Food Swaps desperately needed

[nilkimay]

So I am not really a sweet tooth kind of girl but my Kryptonite is anything chrunchy. I love chips and even though I stopped eating full fat chips a while ago I would like to kick the habit alltogether. Any tips or tricks on what is an effective way to stop eating chips? What do you eat if you are really craving chips? What works for you and what doesn't? I do eat a lot of raw veggies but sometimes I just crave the saltiness and texture of chips.Help, please?

[SunsetRunner · Accepted solution]

Allow yourself to have anything you desire but in moderation. When craving for a certain food and not allowing to eat, the craving will become stronger and stronger, going to eat anyway and actually eating more of the food.

Instead of a large bag of chips for example, get chips in smaller bags. Label each one with a date (this little bag only allowed for today when craving for, the other for tomorrow..). And store somewhere out of sight.

When eating from, check in with your body (am I truly hungry? is this a craving? am I eating out of habit?).

When not really hungry, try to eat one or a few pieces.. in smaller bites (just for the taste). Slowly, being aware about how many you're eating.

No foods are forbidden, it's finding a balance between eating more nutritient rich foods (lower in calories but feeling satisfied quicker due the nutritients), and allowing to enjoy other favourite foods with care which are higher in calories but lacking in nutritients, leaving the body unsatisfied, still feeling hungry.

Eat anything you desire in the moment (what does look the most appealing? This piece of cake, or a piece of fruit?), It's possible that the piece of fruit looks more appealing, but other times not so appealing and wanting to have something else instead..

By eating anything you desire, it also leads to eating less overall. If not wanting a piece of cake, but really a slice of pizza, taking a piece of cake first just to eat, going to eat that piece of pizza anyway since the craving to eat is there.

Try eating more nutritient rich food first (only when desired to have):

Fruit (banana's, apples, oranges..).

Lean meat (chicken, fish..).

Whole grains (bread,..).

Protein (low fat yoghurt, cheese, eggs,..).

When eating those first, when feeling satisfied, the desire to eat more will decrease 'cause of not being hungry. When desiring to eat some favourite food like chips.. since not actually feeling to hungry, taking less from overall.

[HopeGraceLove]

I really like the 100 calorie snack packs of microwave popcorn. Satisfies the crunch factor and the salty craving. I have tried kale chips and they're not too bad, but some people do not like them. The flat pretzles are good too, but can be high in calories if you eat a lot of them, yet low in fat. Some cereals actually aren't too bad for snacking - maybe some rice chex with a little salt (only 100 cal/cup). There are a lot of recipes online for homemade granola or trail mix where you can control the added sugar.

Many on the forum are very adamant about not having processed foods. For the most part I don't eat much of them, but I am in the camp of enjoying something like one of the above on occassion. Hope this gave you a few ideas. 🙂

[reuel]

just like you i am a big fan of chips ... i can sacrifice not eating sweets, but i just cannot do it with chips. there have been so many times i tried to quit, but nope, it did not work ... i just ended up depressed and feeling like a failure.

currently, i am doing very well with my weight loss, and the solution was - i eat chips lol

the difference this time is that i prepare for it in advance, say, heavy workout days where i burn a lot of calories. i am also very choosy with the stuff that i eat. i go for healthier brands even if they end up being more expensive.

i also know that i have the tendency to finish chips based on the bags they come in, so i naturally avoid those big Doritos bags. lucky though that i am very active, and i have a very good exercise base, i always have room for chips and still be in a calorie deficit.

[HelenaFitbit]

Popcorn has been super important in curbing my cravings. Also, have your chips! Just eat them in moderation. 

[HaphazardHen]

I love chips too.  I make my own.  Find veggies you like and turn them into chips!  Mix them in with your favorite standard chips.  I don't recommend cutting anything out totally.  Everything in moderation including moderation itself.  

I make beet chips at home.  I slice up a whole beet very thin, sprinkle a little kosher salt on them and bake at 250 for 30-40 minutes.  They are crunchy, salty and a little better for you than standard fried potato chips.  I don't feel guilty eating a whole beet made into chips like I would eathing the same amount of fried corn or potato chips.  I need extra salt in my diet according to my dr so I actually look for salty treats.

I make crackers too.  I like to make what I eat so I have a closer connection to the food.  I am more invested in my portion size because if I pig out I have to take the time to make more.

[HelenaFitbit]

Epic advice @HaphazardHen! I will be making beet chips sometime soon 

[glassgallm · Accepted solution]

Roasted chickpeas: Indian spiced: 

• 2 cans (3 cups) cooked chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 2 Tb. olive oil
• 1 tsp.  Curry Powder
• 1 tsp. Garam Masala
• 1/4 tsp. Garlic Powder
• 1/8 tsp. White Pepper
• 1/2 tsp. sea salt

1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil.
2. Rinse the chickpeas and dry thoroughly with a paper towel. Then remove any loose skins.
3. Pour the dried chickpeas out onto the baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Shake the pan to coat the chickpeas in oil.
4. Sprinkle the curry powder, garam masala, garlic powder, white pepper and salt over the chickpeas and then shake the pan again to evenly distribute the spices.
5. Bake in the oven for 15 minutes, then toss and mix the chickpeas and return to the oven for another 15 minutes. **If you want your chickpeas to be extra crunchy, turn the oven off and leave the chickpeas in the oven for another 15-20 minutes.
6. Remove and cool before eating. Store in an air-tight container.

Spicy-salty chickpeas from www.skinnytaste.com

Healthy Roasted Chickpea Snack
Gina's Weight Watcher Recipes
Servings: 3 servings • Size: 5 oz • Old Points: 2 pts • Points+: 4 pts
Calories: 149.4 • Fat: 3.4 g • Carb: 29.2 g • Fiber: 10.5 g • Protein: 7.5 g

Ingredients:

• 15 oz can chickpeas, drained
• olive oil spray
• salt
• 1 tsp chili pepper powder (to taste)
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp coriander
• 1 tsp curry powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder

Directions:
Preheat oven to 375°. Drain chickpeas in a colander and let them dry completely. Pat dry with a paper towel if needed.
Arrange on a baking sheet in a single layer and roast for about 30-35 minutes, shaking the pan every ten minutes. All ovens are different so make sure they don't burn. They will be golden brown and crunchy on the inside when done, not moist.
In a medium bowl, combine all the spices. Remove chickpeas from oven when done and spray with olive oil spray. Immediately toss with spices while hot. Eat at room temperature.

Sweet: Honey Cinnamon Roasted Chickpeas from www.twopeasandtheirpod.com

Honey Cinnamon Roasted Chickpeas

Yield: 2 cups roasted chickpeas

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 35-40 minutes

Sweet and crunchy Honey Cinnamon Roasted Chickpeas make a great healthy snack. They are simple to make and will remind you of your favorite roasted cinnamon nuts. They also make a great gift during the holiday season.

ingredients:

1 (15 ounce can) chickpeas (garbanzo beans)
2 teaspoons canola oil
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 tablespoon honey

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

2. Drain chickpeas (garbanzo beans) and rinse them under cold water until starch is removed. Place chickpeas on a paper towel to dry. You can peel of the skins if you wish.

3. In a small bowl, whisk together the oil, cinnamon, and sugar. Place chickpeas in bowl and stir until all of the chickpeas are evenly coated. Spread out the chickpeas on a large baking sheet and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until chickpeas are crunchy and no longer soft in the middle.

4. Place hot, roasted chickpeas in a small bowl and coat evenly with honey. Spread chickpeas back out on baking sheet and allow to dry. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.

Note: This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled.

[HelenaFitbit]

@glassgallm That sounds SO good! 

[glassgallm]

Ask me about mini cheese cake bites 

[kat3]

almonds work for me, I especially like the coconut flavored ones!

[DominicJ]

I scares me that eating 400g of oven chips IS me improving my diet....

http://nomnompaleo.com/post/15661311142/brussels-sprouts-chips

[BrendaJM]

I eat chocolate dusted almonds -- they come in 100 calorie packs! Or I eat Tostidos -- they too are low in calories, butyou have to watch the sodium. Hope this helps!

[LordHeathen]

I use the yummy app and it is awesome, easy healthy recipes that taste fantastic. There are some cakes on their too for rewards when your good lol.