The difference between sweet potato and brown rice! — Personal Trainer in NYC (2024)

I was asked today by one of my clients the difference between sweet potato and brown rice. It is an interesting question and one that requires a practical answer.

The first major physical difference is that sweet potato is a vegetable and as a whole food comes directly from the earth to you. Whereas brown rice is a grain and undergoes a process of hull removal for edibility purposes.
They are both great sources of complex carbohydrates. Per 100 grams raw brown rice has almost 3 times the calories and 4 times the carbohydrate value or 100 grams of raw sweet potato. They have almost the same amount of dietary fiber (both high) but brown rice has five times more protein. This is not to say you should consider brown rice a complete protein as it is not. It should for the most part be coupled with another high protein legume like lentils or a lean meat or fish.

They are both great pre workout foods (with low glycemic index (GI) values) released slowly through the bloodstream providing a sustained delivery of energy which could last you well past your one hour workout. You can eat both up to 30 minutes before a workout as they digest fairly quickly and enhance muscular endurance and pump.

While both are high in vitamins and minerals sweet potato has the highest level of beta carotene and Vitamin A among root vegetables both of which are powerful natural antioxidants. Brown rice is also a great source of selenium which in addition to fiber has been shown to reduce the risk of colon cancer.

Both are healthy functional foods that may take up to 1 hour to cook yet baked sweet potato you can travel with more conveniently as it is able to be wrapped in foil and eaten out of its own little packaging while on the go!

For questions and feedback please leave your comments below.

Enjoy your whole foods and maintain your clean eating!

Gennaro

The difference between sweet potato and brown rice! — Personal Trainer in NYC (2024)

FAQs

Which is better, brown rice or sweet potato? ›

They are both great sources of complex carbohydrates. Per 100 grams raw brown rice has almost 3 times the calories and 4 times the carbohydrate value or 100 grams of raw sweet potato. They have almost the same amount of dietary fiber (both high) but brown rice has five times more protein.

Is potatoes or rice better for gym? ›

Overall, potatoes contain more vitamins and nutrients than rice. And if given the choice between rice or potatoes, 9 times out of 10, we would certainly go with potatoes simply because they are more versatile and can be made in many different ways.

Which is better for weight loss brown rice or potatoes? ›

Both brown rice and potatoes offer numerous health benefits. Potatoes contain more starch, which may cause blood sugar spikes in some individuals. Both contain fiber, which helps you feel full and supports healthy weight loss.

Which is better for weight loss white rice or sweet potato? ›

If you want to lose weight, it's better to eat white sweet potato, instead of the ones with purple or yellow flesh. Be sure to steam or boil the tubers instead of using oil for cooking. You can substitute some rice with sweet potatoes to lose weight, but rice should not be switched out entirely.

Why do bodybuilders eat brown rice instead of white? ›

Additional Nutrients

Since brown rice also has the germ and bran attached, it contains all the nutrients found in those sections of the grain. This includes things like protein, vitamins B1, B3, and B7, manganese, magnesium, folate, and more.

Why do bodybuilders eat sweet potato? ›

For bodybuilding, it's ideal because it's packed with good carbs, calories, and potassium that your body needs to put on muscle mass. Sweet potatoes taste great with or without anything added to them, and they're super easy to make. One baked sweet potato contains 4 g protein, 41 g carbohydrates, and 6 g fiber.

Why do bodybuilders prefer rice over potatoes? ›

According to USA Rice Information, rice contains more carbohydrates than potatoes for the same serving size. Parboiled, converted, and instant white rice is suggested for pre and post-workout meals. Consuming white rice ensures the body is properly fueled for the competitive athlete.

Why is sweet potato good for gym? ›

Eating a sweet potato post-workout is ideal as they contain copper, which can help replenish energy levels and protect the cardiovascular, nervous and skeletal system. It also strengthens the tendons needed to lift weights. Just one cup of baked sweet potato contains 36% of your daily copper needs.

Which potato is best for fitness? ›

White Potatoes

A medium-sized 150 gram white potato with the skin provides copious amounts of vitamin C and B6, and nearly twice the potassium of a medium sized banana. They are also a good source of complex carbohydrates, providing energy for higher intensity exercise like resistance training.

Can I eat brown rice everyday to lose weight? ›

Studies have shown that replacing a diet of refined grains with brown rice can lead to better weight control and weight loss because brown rice contains more fiber than refined grains. such as white rice or white bread, white pasta.

Which rice has no carbs? ›

It's Skinny rice is also known as shirataki rice. Like It's Skinny pasta, It's Skinny rice has ZERO carbs in a 1 cup serving and only 9 calories in the entire two-serving bag! That's right!

Is pasta healthier than rice? ›

In conclusion, both pasta and rice can be healthy options when consumed in moderation and paired with nutrient-dense ingredients. However, if we were to compare the two, whole-grain pasta is generally considered a healthier option than white rice due to its higher fiber content and lower glycemic index.

Should I avoid sweet potatoes for weight loss? ›

Absolutely. Besides their health benefits, sweet potatoes are a great addition to any weight loss diet. First up, they're very high in fibre — especially soluble fibre. Soluble fibre is excellent because it slows down your digestion and helps you feel full, which can curb the urge to snack between meals.

What are the best carbs for weight loss? ›

"The fiber found in complex carbs can help keep you fuller, longer, which is great news if you are trying to manage your weight," says Susie. She adds that these are fruits, vegetables, nuts, beans, legumes, and whole grains.

Is it OK to eat a sweet potato everyday? ›

If you enjoy sweet potatoes, you can absolutely enjoy them daily. However, eating multiple sweet potatoes every day could cause a harmless condition called carotenodermia, where your skin turns yellow-orange. You may also want to be cautious about your sweet potato intake if you have a history of kidney stones.

Is sweet potato or potato better for weight loss? ›

Sweet potatoes are high in fiber, which might aid in weight loss and belly fat reduction. Sweet potatoes' high fiber content makes you feel 'full' after a meal, which helps you keep to a calorie-restricted diet.

Which is the healthiest potatoes or rice? ›

Of rice, pasta, potatoes, and bread, potatoes are the healthiest of these starchy and complex carbohydrate foods. This is because potatoes are dense in nutrients, containing essential minerals, vitamins, and other micronutrients. Potatoes are also high in fiber, helping to satiate hunger and regulate blood sugar.

Is sweet potato the healthiest potato? ›

Sweet potatoes are often touted as being healthier than white potatoes, but in reality, both types can be highly nutritious. While regular and sweet potatoes are comparable in their calorie, protein, and carb content, white potatoes provide more potassium, whereas sweet potatoes are incredibly high in vitamin A.

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