Snacking can be a valuable part of your day even when you’re aiming to lose weight, but if you find yourself reaching for chips to accompany a meal or fill you up in the interim, your habits could be seriously impeding your success. In their most basic form potatoes can be a healthy addition to your diet, but chips are stripped of any nutritional value, leaving behind a high sodium, fat, and calorie content.
Studies have shown that chips are one of the leading causes for weight gain, followed by french fries and sugary beverages. Healthline also adds, “What’s more, baked, roasted or fried potatoes may contain cancer-causing substances called acrylamides. Therefore, it’s best to eat plain, boiled potatoes.” Another study for Deakin University found that those who eat higher fat foods are more likely to crave saltier, unhealthier foods, so potato chips are apt to cause you to make worse diet choices in the long run.
If you often find yourself craving something salty or crunchy, you’d be better served reaching for some air popped popcorn instead or a handful of roasted chickpeas. Popcorn is a whole grain which contains more nutrients than potato chips and can also be consumed in a higher volume with lower calories. This makes it a much better choice for weight loss than potato chips, which are easy to overeat due to their smaller serving sizes.
While potato chips are undoubtedly one of the most delicious ways to enjoy your potatoes, they are also unfortunately the least healthy. Giving into your cravings for a crunchy snack today may make you more likely to continue giving in over time, making a calorie deficit that much more difficult to maintain. Instead, make the conscious effort to stock up on some other healthy options that will still satisfy that crunch without loading up on fat and salt. Losing weight doesn’t have to mean never eating your favorite foods again, but it may require some minor modifications to your diet for true success.