One of the hardest parts of losing weight is typically saying goodbye to many of your favorite snacks. While there are certainly many healthy snacks out there that can support weight loss, we can’t deny the fact that many of the most popular (and tastiest options) will often lead to weight gain. This is typically due to the fact that they are both high in calories and low in nutrients. One of the biggest culprits of this is the ever-tasty potato chip. But what if we told you there were tasty, crunchy chips out there that could actually help you lose weight? According to nutritionist Krutika Nanavati, there are a few!
We spoke to Nanavati to figure out a few of the healthiest chips that, when consumed in moderation, can actually be a healthy replacement for run-of-the-mill potato chips. According to her, veggie chips and sweet potato chips are two great options.
1. Veggie chips
It's no secret that vegetables are a crucial part of a healthy diet. And while you definitely shouldn't consume most of them in the form of chips, veggie chips are certainly healthier than salty, empty-calorie potato chips. That's why Nanavati recommends swapping your go-to bag for this alternative.
"Veggie chips are made from leafy or root vegetables like kale, spinach, carrots and zucchini, which give them added nutrients and vitamins," she says. "These chips are usually dried, baked or air-fried, making them a low-calorie snack option." You can even make your own at home. Yum!
2. Sweet potato chips
Sweet potatoes are one of our all-time favorite veggies. They're loaded with health benefits, and according to Nanavati, they make a healthier chip than regular old potatoes.
"Sweet potato chips can be a nutritious alternative to regular potato chips, and they may help promote weight loss," Nanavati says, noting that this fall vegetable is "high in fiber and rich in carbs, which can help keep you full for longer and may reduce your overall calorie consumption."
Like veggie chips, you can make your own sweet potato chips at home, which will make for a healthier option than store-bought varieties.
Ultimately, of course, the best way to get your veggies (potatoes or otherwise) is in their original, whole form, rather than processed and sold in bag. Which is to say that even these healthy chips shouldn't be eaten in excess—everything in moderation! However, when combined with other healthy habits, swapping fattening, ultra-processed snacks for these alternatives is one way to achieve an overall healthy body.
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