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Seven Delicious and Healthy Potato Chip Alternatives
Few junk foods are more popular and addictive than the classic potato chip. No matter what your favorite flavor, over-indulging in potato chips is frequently a shortcut to unhealthy weight gain. Fortunately, if you need to lose a few pounds, substituting one of these delicious and healthy alternatives for your favorite type of potato chip can make your cravings far more manageable – and your weight loss goals far more achievable.
# 1: Popcorn
Popcorn is likely one of the most popular and easily procured potato chip substitutes available. Of course, for it to be a healthy substitute that helps you reach your weight loss goals, you must choose the right kind of popcorn. The popcorn you find at the movie theater or in many microwaveable bags will not help, to say the least! Instead, use plain kernels that you pop yourself in a covered pot on the stove or in a dedicated hot air popper. Use a little parmesan cheese or olive oil and dill for flavoring to create your own healthy snack that tastes even better than potato chips!
# 2: Kale Chips
If you are like most people, kale is nowhere near the top of your list of foods you enjoy – especially not as an alternative to potato chips. But you would be surprised to learn just how delicious kale can be when it is properly dehydrated and seasoned. The resulting snack is unbelievably crunchy and flavorful. You can make your own in your oven at home, or you can purchase kale chips premade in a variety of different flavors.
# 3: Chickpea/Hummus Chips
Chickpeas or hummus (which is made primarily from chickpeas) can also be turned into a unique and delicious type of chip. The delicate flavor of these chips lends itself to an impressive variety of different flavors, and a typical serving contains an equally impressive three grams of protein.
# 4: Pistachio Nuts
Some people, once they try pistachio nuts, discover that they enjoy them even more than ordinary potato chips. Pistachios are nutritionally dense, and they are great for satisfying a craving for a delicious, salty crunch. The are available salted or unsalted, or with a variety of other seasonings.
# 5: Seaweed Chips
You might have tried different types of seaweed at sophisticated Asian restaurants, but did you know that, once dried, seaweed can serve as an amazing potato chip substitute as well? It is rich in multiple nutrients, especially vitamin A, and it can be purchased in multiple flavors, such as wasabi, barbecue and sea salt.
#6: Quinoa Chips
Quinoa chips have become increasingly popular in recent years simply due to the fact that, of all the available healthy substitutes for potato chips, they are one of the most similar in consistency and taste (particularly since they are available in most of the same popular flavors as potato chips). Unlike potato chips, they are not fried, and they contain a substantial amount of protein and other nutrients. They will also help you feel satisfied and full far better than do potato chips.
# 7: Sunflower Seeds
Believe it not, you do not have to be a baseball player to enjoy sunflower seeds! You can buy sunflower seeds in both shelled and unshelled varieties, and in an array of different flavors – all of which provide a smorgasbord of nutrition in go with their delicious, crunchy flavor.