Skip the Chips! Choose Better Health Instead
By Donna Stark
We love our snacks, don't we? Especially the ones that are crispy, crunchy, and oh-so-salty. They are the first things we grab to nibble on when bored or while watching our shows, but as much as we love to eat our favorite chips, our bodies love to hate them. Potato chips are high in calories, low in nutrition, and contain more sodium than you could imagine. In other words, they aren't doing you or your overall health and wellness any favors. But what can you do to stop the cravings?
Fewer Bags of Chips, Better Health
Finding a replacement for your favorite, go-to snack can be hard, but that doesn't mean it can't be achieved. If you are serious about eating fewer chips and want to snack on something healthier, take a look at the following suggestions that are way more satisfying.
- Baby carrots - If you like the crispy crunch of a snack and love Ranch dressing, baby carrots could be a great alternative for you! Filled with Vitamin A, fiber, potassium, and plenty of flavor, carrots make the perfect snack!
- Popcorn - Homemade, natural popcorn is often on the top of the healthy snack list, but you have to stay away from those things that will only add extra calories to this snack, such as butter and artificial seasonings. If you desire extra flavor, stick with just a sprinkling of salt or chili powder.
- Kale chips - Can't get rid of your chip craving, no matter what you try? Well, it might be time for something new! Pick up a bunch of kale at the store and toss it with some olive oil and salt. Bake to your desired crispness and enjoy! In addition to being hit with intense flavor, you will also be getting a tremendous amount of nutrition from this green superfood!
- Almonds - In general, most nuts make a good snack, but almonds usually top the list of favorites. Almonds are full of health benefits, including being a good source of melatonin, so you may want to save these for your evening snack. Just watch how many you eat in one sitting. You don't want those extra calories sneaking up on you!
- Edamame - What's not to love about edamame? Packed with protein and high in fiber, Vitamin K, and folate, they are nutrient powerhouses. And if that's not enough, they are also a good source of zinc! Simply toss some in the microwave and sprinkle with salt for a fun-to-eat treat!
Skip the Chips!
Leave the bags of chips on the store's shelves and choose healthier snacks to crunch on! It may take some time to get used to, but you will feel better in the end and your body will thank you for it!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Raleigh, N.C.