Potatoes are a staple in many households around the world. They are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes and cuisines. However, potatoes have also gained a reputation for being high in calories and carbohydrates.

But there are some creative ways to cut calories with potatoes without sacrificing taste.

1. Use Low-Calorie Cooking Methods

Potatoes can be cooked in a number of ways, including frying, baking, boiling, and roasting. However, some cooking methods are higher in calories than others. For example, fried potatoes are much higher in calories than baked, boiled, or roasted potatoes.

To cut calories with potatoes, use low-calorie cooking methods like baking or roasting.

2. Substitute Cream with Yogurt

Mashed potatoes are a favorite comfort food, but they are often loaded with butter and cream. To cut calories with mashed potatoes, substitute cream with plain Greek yogurt.

Greek yogurt is high in protein and low in calories, making it a healthier alternative to cream.

3. Add Vegetables

Add some extra vegetables to your potato dishes to increase the nutritional value and cut calories. For example, you can add bell peppers, onions, or spinach to your mashed potatoes.

Or you can make a vegetable hash by combining potatoes with other vegetables like zucchini, carrots, and broccoli.

4. Use Low-Fat Cheese

Cheesy potatoes are a delicious side dish, but they can be high in calories and saturated fat. To cut calories with cheesy potatoes, use low-fat cheese like mozzarella or feta.

Low-fat cheese will provide the same great taste of traditional cheese with fewer calories and less fat.

5. Cut Your Fries Thin

If you love French fries, cutting them thin will help reduce the amount of calories. Thin fries have less surface area, which means they absorb less oil and are lower in calories.

You can also bake your fries in the oven instead of frying them for a healthier alternative.

6. Swap Out Regular Potatoes for Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are a healthier alternative to regular potatoes. They are lower in calories, have more fiber, and contain more vitamins and minerals.

You can swap out regular potatoes for sweet potatoes in a variety of dishes, including mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, and fries.

7. Portion Control

Portion control is key to cutting calories with potatoes. Instead of loading up your plate with a heaping pile of potatoes, portion out a reasonable amount.

You can also pair your potatoes with a lean protein like grilled chicken or fish to create a balanced meal.

8. Opt for Homemade Potato Chips

Potato chips are a popular snack, but they are often high in calories and saturated fat. To cut calories with potato chips, make them at home using a mandolin to slice them super thin.

After they’re sliced, bake them in the oven instead of frying them for a healthier alternative. Add a sprinkle of sea salt or a dusting of your favorite seasoning for extra flavor.

9. Use Low-Calorie Toppings

If you love loaded potatoes, swapping out high-calorie toppings like sour cream and bacon bits for healthier alternatives can make a big difference. Some alternatives include Greek yogurt, turkey bacon, and chives.

You can also add a sprinkle of low-fat cheese, diced tomatoes, or chopped onions for extra flavor.

10. Control Your Cooking Oil

Cooking oil adds a lot of calories to your potatoes without adding any nutritional value. Limiting the amount of cooking oil you use when preparing your potatoes can help cut calories.

Try using non-stick spray or a light coating of olive oil instead of butter or vegetable oil.