POTATOES

Ahh, the humble potato, one of the vegetable world's most recognized and well received vegetables not to mention my personal favourite right next to raw celery. Potatoes are the perfect veggie in so many ways because they can adapt to pretty much any flavour and you can utilize them in any way imaginable. Mashed, roasted, boiled, smashed, fried, baked, whipped etc., the list goes on and on. 

Unfortunately, as health continues to take priority in today's society, people are turning away from the tater in favour of it's sweeter and more antioxidant rich cousin the sweet potato. Is it true that regular old potatoes are as bad for you as they're being regarded? The short answer is no. Often times, when someone is discussing why regular potatoes aren't as good for you, they are villifying the toppings one chooses to put on the tater.

Let's take a look at the infamous baked potato. Any time you think baked potato, you're probably thinking a plethora of toppings like cheeses, sour cream, bacon, butter, etc., all of these toppings will most definitely take your potato from good to belly busting. 

French fries are another example of potatoes potentially gone wrong. They can actually be a decent snack if you avoid dumping them in the fryer and topping them with things like cheese curds, gravy, or loaded nacho style toppings. 

The fact is, it's what we're putting on them that makes them terrible for us but we've chosen to villify the potato which is literally sending an innocent man to jail. Potatoes are actually wonderful for you and definitely should be part of a healthy diet. Let's break down why potatoes rock and how you can prepare them to keep them on the goosd for you side!

THE FACTS

• Potatoes are an excellent source of potassium; in fact, they contain more than a banana. 
• They are a good source of vitamins B6 and C
• They contain a decent amount of fiber to help keep you full for longer
• They're low in calories and also fat if prepared properly
• Also a good source for manganese 
• They contain LESS SUGAR and FAT than SWEET POTATOES

WAYS TO KEEP YOUR TATERS HEALTHY

Here's a few tips for making sure your potatoes stay good for you or at the very least, aren't smothered with boatloads of extra calories!

• BAKED POTATOES - Skip the multitude of toppings. Slice it open, use a tiny bit of butter, salt, pepper, and some fresh chives or other herbs for flavour.
• FRENCH FRIES - Don't buy the bagged ones that are full of preservatives and such. Make them from scratch and bake them versus frying them. If you're still craving gravy for example, serve it on the side as opposed to pouring it all over the fries. This way, you're dipping and will likely use half the amount you would if you poured it all over them and you'll avoid the excess amounts of sodium and unnecessary fat.
• MASHED - Mashed potatoes without butter aren't mashed potatoes in my opinion. Now, think about whipping in some steamed or boiled cauliflower for a reduction on carbs and fat and a little boost of vitamins and minerals. Also, think ingredients like scallions, chives, and herbs for flavour versus cheeses, cream, gravy, and sour creams.
• KEEP THE SKIN - SO many people peel the taters but fiber and other nutrients lie in the skin so stop peeling them. The skin adds texture to mashed taters and is delicious when roasted in the oven.

There's no denying sweet potatoes are wonderful for you but that's not enough of a reason to shun the other varieties. Enjoy a mixed variety of taters in your life and you'll be just fine, just enjoy them for what they are without the constant need to smother them in fat and more fat.

HAPPY VEG