Yeah the root veggies thing was a though one for me too. The idea is that most of the root veggies we find are hybrids that have been altered from their mother's. So if you can find wild purple potatoes or carrots, those would not have the starch and would be better for eating! Everything comes from something so really we just have to find the original plant/fruit/veggie and then eat that.
Yes, food in general totally tastes better without sugar. It's so crazy how much our tastebuds can change, isn't it?!