Do salty chips seem like they’re calling your name every time you open the pantry? Hey, you’re definitely not the only one wrestling with the snack drawer!
We all know chips aren’t the best health choice, but they’re so tempting, right? Good news: you can totally tackle that crunch craving with some smarter, just-as-tasty options. Let’s dive into some fun and flavorful alternatives that won’t make you feel like you’re missing out.
Check Out Healthier Choices with the Yuka App First up, grab your phone and download the Yuka app. This cool app scans your favorite snacks and tells you how healthy they are. Plus, it finds less salty, less oily options that still taste great. Hooked on those classic potato chips? Yuka will hook you up with something better that you can munch on guilt-free. It’s like having a health detective right in your pocket, and yes, it works on both Apple and Android phones.
Say Yes to Air-Popped Popcorn Now, let’s talk popcorn—not the butter-soaked kind you get at the movies, but the air-popped hero that’s low on calories and big on taste. Jazz it up with some nutritional yeast for a cheesy vibe, or sprinkle a little cinnamon and salt for a sweet-n-savory twist. The best part? You can have a huge bowl of it and still not hit the calorie count of a small bag of chips. How awesome is that?
Veggie Chips: The Crunchy Heroes Why not get your crunch from veggies? Grab some kale, carrots, or sweet potatoes, slice ’em thin, and pop them in the oven. Boom—your own homemade veggie chips that crunch perfectly but go easy on the salt and calories. Plus, you’re sneaking extra veggies into your day. Your body will thank you!
Go Nuts for Nuts Nuts are the unsung heroes of the snack world. They’re packed with the good kinds of fats, proteins, and fibers that fill you up and keep those salty cravings at bay. Almonds, walnuts, cashews—pick your fighter. Just watch how many you grab; they’re so good it’s easy to go overboard!
Embrace ‘Pretty Good’ Instead of Perfection And here’s probably the most impactful tip in the long run: Don’t try to be perfect. Aiming for perfection in snacking (or anything in life, really) is a recipe for frustration. When we set impossibly high standards, we can be too hard on ourselves and end up giving up altogether. Recognize that perfection isn’t the goal—being ‘pretty good’ is. This means giving yourself the grace to enjoy a less-than-perfect snack sometimes and moving forward without guilt. This mindset shift can be a game changer for your overall well-being.
As your friendly neighborhood health coach, I’m all about helping folks eat better and feel BETTER.
Struggling with snack choices or any other food puzzles? I’m here to help! You can book a one-hour chat with me to fine-tune your eating habits and set you up for success. Together, we’ll tailor a yummy, healthy eating plan just for you.
God Bless,
Mike
Mike Thomas is a registered pharmacist and a Mayo Clinic-trained, board-certified health coach. He specializes in helping busy professionals overcome low energy, high stress, and chronic pain to reclaim their health and vitality.
This blog is for educational and informational purposes only and solely as a self-help tool for your own use. I am not providing medical, psychological, or nutrition therapy advice. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting your own medical practitioner. Always seek the advice of your own medical practitioner and/or mental health provider about your specific health situation. For my full Disclaimer, please go to CoachMikeThomas.com.