Potatoes are healthier than people think. Potatoes contain more potassium than a banana, vitamin C, fiber and even protein. The only problem is that many people often prepare potatoes in unhealthy ways. People mostly choose to fry them up, drown them in cheese or mash them with fattening butter and cream and since potatoes don’t contain fat or cholesterol, why would you add it to them?

Stuffed Baked Potato:
The key is to look for healthy toppers. Filling your baked potato with vegetables is a healthy way to add even more vitamins, without adding fat. Instead of using full-fat sour cream, mozzarella cheese or cheddar use their low-fat or fat-free alternatives to save on half the calories and fat. Use salsa for a bold topper —  you’ll crank up your metabolism. Capsaicin, the substance that gives kick to peppers and chilis, has a thermogenic effect, meaning it causes the body to burn extra calories for 20 minutes after you eat them. 

Baked Fries:
A typical serving of French fries — which usually takes a bath in vegetable oil — can contain about 600 calories. Your healthiest bet would be to spray Pam calorie-free, non-stick cooking spray on a roasting pan. Slice your potatoes and add salt and pepper and any seasonings you like. For a metabolism kick try making spicy fries. Studies have shown that spices like cayenne pepper can speed up your heart rate and metabolism.  Eating a very spicy meal can actually speed up the metabolism by about 25 percent for up to 3 hours.

Mashed Potatoes:
This is one of the most classic comfort foods, however once it is mashed with butter and cream and the gravy is poured on top, you have a creamy bowl or artery clogging fat. Most of the nutrients that are found in potatoes are located in the skin. Therefore to increase the amount of vitamins and minerals, leave the skin on. Use skim milk, roasted garlic and onions, and a little parmesan cheese instead of whole milk and butter.

Potato Salad:
What’s a party without a potato salad? One cup of this salad contains as many calories as half your daily requirement.  Food for thought, one tablespoon of mayonnaise contains 90 calories and 10 grams of fat. Let’s be honest, usually the potatoes are dripping in mayonnaise. For a creamy, rich flavor and an added boost of protein, use non-fat Greek yogurt as the base to save on half the calories and fat. If you must use mayonnaise, switch to low-fat versions. Substitute an artificial sweetener like Splenda in place of sugar. Add chopped veggies for an added boost of fiber, vitamins and minerals.

Soups:
Instead of opting for a creamy-based potato soup, opt for a broth-based hearty vegetable one. The hearty mix of potatoes and other vegetables will fill you up on few calories. You can also add in some lean meat for a hearty fiber-filled meal that will keep you full without filling you out.

Tanya Zuckerbrot, MS, RD is a nutritionist and founder of www.Skinnyandthecity.com.    She is also the creator of The F-Factor Diet™, an innovative nutritional program she has used for more than ten years to provide hundreds of her clients with all the tools they need to achieve easy weight loss and maintenance, improved health and well-being.  For more information log onto www.FFactorDiet.com.

Ever since the early ‘70s, we have been on the universal precautions bandwagon. 

First, we introduced latex gloves in the healthcare setting in doctors’ offices and in hospitals.

Next, individuals who prepare and serve food in restaurants, cafeterias, etc. also started using latex rubber gloves.  So what are the chances you can develop an allergic reaction to latex rubber?

The majority of those affected develop only localized symptoms such as skin irritation and burning, itchiness, redness and/or swelling of the hands or those areas exposed to the latex.  Next, are those unlucky allergic people who may have reactions that are more serious and progressive.  Higher-risk areas include the dentist’s office, operating room or emergency department and gynecologists’ offices ― just to name a few.  So get a medical identification card and/or bracelet to inform of your latex allergy! 

So where else do we see allergic reactions to latex rubber?

What am I seeing in my office?  Just the other day, a restaurant owner who supervises food preparation (personally) was exposed to foods and products served by staff who wear latex rubber gloves. When tested, we learned she had become allergic to latex rubber and had two potentially life-threatening reactions as a result of exposure in her own restaurant. 

If you are allergic to latex, be aware you may also react to the following foods: Bananas, avocados, chestnuts, apples, carrots, celery, papayas, kiwi, melons, potatoes and tomatoes.

Finally, defense being your best option, click here  for a consumer-friendly list of products that may contain latex rubber.

Dr. Clifford W. Bassett is an assistant clinical professor of medicine at the Long Island College Hospital and on the faculty of NYU School of Medicine. He is the current vice chair for public education committee of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. No information in this blog is intended as medical advice to any reader or intended to diagnose or treat any medical condition.

Plantains, though they look very similar to their cousin, the banana, are actually quite different and act more like potatoes; they must be cooked prior to eating. Throughout Latin America, plantains are more than just wonderful additions to soups and stews. Unlike potatoes, these treats can be used in all stages of ripeness—from green to almost black! Plantains do not contain any cholesterol or sodium and are low in fat. They contain a good dose of calcium, iron, and potassium, are high in vitamin A, and provide an excellent source of fiber.

Pumpkin, another ubiquitous vegetable found throughout Latin America, is full of taste and health benefits! Whether it’s steamed or baked, or added as a flavorful thickener to all kinds of soups and rice and bean dishes, it makes a delicious and healthy addition. Though low in calories, its bright orange flesh is rich in antioxidants and carotenes, as well as potassium and vitamins C and E. It may lower cancer risk, heart attacks, cataracts, and strokes.