Dear Heloise: My husband said he no longer wants potatoes because they're too fattening and he's trying to lose weight. However, I read that a medium-size potato has only about 100 calories. Which of us is right? - Lynette I., Silverdale, N.C.
Lynette, the average medium-size potato does have about 100 calories. It's the butter, sour cream, bacon bits and the rest that add the calories. Potatoes are rich in vitamin C and potassium and low in sodium. A baked potato with a small amount of butter, salt and pepper won't hurt his diet. - Heloise
Beans
Dear Heloise: I love homemade bean soup but hate the way it can produce gas. Is there a way to reduce or eliminate that problem altogether? - Beatrice F., Garden City, Kan.
Beatrice, yes, there is a way to help that problem. Dried beans are less likely to produce gas if you soak them overnight, discard the water and then cook them in fresh water. You also can add a pinch of ginger to reduce the gaseousness of home-cooked beans. - Heloise
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