Potato chips have been around for a long time and are a predominant part of the snack food market in western countries. Every party, sporting event, holiday or picnic there they are! It is hard to get away from them and even more importantly hard to stop yourself from digging into these, what I like to call “triangles of death”! There is something about them that lures you in and keeps you coming back for more! Their delicious crunch and flavor is hard to say no to! A recent long-term study has determined potato chip consumption the greatest contributor to weight gain. If weight loss and overall health is a top priority in your world, it is really important to find healthier alternatives to the common day chip that is loaded with artificial flavors and colors and often trans fats!! You don’t have to avoid chips forever but finding healthier alternatives will satisfy that delicious crunch we all crave without sacrificing your goals and more importantly your health! Health! I want to share my top 5 store bought healthy Gluten free chip alternatives that will help satisfy your chip craving without risking your health or fitness goals!
When looking for a healthy chip alternative, here are my suggestions:
-No artificial flavors and added preservatives
-No Cholesterol
-Low sodium, Under 200 mg/serving is best
-No trans fats
-less than 150 calories/serving
-limited ingredients (a healthy alternative should have very few ingredients listed)
Alternative #1: Pop Chips
Not fried, simply “popped” to keep all the flavor and nutrition without frying or baking!
Per serving
Cal 120
Fat 4g
Sat fat 0g
Poly unsaturated 0.5
Monounsaturated 2.5
Cholesterol 0 mg
Sodium 190 mg
Carbohydrates 18g
Fiber 1 g
Sugars Protein 2 g
Alternative #2: Fit Popcorn
All natural, gluten free, whole grain, zero trans fats
Simply popcorn, non gmo canola oil and sea salt
Per serving
Cal 130
Fat 6g
Sat fat 0g
Cholesterol 0 mg
Sodium 220 mg
Carbohydrates 18g
Fiber 3 g
Sugars 0 g
Protein 3 g
Alternative #3: Mary’s Gone Crackers
Organic, gluten free, vegan, nut-free, dairy free, wheat free, no hydrogenated oils no trans fats
Made with brown rice, quinoa, flaxseeds, sesame seeds
Per serving
Cal 140
Fat 5g
Sat fat 0.5g
Poly unsaturated 2.5
Monounsaturated 1.5
Cholesterol 0 mg
Sodium 190 mg
Carbohydrates 21g
Fiber 3 g
Sugars 0 g
Protein 3 g
Alternative #4: Almond Nut Thins
Gluten free no cholesterol, sat fat, low sodium base comes from rice flour and almonds
Per serving
Cal 130
Fat 2.5g
Sat fat 0g
Cholesterol 0 mg
Sodium 80 mg
Carbohydrates 24g
Fiber 1 g
Sugars 0g
Protein 3 g
Alternative #5: Roasted Seaweed Snacks
No gluten, vegan low sodium
Simply seaweed, canola oil, sesame oil and sea salt
Per serving
Cal 30
Fat 2 g
Sat fat 0g
Cholesterol 0 mg
Sodium 50 mg
Carbohydrates 1g
Fiber 1 g
Sugars 0g
Protein 1 g
