The word "chips" comes from the English language. Translated, it means “thin slice.” Paper-thin pieces of potato quickly gained popularity. In stores, chips are presented in a huge assortment, they are affordable, and they can quickly satisfy your hunger. But PP adherents are very confused by the composition and calorie content of this product. Especially for people leading a healthy lifestyle, a safe analogue was developed - dietary chips, the use of which does not affect either health or figure.
What is the harm and danger of chips on a diet and when losing weight?
The presence of an image of a potato on the packaging does not guarantee its presence in the chips. Most often, this product is made from corn starch, potato flakes and water. Frying in oil puts an end to the question of the usefulness of industrially produced potato chips.
Once in the body, this combination of fats and carbohydrates is converted into glucose, sharply raising blood sugar levels. This, in turn, provokes the release of insulin. This hormone stimulates the process of lipogenesis, during which fat cells are formed and reserves of adipose tissue are formed.
However, this is far from the only harm caused by the much-loved potato chips. During industrial production, snacks are fried in oil, which contains both carcinogens and trans fats. The latter can increase the shelf life of the product, but can also lead to diabetes mellitus, thinning of the cartilaginous surfaces of joints (especially large ones) and a decrease in the immune response, and impaired blood flow in the vessels.
Salt, present in large quantities in chips, retains water in the body, therefore, can lead to the formation of edema in persons prone to this. Regular consumption of potato snacks is addictive. This is facilitated by monosodium glutamate, which, like trans fats, stimulates the release of insulin into the blood. In addition, excessive salt consumption leads to disruption of the kidneys and heart.
Expert opinion
Evgeniy Kislitsa
Practicing surgeon. Certified massage master. Two-time vice-champion and heavyweight champion of regional kettlebell lifting competitions.
Monosodium glutamate can enhance the taste characteristics of food several dozen times, which is why products with the addition of this additive have such a pleasant taste for humans. Also, eating food with monosodium glutamate forms a mental dependence, which is why a person has a strong desire to consume just such food. At the same time, the supplement can increase the production of insulin and its entry into the blood, which can lead to a rapid change in blood glucose levels. And this can be dangerous for those who suffer from diabetes. For the same reason, the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus is possible, when the body’s cells become insensitive to insulin (get used to it), which is why glucose is not completely broken down during specific reactions for its absorption and is found in the blood. The condition poses a health threat.
The average calorie content of potato chips is 500-600 kcal per 100 g - half the daily calorie requirement for weight loss.
Important! Industrially produced chips contain acrylamide, a toxic compound scientists believe can cause cancer.
Be sure to check out:
What harmful substances are in chips?
To understand that chips are harmful to health, just study their composition. What can you see there?
- Modified potato starch.
- Corn starch.
- Palm oil.
- Unrefined oils.
- Preservatives.
- Flavor enhancers (glutamates).
- Flavors.
Read the ingredients on food packaging and pay attention to additives
In addition, acrylamide can be found in the composition, although it is not always written on the packaging. This is a carcinogen that is usually formed during frying due to the wrong choice of oil or when the pan is too hot.
Can a snack be low-calorie?
Diet chips are not just another marketing ploy, but a natural product that can be prepared even at home. These snacks are most often made from fruits, vegetables and healthy grains. They can be eaten both on a diet and before working out in the gym. However, nutritionists still recommend eating such chips in the first half of the day. The reason is that even a dietary product contains a significant amount of calories, which is why when consumed in the afternoon, not all of them can be used by the body, which means they contribute to excess weight gain.
Low-calorie snacks are made from carrots, beets, apples, pumpkins, pears, peaches, bananas and even green beans. The main condition is the absence of sugar, salt and harmful additives. You can use any spices or seeds.
Interesting! Diet snacks are easy to prepare at home. To do this, you need to cut the original products into thin slices. If you can’t slice carrots or apples yourself, you can use a food processor with attachments or special slicing devices. Homemade snacks are not fried in oil, but baked in the oven. This guarantees their low calorie content and the absence of harmful carcinogens.
Store chips in closed containers in cool and dry places.
Snacks that contain grains are eaten half an hour before exercise. In this case, all carbohydrates will be used up during training.
The history of potato chips
The appearance of chips was preceded by a story that took place in one of the hotel restaurants in New York state in the 19th century.
According to legend, the chef of the restaurant was George Crum. When a famous millionaire dined at the restaurant, Crum was in high spirits. America's Railroad King, Vanderbilt returned two portions of potatoes to the kitchen with a comment about the slices being too thick, and the chef decided to teach the owner a lesson. He sliced the potatoes as thinly as the kitchen equipment of the time would allow and fried them until crisp. The millionaire liked the dish for its taste, and he ordered it every time he had dinner throughout his business trip. A few months later, the dish became a signature item on the restaurant menu.
Later, Crum opened his own establishment, where he prepared chips - thin, deep-fried slices with unique taste properties, according to his own recipe.
The end of the 19th century saw the emergence of the production of take-out chips; they came up with the idea of using edible wax paper for packaging.
In 1932, Herman Ley began selling chips in small quantities, and the company later acquired a name that is recognizable to this day. During the existence of the company, it merged with the famous Pepsi corporation: since then, chips and carbonated water have become inseparable.
Top 5 Diet Chips Recipes
Chips prepared at home will not only keep your figure, but also guarantee the absence of substances harmful to the body.
From apples
One of the most popular diet snack recipes. You can buy them in almost any store, along with pear or banana chips. The most aromatic and delicious are obtained from the Pink Lady, Gala and Duchess varieties:
- Apples – 200 gr.
- Lemon juice – 10 ml.
Preparation step by step:
- Grate the apples into thin slices.
- Rinse them in clean water.
- Dry with paper towels.
- Place the slices on a plate, sprinkle with lemon juice and microwave for 10-15 minutes at maximum power.
Calorie content – 47 kcal.
At the end of cooking, the apple chips must be taken out immediately, otherwise they will become damp. You can make pear snacks using the same method.
From carrots
Vegetable chips are a great snack while dieting:
- Carrots (large) – 1 pc.
- Olive oil – 20 ml.
- Pepper, dry basil and rosemary - 1 pinch each.
Preparation step by step:
- Cut the root vegetable into thin slices and place in a bowl.
- Add oil and dry herbs.
- Mix well and let sit for 5-10 minutes.
- Place carrot slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet and place in the oven for 1.5-2 hours at 100°C.
Calorie content – 66 kcal.
Beet lovers can make snacks from this root vegetable. They need to be baked for 40-45 minutes at 120°C. The chips will be slightly sweet, but very healthy due to batalin, a natural detoxifier contained in beets.
From banana
Banana chips can replace your usual dessert and reduce your cravings for sweets. However, their calorie content is higher than that of vegetable snacks:
- Bananas – 300 gr.
- Lemon juice – 100 ml.
Preparation step by step:
- Cut the bananas into “washers” 3-5 mm thick.
- Sprinkle everything with lemon juice and bake in the oven for 1 hour at 180°C.
Calorie content – 75 kcal.
Banana snacks can be eaten alone or added to yoghurts, cottage cheese casseroles and porridges.
From kiwi
Fragrant green kiwi chips have an unusual tart taste:
- Kiwi – 4 pcs.
- Lemon juice – 50 ml.
Preparation step by step:
- Peel the kiwi and cut into thin slices.
- Sprinkle with lemon juice.
- Place the slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment and place in the oven for 5-6 hours at 40°C.
Calorie content – 43 kcal.
From zucchini
This type of zucchini is rich in thiamine and niacin, vitamins that regulate metabolism:
- Zucchini – 2 pcs.
- Vegetable oil – 20 ml.
Preparation step by step:
- Wash the zucchini and cut them into thin round slices.
- Grease with oil and place on a baking tray lined with baking paper.
- Bake in the oven for 40-45 minutes at 100°C.
Calorie content – 69 kcal.
From green beans
This snack can be served as an appetizer along with spicy tomato sauce. The recipe is simple and quick to prepare:
- Fresh green beans – 400 gr.
- Olive oil – 20 ml.
- Spices.
Preparation step by step:
- Wash the beans and dry with a paper towel.
- Add oil, favorite spices and mix everything well.
- Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment.
- Bake in the oven for 15 minutes at 220°C.
Calorie content – 66 kcal.
Lavash chips are often called a healthy alternative to potato snacks. However, during the diet you should refrain from eating this dish, since its calorie content varies from 220 to 240 kcal.
For whom are chips contraindicated?
Chips should not be consumed by those who:
- problems with excess weight (due to high calorie snacks);
- diseases of the digestive system of acute and chronic forms (due to the content of substances harmful to the stomach);
- kidney disease (high salt content tends to improperly remove fluid from the body);
- allergic manifestations (due to the content of additives, dyes);
- young children (due to the immature intestinal environment, the intake of artificial additives threatens to be harmful to the development and health of the child’s body).
What nutritionists say
Alexey Kovalkov, famous Russian nutritionist, MD. RANS, author of books, presenter of radio and TV programs
A well-known Russian nutritionist explains that the main harm of chips is associated with the repeated use of fats. The problem lies in the main raw material – potatoes, which are often genetically modified varieties.
Expert opinion
Evgeniy Kislitsa
Practicing surgeon. Certified massage master. Two-time vice-champion and heavyweight champion of regional kettlebell lifting competitions.
Although there is an opinion that genetically modified foods can harm the body, there is no reliable evidence for this. The reason is that a vegetable cell is susceptible to genetic engineering processes, which is then capable of transmitting genetic information to other cells - its descendants. However, plant cells are destroyed during digestion processes and therefore cannot transfer their genetic information to other cells. Also, the inability of genetically modified products to influence human genetic material is evidenced by the fact that in the human body there are several mechanisms for protecting DNA and destroying cells with abnormal genes.
Margarita Koroleva, famous nutritionist, author of the books “The Easy Path to Slimness” and “Food Diary”
Celebrity nutritionist Margarita Koroleva equates chips to fast food and strongly recommends excluding them from the diet along with hamburgers. Instead, she advises adding vegetables, fruits, low-fat dairy products, buckwheat and whole grain bread.
Vladimir Dotsenko, MD, Chief Nutritionist of St. Petersburg
It is necessary to understand, explains the St. Petersburg nutritionist, that 100 grams of potato chips are equal in calorie content to a full second course. In combination with soda, for example, cola, this is a real shot at the figure, stomach and duodenum, and pancreas.
How to wean someone off chips
People mentally “buy” into the bright advertising of chips, which is broadcast on billboards or from TV screens. It is especially difficult for children to explain why they should not eat it. You can find many videos on the Internet that show the dangers of chips.
Scientists conducted an experiment. They fed the rat nothing but chips for 1 month. As a result, the animal lost all its hair and began to see poorly. Upon autopsy, it was discovered that the rat's liver was practically failing.
Chips are especially dangerous for allergy sufferers. They can cause severe allergic reactions. In addition, a violation of the sebaceous glands occurs. In adolescence, chips aggravate rashes on the face. These ulcers can remain scars for life. These are the reasons that should be told to a person in order to wean him off chips.
Main conclusions
Store-bought potato chips and dieting don't mix. As an alternative, you can try fruit and vegetable snacks that can easily be prepared at home:
- Potato snacks are not only high in calories, but also full of harmful substances.
- Their regular and especially excessive consumption can lead to obesity, atherosclerosis, allergies and even diabetes, and for those who already suffer from these diseases, chips can cause an exacerbation of the disease.
- You can prepare healthy snacks at home.
- Any vegetables and fruits can be used as “raw materials”.
- Snacks can be baked in the oven or cooked in the microwave.
- You should not use salt, as it retains water in the body and dulls the taste of natural products.
Fruit and vegetable snacks are an ideal snack that will help fight hunger without compromising your figure.
Share your weight loss stories, favorite diets and diet chips recipes.
How many snacks can you eat without harm?
Nutritionists say that even those foods that are considered harmful can be eaten sometimes. But how many chips can you eat without harming your health? The average figure is 40 grams per person 1-2 times a month.
But a lot depends on the condition of your body, chronic diseases, metabolism and similar parameters. After all, it’s clear why even 2 times a month would be too much for obese people? But with normal weight and feasible physical activity, you can afford this food occasionally.
Even the most harmful foods can be occasionally included in your diet, says komy-za30.ru. The main thing is not to abuse them and assess the risks of their use. And as a daily snack, you need to replace potato chips with healthier ones, for example, fruit chips.
Author: Yulia Mosalova. The article was checked by an expert - practicing family doctor Elizaveta Anatolyevna Krizhanovskaya, 5 years of experience.
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Give it up immediately: 7 foods that prevent you from losing weight
The word “diet” is quite common in the vocabulary of the fair sex. At any event there will always be a person who adheres to one diet or another. This topic is a real headache for many girls and even men. This happens for one simple reason: fashion continues to dictate to us the standards of beauty, slimness and health. And in most cases you want to meet these standards. It is quite natural that a person strives to be beautiful, without unnecessary folds on the stomach and radiate health with his entire appearance.
That is why many people are constantly in search of a magic recipe that will make those extra pounds disappear in a matter of days. They resort to hunger strikes, low-carb diets, eating according to someone else's diet, or eating only vegetables - in other words, they try all the legal and illegal tortures that are so easy to find on the Internet. But few people think that a diet is a set of different rules for eating food, which are accompanied by certain restrictions in eating habits and very often lead to short-term results.
Unfortunately, this is true. Anyone who has ever been on a diet has experienced the full power of a breakdown when, for unknown reasons, instead of low-fat cottage cheese, a curd juicer begins to “fly in,” followed by shawarma and French fries on top.
But it is possible to put an end to this: with complete confidence you can say goodbye to the diet and break all ties with it.
To do this, just replace the following list of products, after which you will certainly begin your journey to losing weight:
Mayonnaise and any store-bought sauces
Yes, they are definitely delicious to eat with salads, pasta or hot sandwiches. But everyone also knows how high-calorie this product is (on average, about 650 kcal per 100 g). The worst thing is that we often don’t even notice how much we’ve eaten in a day. You can put a spoonful in soup for lunch, another with a vegetable salad, a third and fourth on top of baked meat, and a fifth somewhere else. Here you have an extra 800 kcal, which you will have to work off for about 1.5 hours on the treadmill. Therefore, we replace this product, scary for thoughts about losing weight, with olive or any other cold-pressed oil (in salads) or with homemade natural yogurt sauce (yogurt, salt, pepper, herbs and, if desired, garlic): in the end we get minus 600 kcal .
