7 Ways to Slim Down Mashed Potatoes

by Christine Chan — May 3, 2008

"Only two things in this world are too serious to be jested on, potatoes and matrimony." Irish saying.

As discussed in Tuesday's article, potatoes contain a surprisingly high number of health benefits. Prepared without an excess of butter and cream, they can be a wholesome complement to any meal. Here are some tips on how to slim down a classic favorite--
mashed potatoes:

• Instead of smothering potatoes with gravy, mash in four cloves of roasted garlic per one pound of potatoes.
• Add buttermilk, which is practically fat free, for a tart and buttery flavor
• Use Yukon-gold potatoes or red potatoes because they have a naturally moist texture without having to add excess butter and milk
• If you can't give up milk and butter, add 1/3 cup of 2 percent milk and 1 teaspoon of butter per pound of potatoes
• Treat your family to mashed sweet potatoes with cinnamon
• Moisten your potatoes with chicken/veggie broth instead of milk
• Keep some of the peel on; that is where the most of the nutrients are concentrated
• Instead of sour cream, try plain non-fat yogurt and chives