Serious craving for chips

Hi guys,

So I basically have a chip addiction. I can (and often do) literally eat a full-size bag to myself, every day. Obviously, this does not bode well for my calorie count. I've been really good at reducing the volume I'm intaking (I can now make a bag of chips last for 2, maybe even 3 days) but every time I eat them, I'm appalled at how much of my calorie count they consume. I want to get away from them completely, but that's really hard. So, I'm wondering, what do you guys turn to when you're craving something salty, crunchy, and convenient?
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Replies

  • Pearsquared
    Pearsquared Posts: 1,656 Member
    You could try cracker chips, like these: http://www.kelloggs.com/en_US/kelloggs-special-k-cracker-chips-cheddar.html

    They probably won't kill your calorie count like regular chips do. You could also even try the baked version of regular chips - a lot of brands have a version like that. I don't really care for these as much as I do cracker chips, but I have always liked crackers better anyway. x3
  • You could always buy some individual bags (I think they're like 150 calories each?) and see if that curbs your craving for the day? I know it's easier said than done, but maybe give that a try just to see if you can make it with just that.
    Special K makes some good chip products...they have popcorn chips and 'crisps' that I used to get. Even my 4 year old begged for them.

    Good luck!
  • lynseytaylo
    lynseytaylo Posts: 10
    I have a munch on rice cakes with some low fat philly and even sprinkle some fresh coriander on the top. hits the spot for me.
  • kgillis87
    kgillis87 Posts: 43 Member
    Awesome suggestions guys. Thanks for sharing!
  • JessicaPasieka
    JessicaPasieka Posts: 149 Member
    I eat the Special K Cracker Chips as well. They come in all sorts of flavours and you get the crunch with the salty taste at only 80 calories for 20 chips. I take them for lunch every day and I've lost 152 lbs, so they haven't hindered my progress at all.
  • bumblebums
    bumblebums Posts: 2,181 Member
    Weighing your portions for things like this can be sobering. So I'd suggest allowing yourself a single serving of this stuff a day.

    Suggestions for alternatives: try seasoned nori. It's nutritionally amazing and very low in calories, and if you prefer a savory snack, it should satisfy the craving. They sell it at Whole Foods-type stores and of course in Japanese and Korean groceries.
  • Bekahmardis
    Bekahmardis Posts: 602 Member
    I used to have those cravings, too. Then I switched to cereal. No chips, just dry cereal. I will get Fiber One in a variety of forms, weigh out a single serving and I get my crunch craving covered! (how's that for alliteration!?)
  • salemnye
    salemnye Posts: 305 Member
    Try pop chips! They are made with potato and have no artificial whatever in them. They are tasty too :)

    If you really need the chips in just exercise a bit more to get more of a calorie allowance :)
  • I love my chips too. I thought my heart was going to stop when I read the calories tho. I buy the small bags in an assortment. They are between 150-160 calories a bag and they satisfy my craving.
  • kklemarow
    kklemarow Posts: 167 Member
    Popchips! Salt & Vinegar or the Cracked Pepper flavours are delicious!
  • Fisherdh13
    Fisherdh13 Posts: 37 Member
    Have you figured out the allure? Crunch? Salt? Fat? For me it was crunch and salt. Yes, individual portions helps. Keep it out of sight. :-) Lightly salted brown rice cakes cover it for me. When I really want something, restaurant style tortilla chips (less salt than you would expect) works for me. Keep after it, you'll get it under control. :-)
  • bumblebums
    bumblebums Posts: 2,181 Member
    Oh, also kale chips. You can buy them or make your own.
  • lauren3101
    lauren3101 Posts: 1,853 Member
    When you said chips, I thought you meant these: :laugh:

    chips600_zpseeb29b27.jpg

    So, obviously I'm from the UK so I don't know how many of these 'crisps' :wink: you will have there, but these are some of the things I eat, and they are tasty!

    Quavers
    Squares
    Skips
    Ryvita Minis
    Individual bag of Twiglets
    Walkers French Fries

    All under 100 cals.

    Or, try making your own popcorn and just using salt for flavouring. Low in cals and to be honest, most of the time I prefer it to crisps.
  • missymakayla
    missymakayla Posts: 309 Member
    Low fat pretzels, special k chips, fat free pringles,, but still you have to eat them in moderation. You can also eat celery with a shake of salt on it , it is crunchy and salty.
  • Ivey05131980
    Ivey05131980 Posts: 1,118 Member
    Special K butter flavor popcorn chips or pretzels and hummus...LOVEEEE!
  • KatLifter
    KatLifter Posts: 1,314 Member
    Lentils! You can roast them yourself; they are a great source of fiber and can be a salty crunchy snack.

    Soak lentils in 4 cups of water in a medium bowl for 4-6 hours. The longer you soak, the less chance the lentils will cause gas or bloating when you eat them.
    When the lentils are ready, preheat oven to 350F, drain and rinse them really well before spreading across a 13×9 rimmed baking sheet and sprinkling with salt.
    Bake in preheated oven on the middle rack for 30-35 minutes, or until lentils are crisp and crunchy. When complete, allow to cool to room temperature.

    Source: http://www.healthfulpursuit.com/2012/04/beach-bum-lentil-trail-mix-nut-free/
  • vjm7981
    vjm7981 Posts: 42 Member
    I love the fat free Pringles Sour Cream and Onion. I am also obsessed with Andy Capp Hot Fries :laugh:
  • 3laine75
    3laine75 Posts: 3,069 Member
    haha i'm in the uk - i thought you meant fries. do you guys have quavers, wotsits etc - they are pretty low cal. or salted pop-corn, if you make it yourself :)
  • Silver14
    Silver14 Posts: 141
    Fresh air popped popcorn with EVOO and salt. Yummy!
    Or roast some chickpeas in EVOO and your fave spices! Salty, crunchy, high protein!
  • iclaudia_g
    iclaudia_g Posts: 148 Member
    Try carrots or celery. It helps with the need to chew on crunchy chips. Fills you up too.
  • missshyeviolett
    missshyeviolett Posts: 310 Member
    Pretty much the only thing I ever crave is chips. I don't deprive myself or I'd go on an epic binge. I buy the small bags 1-2 times per week and it keeps me satisfied. Also, I love baked Lays!
  • I found that taking Essential Fatty Acids has done it for me. I LOVED chips and fries. No more. I don't go near them. I have plenty around with 5 kids and I don't want them. If it's a crunch in a chip I want, I have gluten free chips once in awhile. Dosage of EFAs is important. If you're interested in what I'm say message me. It works......

    Peace ॐ
    Dave
  • elaineirene84
    elaineirene84 Posts: 65 Member
    I love chips too and have found one that I like that isn't too bad. For 20 chips it is only 120 calories and 190mg of sodium which is pretty good for a chip. They are air popped instead of baked or fried.


    http://www.popchips.com/
  • llcjmama
    llcjmama Posts: 27 Member
    I still eat chips I just weigh mine and have 1/4 to 1/2 the serving on the bag. I don't have them often but as a treat! I have switched to popcorn you can eat 10 cups popped for 150 calories that's ALOT of popcorn!.
  • hdavis704
    hdavis704 Posts: 3
    Dont know if it will help with other people but i swap crisps/chips with dry variety packs of ceral because they are already measured out and the have a low fat content :)
  • dollienj
    dollienj Posts: 49
    If you don't have a soy allergy, I recommend dry roasted edamame - the lightly salted type is crunchy and satisfies my pretzel or chip cravings. High in fiber and protein, too. Seapoint Farms is quite good - I found them for $1.69 a bag at Wegmans.

    http://www.seapointfarms.com/dry-roasted-edamame.html
  • babydiego87
    babydiego87 Posts: 905 Member
    salty and crunchy? popcorn is your friend
  • acpgee
    acpgee Posts: 7,956 Member
    When I crave salty crunchy I zap some turkey salami in the microwave to a crisp (cover with paper towel). Or seaweed snacks from the Asian grocer. The turkey salami is 90 cals for 3 slices and my grilled Korean seaweed snacks are 30 cals a package.
  • chellec23
    chellec23 Posts: 147 Member
    I, too, am a recovering chip-aholic. A while back I tried the special k chips that are just over a hundred calories a bag and they were pretty good. This time though, I'm trying really hard to stay focused and behave myself so I didn't allow myself any chips for a few weeks. Yesterday I gave in and had a serving (yes, I counted out 11 chips) of the chips they had out on the counter here at work. I found that I didn't really enjoy them like I used to. Either my tastes are changing from eating so much healthier lately, or I have psyched myself out of liking them much anymore?

    One of my ways of abstaining is I literally say NO to foods that are bad for me. Out loud. In saying it aloud I am affirming to myself that I am making good choices. Might seem dumb but it works for me.

    Best of luck to you!!
  • jangier
    jangier Posts: 109 Member
    I have the same problem, if I open a bag I have to eat the whole bag and have no control, so if I do buy chips on occasion I will buy snack sized bags to control for how much of them I eat.