: Baked, boiled, mashed or (gasp!) French fried, the potato is a starchy vegetable that raises blood sugar levels fast. And most of us top our potatoes with cheese, butter, sour cream, bacon! and other dietary offenders. Just one medium baked potato without skin (156 g) has 2.7 grams of sugar and 145 calories. A better option: cauliflower. The same amount contains only 2.2 grams of sugar and 36 calories! We know what you're thinking: Cauliflower in place of a spud, no way! Trust us. Just steam, boil or bake the cauliflower, then mash or puree. Top with your favorite potato toppings (maybe skip the bacon) and you'll hardly notice the difference. Not only does cauliflower contain disease-fighting chemicals -- including indole-3-carbinol, a substance that may help protect your ta-tas from cancer -- it's also an excellent source of fiber. Not a big fan of mash? Try making cauliflower au gratin. Delish!
3. Beets: Just one-half cup of boiled beets serves up almost 7 grams of sugar! Turn to red cabbage instead for only 2.5 grams of sugar, adding flavor with red wine vinegar and shredded granny smith apple. Instant side dish!
You also might want to think twice about ... chickpeas. Beans and chickpeas are technically legumes -- not vegetables -- but since they're not meat, and they're not sweet (like most fruits), many of us lump them into the vegetable category. And while chickpeas are virtuous (and are chock-full of fiber), one-half cup contains 3.9 grams of sugar and 135 calories. Compare that to ZERO grams of sugar and 114 calories in a half-cup of black beans.
