Chip Alternatives

[Queenie]

Hi all,

I've been looking to reduce my intake of junk food severely but am facing a problem. Since I was a kid, nearly every meal I've eaten has been *something* and chips, obviously I want to stop eating these as often as even oven baked chips are unhealthy. However I cannot stand the taste of rice or pasta (no matter how they are cooked) which are the only alternative sides I can see on most recipes. I also hate plain boiled potatoes and can only take mashed potato with a sauce on it (gravy, tomato sauce etc) as it's too bland otherwise.

Can anyone suggest any healthy sides that I could try? I'm up for trying spicy food, things with herbs in etc so feel free to post up exotic foods, it's blandness I can't stand!

Cheers everyone!

 

[bclydia]

Oh, I love "& chips"! It's been quite a while since my last visit to the UK.
I should mention for our american friends that you are talking about french fries. In North America chips are what you call crisps.
So, an alternative to french fries....
Hmmm, well I love grilled vegetables with some balsamic vinegar and feta or goat cheese crumbled on top. I particularly love peppers and zucchini (courgettes) done this way.
Have you tried cooking different grains of rice? or cooking them in tomato sauce or beef stock?
I'll see if I can think of anything else to offer as an idea.
Lydia

 

[FantasticDisFamily]

Queenie,

Ok so we're gong to get away from all potatoes in this discussion! Rice and pasta can be bland and I agree when they are bland they are AWFUL. But they can also be most yummy!

One really simple way to give rice a zing is to put some curry in it. We do this a lot. And experiment with other flavors you like. Or try brown rice as an alternative - it has a really nice nutty flavor.

If you haven't already done so check out the different rice and pasta recipes at www.foodnetwork.com

The shows from Rachel Ray and Giada De Lorenta (and I'm pretty sure I mangled that last spelling) use many, many variations on pasta and rice. And all the recipes I've tried are yummy.

Veggies are good of course. Or dump the cooked "carb" side and opt for a good bread - sourdough, french, etc something with a nice crusty outside and yummy inside instead! A little (emphasis) on little good olive oil with some herbs and garlic mixed in is great for dipping.

Deb

 

[dizney-cruiser]

one thing that i have recently been hooked on is adding some chicken base to the water before adding the rice or pasta - it is give it a nice added flavor

 

[KKB]

try roasting the potatoes; cut into fries or chunks, put on baking sheet, salt, pepper (and any other spices you like--season salt; Tastefully Simple has a spinach & herb sprinkle that I use on EVERYTHING!), drizzle w/ olive oil & bake 450 for about 20 min.--until nice & brown. SO good. Works great w/ sweet potatoes, too. (great way to get your sweet fix guilt-free!)
Have you tried whole wheat pasta? It has a nice nutty flavor. My kids even prefer it to regular pasta! I was shocked!
I also like a baked potato (oven is best, but micro is faster & doesn't heat up kitchen! ) w/ lowfat cottage cheese & salsa. Or sweet potato baked w/ I Can't Believe It's Not Butter spray, cinnamon & sweetner.
Go to the library or bookstore and look for low-fat cookbooks. Look for side dish recipes. You will find many w/ loads of flavor. Spices and broths are a great way to liven up bland side dishes. I have even seen baked chips! (Thinly sliced potatoes, seasoned, baked...not sure of temp or time).
Personally, I now am eating very few breads & pastas. They use a lot of points on Weight Watchers. I do eat Kashi Go Lean w/ sweetner for breakfast, as is high protein. But I generally stick w/ proteins, fruits & veggies, string cheese & yogurt. I do like whole wheat pretzels (and I HATE regular pretzels!) I do like the Light chips, too, for an occasional treat. I liked baked, too, but realize many don't (my kids prefer these, too! but they love regular chips, too!)
Good luck!
Kris

 

[KKB]

I just reread your post--why do you think oven baked chips are unhealthy?
The ones you make yourself you can control the salt/fat (use olive or canola oil if any). And the ones at the store are transfat free, and generally not terribly high sodium!
Kris

 

[KKB]

I didn't realize you were from the UK. So chips are like fries here...
Well, good, my first recipe is perfect! AND HEALTHY!
I did mention some name brands. I know you can go to tastefullysimple.com, but shipping could be horrific overseas. My friend is a flight attendant and has been flying to London this month!...
Not sure about the Kashi brand...
Happy eating!
Kris