The Good:
Unfortunately, potatoes are primarily made up of starch, making them more of a carbohydrate than a vegetable.  However, potatoes contain about 25% of your RDA of vitamin C.  They are also a good source of vitamin B6 and potassium.  The best part? Potatoes are low in calories (a medium potato only contains about 160) and high in fiber, so they make for a filling but diet-friendly side dish when prepared correctly.

The Bad:
The main problem with potatoes is that they’re often prepared in unhealthy ways.  A baked potato is pretty boring until you add sour cream, cheese, and bacon bits.  Mashed potatoes just don’t taste the same if you don’t load them with butter.  Potato salad is laden with mayonnaise.  And French fries?  Well, we all know that they aren’t the healthiest side dish.  

How to Eat Them:
If you’re going to eat potatoes, make sure you eat the skin- that’s where all the nutrients are contained.  Also, try to prepare your potatoes in healthy ways.  Bake or roast them instead of frying them, and try healthy toppings, such as beans or vegetables.  Try these diet-friendly roasted potato recipes:

Roasted Potatoes with Chipotle Avocado Dip
Baked Low Fat French Fries
Roasted Onion Potatoes
  
For an even healthier choice, try trading your regular potatoes for sweet potatoes.  Sweet potatoes have higher levels of beta-carotene and potassium than plain baking potatoes.  The added antioxidants help flush the body and improve how your body processes food.  Try these yummy sweet potato recipes:

Black Bean and Sweet Potato Chili
Sweet Potato Risotto
Shrimp and Sweet Potato Mini Kabobs

For more healthy recipes, click here!