Want Potatoes? Check Your Watch

Want Potatoes? Check Your Watch
JORGE’S DAILY FIT TIP

By Jorge Cruise, Chief Diet and Fitness Expert
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Late-night French fry consumption may be good for Burger King’s bottom line, but it’s terrible for yours! Starchy carbs, such as potatoes, rice and pasta, are designed to give you high energy. But most of us are less active in the evening than we are during the day. Since our bodies won’t need the energy, the carbs will be stored as fat instead. A good rule of thumb is to avoid carbs high in starch after your afternoon snack. But, if you really must have starchy carbs with dinner, be sure to keep an eye on your portion sizes. Eat the protein on your plate first to help you fill up, and keep your meal balanced and your hunger in check by starting with a salad or a broth-based soup. If you’re still hungry later, do your body good: nosh on a piece of fruit or indulge in a piece of antioxidant-rich dark chocolate.