The potato is the most popular American vegetable, according to the Idaho Potato Commission. But our friends over at FitSugar have a hard time considering the potato a veggie, you know, because it's so starchy and all. But that's just them -- they want to know what you think.

What do you call the potato -- a veggie or a starch? Weigh in right here.

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Resistant starch is found in foods such as potatoes, rice, corn, and bananas. It's the key behind trendy, new diets like the Morning Banana Diet. It's said to resist digestion while filling you up and reducing your hunger.

To be effective for weight loss, most foods that contain resistant starch need to be cooked then cooled. For example, beans, barley, corn, potatoes, and brown rice need to be cooked and then cooled for the resistant starch to form. Reheating destroys the resistant starch. The one exception is bananas which should be eaten raw.

Vital Juice Daily has two recipes that are high in resistant starch:

• Herbed Potato Salad
• Smoked Turkey, Black Bean, Bell Pepper, and Corn Salad

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Don't you love finding low-fat versions of your favorite foods? I do. Especially those that aren't also taste-free. Visions of low-fat Wheat Thins are swimming through my head right now -- I've been known to demolish a whole box of these treats.

I remember during my sweet-tooth days enjoying an occasional package of fat-free Twizzlers. Fat-free. Smart choice, right? Nope.

No matter how low-fat the food, calories still matter most. Eating low-calorie foods such as veggies means you can eat larger amounts. But starchy foods, like rice, bread, and yes, Wheat Thins, are higher in calories. Which makes them bad for weight loss and management. Which is why I've banned low-fat crackers from my pantry.

Check out this AOL Body site for the scoop on eating a healthful diet.

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For years now carbs have a much maligned food for people watching their weight. But there's some new and exciting research out there that gives us a reason to put potatoes, corn and rice back in our diets. Experts have found that these foods contain resistant starch, which is a kind of fiber that may actually aid weight loss, especially when these foods are cooled. They increase your body's fat-burning ability and are filling so you're less hungry.

Because resistant starch is bulky, it takes up space in your digestive system which means you can't absorb it so it's not stored as fat like most carbs. That's a pretty impressive reason to be smart about the carbs you eat.

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Carbs are generally considered the enemy when it comes to weight loss, so we fervently avoid pasta, bread and potatoes, usually without seeing the results we wanted. What's behind the notion that carbs are a no-no for weight loss? And is there any truth to it?

Evidence shows that at least one carb--potatoes--isn't counter-productive to weight loss, and in fact can even help you lose weight. How so? Here are the reasons you shouldn't give up on 'taters:

• They can boost your metabolism
• They help curb hunger hormones
• They can prevent cancer and heart disease
• They can help boost your immune system.
  

Want to know more? Click here. But remember, French fries and potato chips don't count. When eating potatoes, stick to ones cooked with as little fat as possible.

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One of the most frustrating things to me, as a fitness trainer is to see people who work so hard towards fitness get duped. The I Can't Believe it's Not Butter spray is one of those things. Now....I'm not suggesting the folks who make that product are liars. Cause they're not. I think the idea of their product is incredibly deceptive though, due to the fine print.

Did you know that the I Can't Believe it's Not Butter spray has zero calories and fat ONLY IF YOU USE 1.25 sprays. WHAT!? Who does that? If you use any larger portion though.....you're screwed. And how exactly do you accomplish a .25 spray?One teaspoon bags 20 calories and 2 grams of fat. Most people never read that fine print. In fact, most folks I know claim to pour it on their rice, pasta, and bread because they truly believe it's a completely fat-free product. Who knows how many thousands of fat calories these poor people have been unknowingly consuming for years? Do you think it's fair and reasonable for them to advertise ZERO CALORIES on the front of the bottle?

When I lecture on fitness I always address this topic, and I can't tell you how many jaws come crashing to the ground when I drop this information bomb. First looks I get are of shock. Second looks I get are of pure anger. They feel cheated and they have every right to. Of course, it would be nice if they read the ingredient lists which lists OIL as it's number two ingredient. But I still feel bad for the consumer, because they are lead to believe the product is completely fat-free and can be used at leisure. Fortunately though, I've found an amazing substitution which is legitimately fat-free, low in calories and delicious. I even bake with it!

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