Sometimes we all crave a little crunch. In fact, there is some research behind the idea that “crunch factor” matters when it comes to how much we enjoy a food. Research funded by Unilever found that potato chips were perceived as being both crisper and fresher when the overall sound level (of the crunch) was higher. But turning to greasy store-bought potato chips every time you crave that crunch will undoubtedly start to have a negative impact on your waistline. That’s why we’ve rounded up these simple, healthy chips that are full of nutritious ingredients—but will still help fulfill that urge for a crispy crunchy food.
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Here are 10 healthy chips to try out when you have a crunch craving:
Sweet potatoes are high in fiber, vitamin C, potassium, manganese and more! If you’re looking for healthy chips, then switching to sweet potatoes is the way to go. Of course, store-bought sweet potato chips may still be packed with more fat, calories and sodium than you may realize. That’s why we suggest making your own. Simply slice up a sweet potato and coat it with canola oil. The right mix of seasonings can then be tossed together for that smoky barbeque flavor that you love. A serving of chips only has 120 calories and counts as one SmartCarb and one Extra on the Nutrisystem plan.
If it’s nacho chips that you’ve got a hankering for, then you’ll want to try these simple, healthy chips. These diet-friendly nacho cheese chips are easy to make and will help you feel like you’re splurging when you’re really keeping your diet right on track. All it takes is some mini corn tortillas, yeast and a variety of spices to make some crispy golden chips. On the Nutrisystem plan, this snack counts as one SmartCarb.
Salt and vinegar chips tend to bring out strong emotions in people—either they love them, or they hate them. If you’re someone that falls into the “love” category, then you’ve got to try this tangy healthy chip. It has all the tang (which comes from the acidity of the vinegar mixed with the briny salt flavor) but without all that excess fat of a store-bought chip. Instead, this easy recipe uses just four ingredients—russet potatoes, white vinegar, cooking spray and kosher salt. If you’ve already got an air fryer, then you can prepare the chips there. But don’t worry if you don’t—we also explain how to make these chips in the oven. On the Nutrisystem plan, a serving counts as one SmartCarb.
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Brussel sprouts are another vegetable that can be crisped to satisfy your crunchy craving. Brussels sprouts are high in fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants—and they have been shown to potentially reduce the risk of cancer, decrease inflammation, and improve blood sugar control. The “chips” are made using four simple ingredients—brussels sprouts, olive oil, and salt and pepper—which are crisped in the oven. The accompanying garlic aioli dip can be whipped up while the chips are baking. A Serving of these crispy vegetable chips is just 89 calories and counts as one Vegetable and two Extras on the Nutrisystem plan.
Chips and dip always sound—and taste—like such a splurge. But with this healthy recipe, it doesn’t have to be one that derails your healthy diet. These homemade crispy tortilla chips are made using green spinach wraps, cooking spray, garlic powder and sea salt. And the healthy spinach dip replaces fatty ingredients like mayonnaise and full-fat sour cream with nonfat Greek yogurt and Neufchatel cheese, for a creamy dip without so much fat and excess calories. On the Nutrisystem plan, a serving counts as one SmartCarb and one Extra.
Rich in fiber, low in calories, and packed with nutrients, the eggplant is a wonderful vegetable when it comes to a healthy diet. And now, with this simple recipe, you can turn an eggplant into some crispy chips that also satisfy your urge to snack. The eggplant is thinly sliced and coated with a balsamic vinegar mixture that contains flavors like garlic, onion powder and oregano. It’s so flavorful that you just may never need a store-bought chip again. On the Nutrisystem plan, a serving of eggplant chips counts as one Vegetable and one Extra.
Ready for a sweet chip? Then this is the recipe for you. In fact, this apple chip could be a snack—or a dessert—and either way, it’s a healthy choice. It’s so simple to make, using just three ingredients—an apple, some cinnamon and some nutmeg. The entire apple is one serving but clocks in under 100 calories! On the Nutrisystem plan, Air Fryer Apple Chips count as just one SmartCarb.
If you’ve ever been to a Mexican restaurant, then you know just how delicious tortilla chips are when they’re hot and fresh. With an air fryer, you can have hot and fresh tortilla chips whenever the urge strikes—but without excess fat or sodium. Just a light coating of olive oil on some corn tortillas—plus the seasoning of your choice—is all it takes to whip up some fresh and healthy tortilla chips. A serving is 155 calories and counts as one SmartCarb and one Extra on the Nutrisystem plan.
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When it comes to snacking, kale chips are a choice that you never have to feel guilty about eating. After all, kale is among the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet. It is loaded with antioxidants and makes an excellent source of Vitamin C. In this simple recipe, all you have to do is spray a large bunch of kale with zero calorie cooking spray and sprinkle it with seasonings. We suggest garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper—but you can try any mix of seasonings you desire. On the Nutrisystem plan it counts as one Vegetable.
Of course, if it’s a good, old-fashioned potato chip that you’re after, then there is still a way to make a healthier version—using an air fryer. In this simple recipe, potato chips are made from a medium potato, some olive oil and the seasonings of your choice—and then air-fried. The result is a serving of chips that clocks in at only 114 calories. On the Nutrisystem plan, it counts as one SmartCarb and one Extra.
The post Snack Attack? 10 Healthier Chip Recipes for a Guilt-Free Crunch appeared first on The Leaf.
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