Savvy Saving Bytes

How many pesticides do you consume in a day? If you eat potatoes, instead of sweet potatoes, you chomp on lots more of these nasty chemicals. In fact potatoes contain so many pesticides (the EPA lists 90 for spuds) that removal of the skin, where the contaminants mostly hang out, is recommended. In an EWG list of the “Dirty Dozen” vegetables and fruits MOST contaminated with pesticides, potatoes come in at number 11.  In a superior list of the “Clean 15” LEAST contaminated veggies and fruits, sweet potatoes are at number 14.

On top of this, guess which one of the two veggies ranks number one in the nutrition department?  Yep, sweet potatoes. Based on a system of points given by CSPI for dietary fiber, natural sugars, complex carbohydrates, protein, vitamins and minerals and after deducting points for fat content, sodium and cholesterol, sweet potatoes score a whopping 184 points. This is FULL 100 points over the next nutritious vegetable, making sweet potatoes the undisputed Ruler of the healthful vegetable kingdom.

A 6-oz. sweet potato contains 214 calories.  With its’ super high nutrient value, it’s considered a beneficial substitute for starches and carbs and is recommended in three popular diets: the Atkins, Sugar Busters and South Beach Diets.

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With meat prices rising and bank balances hanging out in the sub-basement, some less costly protein substitutions are definitely in order. Here are four talented proteins that are super cheap, super rich in nutritional value and–equally appealing–super fast to get to the table. They are canned salmon, eggs, beans and peanuts.

I have always loved eggs and pretty much ignored their bad cholesterol rap. Mainly because I just couldn’t believe such a perfect whole food package untainted by preservatives or additives could be bad for you. And sure enough, recent studies show that eggs have been tarnished with an undeserved bad cholesterol label. Officially, they are again healthy for us.

They are also one of the least expensive proteins. Not to mention one of the most versatile. A snap to put together (always good), what’s more delicious and vitamin packed than a fluffy omelet sautéed with veggies. And what protein travels better than hard-boiled eggs in their shells or in egg salad sandwiches. And what protein better serves dieters than eggs, of which two equal a petite 136 calories. (They are one of my 20 Low Cost Slimming Snacks).

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