But I Just Want Some Chips!?

Introducing our new series that will share ideas for ways you can satisfy your biggest food cravings without blowing your calorie budget. First up, chips!
If you sometimes long for a salty crunch, don't beat yourself up -- the best of us battle cravings every now and then. So which chips should you choose? Are all chips created equal?
Handy Portions

Most chip labels mark a serving size as a single ounce, but unless you have a scale around, it’s hard to figure out how many to have. Stick to a good old handful -- about 10-12 chips. This easy measure keeps portions reasonable and fat and calories under control.

Lighter Options

Light and reduced fat chips are lower in calories, but that doesn’t mean endless munching. A serving of reduced-fat plain potato chips has only 20 fewer calories and 3 grams of fat less than the regular kind. Beware of fat-free chips made with Olestra, an oil substitute that literally goes right through you (side effects include diarrhea, gas and abdominal cramping). It's not worth it as far as I’m concerned. Labels come with this warning. You will be much better off choosing chips made with more wholesome oils such as corn, safflower or canola. Baked chips contain some oil but are lower in fat than other options.

If you are watching your sodium intake, "lightly salted" chip versions are available –- they have about half the sodium of regular chips. I have even found unsalted chips.

Potatoes or Bust?

Your chip choices don’t end at potatoes. Unique varieties include sweet potatoes, taro and other root vegetables such as beets and parsnips. I like to snack on corn tortilla chips (corn is a whole grain, you know). Trader Joe’s Soy and Flax Seed Chips have a nutty flavor and, of course, that salty crunch -- plus, they have a small amount of Omega 3 fats.

To Snack or Not to Snack?

Healthy eating is not about deprivation. When you want some chips, have some -- but only a handful.

Next Up

When I Want to Make Dinner Easier, I Think "Unstuffed"

From stuffed cabbage to stuffed grape leaves, to stuffed eggplant and especially stuffed peppers, many cuisines have unique stuffed vegetable dishes, and Middle Eastern cuisine is no exception. But here’s how to get all that comforting flavor without the work of all that stuffing — and my Seven-Spice Unstuffed Peppers are a great place to start.

When I Think of Pride, I Think of Brunch

Here's why we wine and dine with our chosen family — and ten tips for throwing the perfect brunch at home.

I Live Waste-Free — Here’s How I Do It

We asked Anne-Marie Bonneau, the Zero-Waste Chef, how she cuts down on waste, especially when it comes to food.

Just What Exactly Are Giblets?

They're the secret to better flavor from your bird.

I Tried The Rock’s Cheat Day French Toast And It’s Just As Good As He Says

You can now order kits via Goldbelly so you can eat just like him.

I Hated Pumpkin Pie Until I Tried This Brand-New Recipe

Trust me — this is the one pie you definitely want to bake for Thanksgiving.

Isn’t KFC’s ‘Chizza’ Just … Chicken Parm?

The new fried chicken-pizza mashup arrives at U.S. locations this week.