Potato chips are salty, snackable, crispy and satisfying, but they are also high in fat and calories and offer a minimal amount of nutrients. Eating potato chips can be a tempting and highly available option, but these chips can lead to unwanted weight gain. Also, they have a low-glycemic index, which can cause your blood sugar levels to spike and dip, depleting your energy levels. Finding healthier alternatives to potato chips can help you avoid the consequences of this often favored snack.
Baked Potato Chips
Baked potato chips are often available and contain considerably less fat and calories than more traditional forms of potato chips. Some brands contain as little as 1 1/2 g of fat per serving. Although these chips are still made with white potatoes and have a lower glycemic index, they will add fewer unnecessary calories to your diet, helping you ward off weight gain.
Baked Apple Slices
You can buy baked apple slices at your local grocery store, but you can also make your own baked apple slices at home. Take two of your favorite apples and cut them into thin slices. Be sure to remove the core, but leave the skin, which will provide you with the highest amount of fiber. Place the apple slices evenly on a nonstick baking pan and bake them at 425 F for 15 to 20 minutes or until slightly brown. You also can sprinkle them with a small amount of cinnamon and sugar before you bake them. This snack will provide the crunchy alternative to potato chips, but it will contain higher amounts of fiber and an assortment of vitamins and minerals.
Rice or Soy Crisps
A variety of crisps are available at the grocery store and eating these can be a healthier alternative to potato chips. Healthy options that are available include soy-based crisps or brown rice crisps. The soy crisps will provide you with a healthy amount of protein, while the brown rice crisps will provide you with a quality amount of fiber. Also, these crisps are considerably lower in fat and calories than potato chips and come in an assortment of flavors.
Bean-Based Chips
A newer variety of chips has been developed made with beans as their primary ingredient rather than corn. According to the American Dietetic Association, the bean-based chips contain more fiber, omega-3s and protein than both corn and potato chips. These chips come in a variety of flavors and can be consumed and used similarly to potato chips.
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