A love letter to potatoes

By Dani Kam, Noom Content Writer 

Dear potatoes, 

I’ve heard some of the things that people have said about you: you’re not “nutritious” enough, you’re an empty calorie, you’re not as “healthy” as sweet potatoes. First, I’m sorry that you’ve been the target of such bitterness. Second, I’m hereby announcing this the first leg of my potato redemption tour. Because potatoes? I love you. (And for what it’s worth, I think sweet potatoes taste like garbage.)

There are many reasons to love you. Like your curves and edges, the way you smell fresh out of the oven, and how toppings literally melt in your presence. I don’t need to go on, but I’d be remiss not to mention that you’re also incredibly versatile. You can be boiled, mashed, steamed, roasted, scalloped, fried, air fried—your culinary options are endless. And don’t even get me started on the way you present yourself: tater tots, waffle fries, loaded with bacon and cheese, slathered in sour cream. It’s this unbelievable versatility that makes you pair deliciously with just about anything. Steak? Give me a mashed. Chicken? Throw me a couple of fingerlings. Fish? Get at me with a little baked beauty. No matter a person’s dietary or taste preferences, you literally have something to offer everyone. (Also, you’re gluten-free which feels illegal.)

Did I talk about how satisfying you are? You’re here for a good time and a long time. You’re giving us full bellies and full hearts with the possibility of leftovers. You’re giving us that big sigh you take after eating something extremely fulfilling. Did you know that there was a study done about you? Yeah, they took 11 people, fed them 38 common foods, and had them rate the foods based on how filling they were. And you know what, potatoes? You received the highest fullness rating of all foods taste-tested. You were even rated as being seven times more filling than croissants. Take that, pastries, it is you who is the true sultan of satiety.

And, finally, even though there are no “good” or “bad” foods, you’re doing great. Take your skin for example, that beautiful epidermis of yours is packed with vitamins and minerals like potassium, which is associated with decreased blood pressure and a reduced risk of stroke. You’re also a great source of fiber, which can help prevent heart disease. See potatoes? To heck with the naysayers, you’re saving the world one bite at a time. 

So please, potatoes, be confident in your starchy, root vegetable-y goodness. For you are one of the unsung heroes of sustenance. Keep it up, spud. 

Love,

Your humble admirer

P.S. (potato script): If this letter falls into your hands and you’re on board with potatoes like me, head to Noom Weight for some delectable potato recipes.