Potatoes Please, Hold The Fries
The poor potato. Its reputation has become tarnished by the devilish preparation known as french fries. Contrary to popular belief, potatoes are not naturally sliced into sticks and fried. Potatoes actually are nutritious. Side note: If you are in possession of a french fry producing bush, I'm sure a particular fast food restaurant would be most interested.
Let's look at a naked potato:
- An average sized spud weighs in with around 100-120 calories.
- High in vitamin C, providing around 45% of your recomended daily amount.
- Potassium (more than a banana!)
- Vitamin B6
- Fiber
- Inexpensive and versatile: It's a blank canvas for lunch or dinner.
Realistically, you're not going to opt for a plain potato, but there are healthier versions of that super-double-loaded potato. Try a baked potato with Greek yogurt topping instead of sour cream for extra protein and way less fat. Nix the 'fakeon bits' and go for chopped vegetables and herbs depending on your palate. Try any or all of these different topping combinations for a regional potato:
- South of the border potato: tomatos, peppers, onion, tomatillo, cumin, cilantro, cilantro.
- Mediterranean potato: feta, tomatoes, marinated artichokes, basil, chopped olives.
- Middle Eastern potato: Greek yogurt mixed with chopped mint, falafel crumbles, eggplant.
- Pizza potato (okay, not really a region.): tomato sauce, garlic, mozzarella, basil.
- Indian potato: dahl, curry powder, okra, tomato
