Potatoes Are Not the Enemy; Here Are 9 Healthy Ways to Eat Them
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Potatoes have been given an unfair bad rep, and it's easy to see why: we've been treating them like a vehicle for fat and sugar. When we're not smothering them with butter and sour cream, we're deep-frying them into french fries or tater tots, only to smother them in sugary ketchup or dressing. Your favorite potato dishes may also be the most guilt-inducing ones, creating an unhealthy association with a surprisingly wholesome food.
These poor potatoes are over here like, "Hey guys, we have so much potassium [twice as much as a banana!], iron, protein, fiber, vitamins C and B6, and magnesium . . . maybe cool it with the fryer?" And yes, there are several healthy ways to enjoy this nutritious root vegetable without compromising flavor (we have nine). Let's give the taters a little love, shall we? They've earned it.
Low-Carb Loaded Baked Potato Soup
With low-cal cauliflower and nutrient-rich potato as the base — and turkey bacon, chives, garlic, and sour cream as garnish — this delicious soup is as flavorful as it is healthy.
Low-Fat Scalloped Potatoes
Surprisingly, "low-fat scalloped potatoes" isn't a cruel joke or oxymoron. This deliciously cheesy dish comes in at about 200 calories per serving.
Low-Carb Mashed Potatoes
Potatoes and cauliflower team up again with creamy, protein-packed Greek yogurt (and a little butter!) for these deliciously rich, healthy mashed potatoes.
Asparagus, Potato, and Cheddar Frittata
Add your breakfast potatoes into a frittata for a healthy morning meal. This one has a metabolism-boosting kick from cayenne pepper and all the delicious cheesy goodness from cheddar (meaning it's got a good amount of calcium, too).
No-Mayo Potato Salad
Skipping the mayo doesn't mean skipping the flavor. This dairy-free potato salad is packed with savory flavor thanks to mustard, vinegar, bacon, and herbs. YUM.
Boxty With Salmon
This classic Irish potato cake makes a perfect base for omega-3-packed salmon (which has been found to help with depression!). Together, with a bit of crème fraiche, you have a seriously tasty, nutritious breakfast.
Mashed Potatoes With White Beans
Fun fact: adding white beans to mashed potatoes in lieu of butter adds fiber and protein, without all the extra fat. It also makes for an excellent vegan side dish.
Mustard Roasted Potatoes
These classic, flavorful roasted potatoes (with a twist) are coated in whole-grain mustard, freshly ground pepper, salt, and a little olive oil — high in flavor and healthy fats from extra virgin olive oil, low in calories.
Baked Cracked-Pepper Potato Chips With Onion Dip
Do you have some serious chip cravings? Counter them with these healthier baked potato chips, which let you gain the nutrients from potatoes (and the skins!) without the excess saturated and trans-fat. The Greek yogurt-based onion dip is full of protein, so you'll get full quickly. Bye, cravings!