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Potatoes: Energy-Packed Nutrition to Fuel Your Day

 

May is National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, but that doesn’t just apply to athletes!

Every American could learn a trick or two about how to fuel their day.

One of the best fuel sources around happens to be America’s favorite vegetable – potatoes!

Whether you’re running a marathon or running to pick up the kids, potatoes pack the energy punch you need to perform your best.

 

 

“Potatoes are an all-star vegetable. A medium skin-on potato has more potassium than a banana, which is important because potassium helps support muscle function and about 98% of us don’t get enough of it. A potato also delivers almost one-third of the vitamin C we need every day. Plus, I think a lot of us are looking for creative ways to get protein, and a potato has 3 grams of plant-based protein.”

-Kelly Jones, board-certified Sports Dietitian

Kelly’s advice: “I think that anyone motivated to move their body should consider fueling, like athletes. As a mom of two, I know how much energy it takes to keep up with your kids! Potatoes are a nutrient-dense source of complex carbohydrates, and I want to make sure people know that carbs aren’t the enemy. In fact, carbs are the primary fuel for our bodies and our brains. What’s more, there’s a lot of focus on protein right now, and carbs are protein-sparing, meaning when carbs are available for energy, they spare protein to do what it does best, which is to serve as the building blocks of our tissues.”

Below, she shares a few easy, tasty potato recipes to keep the whole family going all day–from school and work to sports practice and the gym.

Egg and Potato Performance Fittatas

Mini potato and egg frittatas are prepared in a muffin tin, perfect for on-the-go pre-workout breakfasts. A range of flavor customizations means there’s a frittata option for everyone to enjoy!

Tip: Make ahead and freeze so that you can heat one up any time.

View Recipe

Potato Power Bowl

A blend of tender potatoes and ancient grains and sautéed with aromatic vegetables. These are great topped with avocado, a crispy piece of salmon, or a fried egg.

Tip: Add whatever toppings you have on hand—great for leftovers!

View Recipe

Air-Fryer Baked Potato

Cook in an air fryer and add toppings that deliver even more protein, nutrients, and flavor.

Tip: The whole family can customize their own when you set out a bunch of toppings on the dinner table.

View Recipe

Want more ways to fuel with potatoes?

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More about Kelly Jones:

Kelly Jones is a board-certified specialist in sports dietetics, media and nutrition communications expert and busy, active mom. She began her career with nearly a decade as an associate professor of nutrition and exercise physiology, while building her sports nutrition business and gaining notoriety in the media. Kelly consults with national sports organizations, global corporations, and like-minded food companies, while her practice has sports dietitians working with athletes at every level, from elite professionals to active parents. With a plant-forward approach, they offer practical resources, tips, recipes, and self-paced courses to shift eating patterns to optimally fuel the body and mind. Kelly also founded and oversees the services and resources provided by Student Athlete Nutrition, whose mission is to make accurate performance nutrition information and practical applications accessible to more high school and collegiate athletes.