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Don’t Fear the Tots!

potatoes

In my opinion, I think potatoes get an unfairly bad rep.

I love potatoes! In fact, I eat a sweet potato (or two) nearly every day.

But this starchy vegetable is frequently assumed to be fattening.

It is true that a diet full of french fried and mashed potatoes every day is not going to help with your health goals. However, baked or roasted potatoes may actually help you become healthier.

Aid in Weight Loss
Chilled, cooked potato is packed with resistant starch, a fibrous substance that could help you lose weight.

Fight disease
Within 100 different potato varieties, there are over 60 different vitamins and phytochemicals. Some of these are flavonoids, which are credited with improving heart health and protecting against lung and prostate cancers. Other nutrients may even boost immunity.

Help maintain healthy blood pressure
Potatoes are packed with kukoamines, plant chemicals that help lower blood pressure. In addition, one medium baked potato (including the skin) provides 20% of your daily potassium, a known hypertension fighter.

So why fear potatoes?

Especially when there are so many good recipes to make! Fun fact: there are almost 4,000 different potato varieties! Imagine all the tasty (and nutritious!) meals you could make with those. Here are a few just to get your started!

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Star Market Shopping for an Affordable Thanksgiving

affordable thanksgiving

We’re less than a week away from that turkey dinner, which means it’s time to stock up on all the food!

Luckily Star Market (located right down the street from VIM) has all the necessities on sale. Whether it’s just you or your entire family on Thursday, here’s your buying guide to ensure your day of thanks leaves your wallet saying thanks, too. Here’s to an affordable Thanksgiving!

sweet potatoesFruit and Vegetables:
Peeled Butternut Squash- 99¢ a pound
Sweet Potatoes- 45¢ a pound
Ocean Spray Cranberry Sauce- 3 for $5
Birds Eye Bagged or Green Giant Boxed Frozen Vegetables- buy 1 get 2 free

Meat:
Fresh Grade A Turkeys- 88¢ a pound
Frozen Turkeys- 39¢ a pound
Pepperidge Farm Stuffing- 2 for $5

pumpkin pieDessert:
8-inch apple or pumpkin pie- $3.99
Friendly’s Ice Cream- $1.99
Reddi Wip Whipped Cream- 2 for $5
Ghirardelli Peppermint Bark Bars- 2 for $5
Martinelli’s Cider- 2 for $5

If you enjoy cooking or baking, there is also canned pumpkin, pie crusts, fresh vegetables, cranberries, baking supplies and paper goods on sale as well! If you refuse to even touch the stove, pick up a couple platters of fresh cut vegetables or fruit. You can throw them in a pot to cook, or leave out a vegetable crudite tray. I’m sure your guests will be thankful for a lighter option in the array of dense and indulgent!

Despite all the food surrounding the holiday season, remember that this time of year is meant for love and appreciation. Enjoy your time with loved ones, and give yourself a break, too!

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