Last month, we kicked off our Superfood of the Month series with kale – exploring its powerful nutrients, the different varieties, how to choose and store it, and most important – how to make it taste delicious! If you missed it, you can check it out here:
Kale: The Perfect Superfood to Start the New Year Strong
This month, we want to share another “superfood” to add to your routine – a simple food you can find at the grocery store or farmers’ market, prepare without stress, and enjoy eating.
Sweet potatoes!
We know you are either thinking, “Oh, good, I love sweet potatoes!”, or “Sweet potatoes, really?! I am not a fan!” If you were to tell us you are skeptical of sweet potatoes, our next question to you would be, “have you had them any other way than covered in marshmallows at Thanksgiving?!” If you answered “no!” to this question, please trust us on this one, you have to give sweet potatoes another try — we think you will be shocked and amazed!
The Superfood Challenge
Just like we encouraged you to experiment with kale in January – trying it roasted, sauteed, blended into smoothies, or baked into chips – we encourage you this month to explore sweet potatoes beyond the familiar Thanksgiving casserole.
Your Superfood Challenge for February: Try sweet potatoes at least once a week this month – prepared in different ways. Is it a keeper or a sleeper? You might discover new meals you love and fresh ways to include this superfood in your weekly menu.
Why Sweet Potatoes Are Often Misunderstood
Potatoes sometimes get a bad rap because they are most commonly fried and served as French fries, tater tots, or chips. When they’re not fried, they’re often loaded with butter, sour cream, bacon, or cheese – or in the case of sweet potatoes, marshmallows and brown sugar. Clearly, in those forms, potatoes aren’t the epitome of health.
But when eaten in their whole, REAL-food form, potatoes – and especially sweet potatoes – provide flavor, nourishment, and comfort – three things that don’t always show up together.
Sweet Potatoes: A Nutrient Powerhouse
Would you believe there are hundreds of varieties of sweet potatoes produced today? They can sometimes be found in white, yellow and purple varieties.
Sweet potatoes are naturally rich in:
- Vitamin A, supporting immune function and eye health
- Antioxidants, including beta-carotene (adding a little healthy fat – like avocado or olive oil – helps your body absorb them)
- Fiber, which helps with digestion, fullness, and blood sugar balance
Unlike highly processed carbohydrates, sweet potatoes digest slowly and provide steady energy. When paired with protein and healthy fats, they help create meals that are both satisfying and stabilizing.
Beyond their impressive nutrient profile, sweet potatoes also play an important role in how we fuel our bodies.
The Right Kind of Carbs
Sweet potatoes often get lumped into the “high-carb” category and thought to spike blood sugar. But carbohydrates from REAL, whole foods play a crucial role in overall health – especially when they come packaged with fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Remember – what matters isn’t eliminating carbs – it’s choosing the right kind.
Sweet potatoes offer complex carbohydrates that fuel your body while supporting digestion and metabolic health. Because they promote a steady release of glucose into the bloodstream, they’re especially helpful for active individuals, families, and anyone looking to feel energized without the crash.
Sweet Potatoes Are Super Easy to Prepare
Sweet potatoes are incredibly easy to prepare:
- Roast in the oven (our favorite)
- Steam in the microwave
- Cook in the slow cooker (yes, the slow cooker!)
They store well, travel well, and taste just as good the next day – making them ideal for meal prep. And they work just as beautifully in savory meals as they do in naturally sweet ones…making them ideal as a weekly staple rather than just an occasional side dish.
Here are some member-favorite ways to enjoy them – whether you’re craving comfort, bold flavors, or quick weeknight meals:
- Southwest Stuffed Sweet Potato
- Loaded Mexican Sweet Potato Fries
- Sweet Potato Quesadillas
- Sweet Potato Kale Frittata
- Sweet and Spicy Sweet Potato Salad
- Southwest Sweet Potato Lettuce Wraps
- Sweet Potato Collard Green Wraps
- Sweet Potato and Black Bean Enchiladas
- Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Chicken Chili
- Slow Cooker Balsamic Pork Tenderloin and Veggie Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
- Fire Roasted Sloppy Joes
- Sweet Potato Hash with EOT (Egg on Top)
- Chorizo Sweet Potato Tostadas
- Shrimp, Sweet Potato and Kale Stir Fry
- Spicy Sweet Potato Hummus
- Cauliflower and Sweet Potato Mash
- Need a Napkin Burger Bowl
- Sweet Potato Fries
- Sheet Pan Bi Bim Bop
- Thai Roasted Veggie Bowl
What Eat REAL America Members Say
After trying sweet potatoes in new ways, many members have become fans (after previously shunning them).
- “I had no idea I liked sweet potatoes until I put them in the oven!”
- “I always thought sweet potatoes were too sweet – now I eat them all the time!”
- “Stuffed sweet potatoes have truly been a life-changer for our family!”
Keep the Momentum Going
As you explore sweet potatoes this month:
- Be open to new preparation methods
- Experiment with different flavors and cuisines
- Notice how they can be both delicious and nutritious
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