The Times They Are A Changing

Our country has become so diet conscious, but mostly where weight is concerned. Although, there those of us who are more concerned with what is in the food they eat and how it can benefit their health or not. The baked potato has been given a bad rap as being starchy and therefore fattening. However, it does not contain as many calories as you might think and it offers a whole bunch of good things for our body.

In one regular sized baked potato you can expect to get:

* 110 calories (not bad when you think how filling it is and with some additions would make a great lunch.

* Protein - 3 grams
* Fat - 0 grams
* Fiber - 2710 mg
* Sodium - (only) 10 mg
* Potassium - 750 mg
* It is also a good source of vitamin C, iron, essential trace elements, minerals, chromium, selenium, manganese and B6, which is difficult to get in the diet without supplementation.

Toppings

It’s true that the baked potato can put on the pounds if you add sour cream, butter, gravy or other calorie ridden toppings. Here are some ideas for low or no calorie toppings.

* 2 tablespoons pasta sauce and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese
* Steamed vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, green beans, zucchini) and a sprinkle of grated low fat mozzarella cheese.
* 1 pat of butter thinned with the juice of one lemmon
* Dried herb mix (parsley, rosemary, chives, basil)
* Fresh chives and cottage cheese
* Plain yogurt and black pepper
* Salsa
* Stir fry with onions, celery and other vegetables
* Red onions and mushrooms