Baked potatoes done in the microwave can take less than 5 minutes, making them a delicious, easy and nutritious snack or side addition to any meal. Top them with fat free sour cream, or low-fat cheese, salsa, mushrooms and onions for a win-win snack option.

To preserve nutrients, always steam, bake or microwave potatoes with the skins on. If you are boiling potatoes, add them once the water is at full boil to seal in nutrients. Bake fries in the oven on a lightly oiled cookie sheet.

Use low-fat mayonnaise in potato salad. To save cooking time, cut potato portions small, and pierce whole potatoes with a fork then microwave on high setting.