Step away from the chips with these tasty choices. You’ll get great crunch without all the calories and fat. Plus, you’ll get some nutritional value instead of empty calories.
Kale chips
Kale has fiber, iron and vitamin K along with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. You won’t find that in potato chips!
All you need is a large bunch of kale, some olive oil and sea salt. Wash the kale and remove tough stems, dry thoroughly so the kale crisps as it bakes rather than steams. If you have a salad spinner, use it. Alternatively, towel dry each leaf. Tear into bite-sized pieces and toss with the olive oil. Place in a single layer on a baking sheet and sprinkle with sea salt (you may need to bake in batches or use two sheets). Bake at 400 degrees about 8 to 10 minutes, or until crisp.
Roasted chickpeas
Chickpeas boast fiber, which promotes weight loss, and manganese, protein, copper and iron. They’re pretty tasty, too.
Pop open a can of chickpeas, drain and rinse. Pat dry and toss with a bit of olive oil and season to taste. Good options include cayenne, salt, garlic, or cumin. Experiment by mixing and matching your favorite spices for variety. Place on a baking sheet and into a 450-degree oven. Chickpeas are ready when they are golden and crunchy, which takes about 30 to 40 minutes.
Zucchini Chips
Go green for healthy goodness. Zucchini contains vitamins A, zinc, niacin, calcium, B vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids. It is a powerhouse of nutrition.
Use a mandolin to thinly slice zucchini. Press dry with a towel to remove moisture. Toss lightly with olive oil and sea salt. Place on baking sheet in 350-degree oven about 20 minutes or until golden and crispy.
Spiced sweet potato chips
Sweet potatoes are a good source of vitamin C, manganese, vitamin A, B6, pantothenic acid, fiber, potassium and niacin. Who says snacking has to be bad for you?
You’ll need one large sweet potato, peeled, and some cumin, sugar, chili powder and salt to taste. Use your mandolin to make thin slices. Place in a single layer on a baking sheet prepared with cooking spray. Bake chips in a 375-degree oven for 7 to 10 minutes until browned on each side. Dust with your seasoning mix and enjoy.
Seaweed snacks
Nori seaweed is a great source of iodine and micronutrients. It promotes healthy hair and metabolism. Nori promotes good thyroid function as well.
Find sheets of nori at your local specialty food store. Cut into strips and brush with sesame oil and a sprinkle with a little sea salt. Bake in a 250-degree oven until crisp, about 15 to 20 minutes.
Oven free snacks
Try:
• A dollop of goat cheese on halved cherry tomatoes
• Avocado toast – mash avocado with a little salt and citrus. Spread on hearty, whole-grain bread.
• Celery and peanut butter
• Nuts – nutrition in quick and easy to carry packets. Keep nuts in your purse for snacking that helps you feel full and adds some good for you nutrients.
Who says snacking has to be bad for you? With these choices, you don’t have to pick either good for you OR tastes good. Now, you can have both.
