Low-carb diets be cursed! I’ve always loved potatoes. When the low-carb fad struck the marketplace, it didn’t phase me one iota as far as my potato-eating habits were concerned. Why? Because I read labels. I knew from comparing the nutritional facts of other vegetables to the label on my bag of potatoes that:
- Potatoes are fat free and a good source of fiber making them heart-friendly.
- Potatoes have 5 times less sugar than carrots.
- 1 medium potato has more vitamin C than equal servings of watermelon, peaches and plums combined.
- Potatoes have almost twice the potassium as bananas for 30% fewer calories.
- Potatoes are loaded with antioxidants that have been reported to fight cancer.
And that’s just scratching the surface. The latest research indicates that potatoes contain a vitamin called B83 that may prove to be a potent inhibitor of the enzyme that is partially responsible for Alzheimer’s disease.
In essence, potatoes were getting a bad rap.
No doubt that’s why the National Potato Council has stepped forward to overcome this scarlet letter that’s been hung around its neck. By highlighting the benefits and end results of the lowly potato on their Potato Goodness website, they are swaying public opinion.
Their copy – that includes celebrity endorsements and scientific study references – has the makings of a marketing campaign bound for success. Remember the egg?
Years ago, nutritionists tried to hang a big, black X on the egg. The American Egg Board finally stood up and said, “Enough!” Launching their memorable “incredible, edible egg” advertising campaign helped turn the perception and sales of this hearty protein source around. How did they do it? By showing the benefits of eggs, quoting scientific data that countered the distorted or questionable “facts” issued by others and by publishing nutritional egg recipes.
You know, I’ve got several ideas for the National Potato Council if they’re listening. I’ll give you one for free. Rather than doing one, broad-sweeping campaign, gather all the current research available on the benefits of potatoes then segment your ads to fit the sectors of your target audience (dieters, for example).
What could you say? For starters, serving-per-serving, potatoes have 41% fewer carbs than whole wheat pasta, 10% fewer carbs than fresh corn and almost half the carbs of two slices of multi-grain bread. Plus potatoes have 0 grams of fat. Add to that the fact that you can load them up with all sorts of yummy, good-for-you toppings like lean ham, chicken, turkey, broccoli, bell peppers, green onions, jalapeños and cheese, salsa, spaghetti sauce and low-fat mozzarella cheese, and practically any other healthy item and you’ve got a real dieter’s friend. Pair a baked potato with a cup of tomato soup and you’ve got a healthy meal that’s really satisfying.
I applaud the Potato Board’s efforts. It’s a vital public service. People love potatoes! All those dieters who have been made to feel guilty unnecessarily are just waiting for somebody to tell them it’s OK to eat potatoes again. I’m glad to see they’ve put their gloves on and started to fight!
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