When the USDA unveiled its new food guidance system in April, 2005, I was there! I was invited by the USDA to talk about how Americans can integrate fitness into their daily lifestyles. As the Idaho Potato Commission's fitness and lifestyle spokesperson, I can't emphasize enough how important it is to commit to a regular fitness regimen It is also important to fuel your body properly. Did you now that many nutrition experts believe that potatoes are the best sources of complex carbs around? Complex carbs provide the fuel that we need to power our daily lives and fitness work-outs.

When it comes to potatoes, the new guidelines recommend Americans eat them because they are high in potassium, easy to prepare and, as we all know, they are packed with nutrition. Idaho Potatoes are also high in fiber and contribute to a feeling of fullness, which is important to weight-conscious individuals. Other MyPyramid suggestions include:

• Use pureed, cooked vegetables such as potatoes to thicken stews, soups, and gravies. These add flavor, nutrients, and texture.
  
  
• Top a baked potato with fat-free or low-fat yogurt. (FYI, my family and I like to add salsa or a low-fat cheese over our baked spuds. Check out the recipe section on this website for hundreds of other recipe ideas.)
  
  
• Prepare more foods from fresh ingredients to lower sodium intake. Most sodium in the food supply comes from packaged or processed foods. (What's more unprocessed than an Idaho potato?)
  
  
• Use a microwave to quickly "zap" vegetables. Idaho Potatoes can be baked quickly this way. (When I'm pressed for time, this is the way to go!)

Denise Austin and IPC President, Frank Muir

In a separate USDA initiative, cooked Russets (like Idaho Potatoes), were cited as being one of the best vegetable sources to minimize the risk of heart disease and provide cancer-fighting antioxidants.

Believe me, my family and I enjoy Idaho Potatoes several times a week. They are a nutritious, healthy and safe food. A medium potato is only 100 calories and comes with built-in portion control. They are fat-free, deliver three grams of dietary fiber, four grams of protein, 25 grams of carbohydrates and 45% of the RDA for Vitamin C. They also contain more potassium than a banana or a medium orange.

The new food guidance system is full of helpful information and you can personally tailor it to your specific needs. Go on, click on the link below and find out how the new food guidance system can help you.