There’s no denying that potato chips are delicious—and notoriously difficult to stop eating once you’ve started munching. However, it’s also no secret that eating processed snacks on a regular can seriously stall your weight loss efforts. Fried potato chips are low-fiber, high-calorie, and potentially inflammatory (you can read more about the health risks here). Luckily, though, there are a few other options that experts say you can enjoy here and there without worrying about putting your health goals at risk.
To discover a few of the best alternatives to fried potato chips out there, we spoke to Krutika Nanavati, registered dietitian and nutritionist. She told us that baked chips, veggie chips, and sweet potato chips are all great options. Read on to learn more!
READ MORE: 3 Healthy Pantry Snacks You Can Enjoy While Losing Weight
2. Veggie chips
If you really want a healthy chip, veggie chips make a fantastic alternative to potato chips. They can be a great way to work some nutrients into your diet while allowing yourself to snack on a salty treat.
"Veggie chips are made from leafy or root vegetables like kale, spinach, carrots and zucchini, which give them added nutrients and vitamins," Nanavati explains. "These chips are usually dried, baked or air-fried, making them a low-calorie snack option."
Of course, the best source of nutrients will be the fresh veggies themselves, but this certainly makes a healthier option when compared to fried potato chips.
3. Sweet potato chips
Who doesn't love sweet potatoes?! If you're a fan, you'll likely love them in chip fomr. And as it turns out, Nanavati says these chips make a decent snack while you're trying to lose weight.
"Sweet potato chips can be a nutritious alternative to regular potato chips, and they may help promote weight loss," she tells us. This is thanks to the fact that "sweet potatoes are high in fiber and rich in carbs, which can help keep you full for longer and may reduce your overall calorie consumption." Perfect!
Learn more about the benefits of sweet potatoes here.
The bottom line
Keep in mind that even when it comes to healthy snacks like these, moderation is always key, so paying attention to portion sizes is crucial if you want to slim down. Additionally, it's important to note that a bag of chips isn't the healthiest option around (even if they are baked or made of sweet potatoes). Choosing nutrient-rich, filling snacks like these is always your best bet. However, if you want to indulge a bit without feeling too guilty, opting for Nanavati's recommendations won't hurt.
