Potato Chip Swaps for Your Health
By Sara Butler
Americans sure do love potatoes. The Northern Plains Potato Growers Association maintains that the potato chip has been the most popular snack food in American history since its creation more than 50 years ago. On average, Americans eat about 1.5 billion pounds of potato chips per year, which breaks down to about four pounds of potato chips per person per year. Of course, you know that potato chips aren't the healthiest choice for snack time. Luckily, there are some crunchy alternatives to potato chips that are better for your overall health. Here are a few to consider.
Kale Chips
Kale has seen a surge in popularity over the last few years for one reason: It's really healthy. As a close cousin to broccoli, kale is full of antioxidants. It also happens to crisp up into a great oven baked treat that can help give you the crunch you crave without all the unhealthy fat and calories.
To make kale chips, you simply need to massage the leaves with a bit of olive oil and bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 to 15 minutes. You can dust them with a little parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast for added flavor.
Carrots
Carrots make great vegetable chips that are chock full of beta carotene, which converts in your body to Vitamin A. To make chips from carrots, all you need to do is slice up some carrots, toss them with a little nutmeg or cinnamon, and bake at 275 degrees for 45 minutes -- or until crunchy.
Turnips
Don't turn your nose at turnips! They're full of Vitamin B6, which helps your body to produce serotonin to help you get a good night's sleep. To make turnip chips, slice them and bake at 275 degrees for 25 minutes.
Beets
Beets are full of antioxidants that can help you control inflammation in your body. They're also naturally sweet, which makes for quite a tasty chip if you slice them and bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes.
Apples
This is probably the first alternative chip you've ever tried! Apples make great chips because they're healthy, low in calories, and easy to make. Simply slice up the apple and sprinkle on a little cinnamon, allspice, ginger, or nutmeg and bake at 200 degrees for about an hour, flipping once halfway through baking. They satisfy your craving for chips and apple pie!
You can get the crunch you want without all the unhealthy fats delivered in potato chips. Try something new and you may discover that you have a new favorite snack!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Fontana, Calif.