Don't Deny Yourself, Here's a Healthy Way to Enjoy Potatoes

Dec. 14, 2010 — -- Potatoes are one of my can't-live-without foods. Many of my clients tell me they try to avoid them because they think spuds are fattening or nutritionally void, but nothing could be further from the truth. One medium four ounce baked potato contains less than 100 calories, bundled with several important nutrients, including vitamin C, B vitamins, iron, calcium, potassium, fiber and antioxidants.

To up their nutritional value even more partner them with other wholesome ingredients. Sauté red, cubed potatoes with extra virgin olive oil, peppers and onions. Top a baked Russet potato with plain nonfat Greek yogurt and fresh chives, or vegetarian chili. Slice potatoes into strips or fries, mist with extra virgin olive oil, bake in the oven until golden and season with rosemary or cracked black pepper. Or fold pureed cauliflower, garlic, vegetable broth and fresh herbs into skin-on mashed potatoes. Red, blue, white or sweet, any you way you slice them, potatoes are a food that deserve a place in your pantry.

Cynthia Sass, MPH, MA, RD, CSSD is an ABC News contributor and Good Morning America Health's Food Coach. Through her New York City-based private practice Cynthia specializes in weight management and sports nutrition. She is the nutritionist for the New York Rangers and Tampa Bay Rays, and worked with the Philadelphia Phillies from 2007-2009. She's also the Weight Loss Coach columnist for Shape magazine and a New York Times best-selling author. Her newest book Cinch! Conquer Cravings, Drop Pounds and Lose Inches will be released by Harper Collins December 28, 2010.

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