In a recent survey, it was found that 19% of US adults plan to eat healthier in 2025 by avoiding ultra-processed foods that are high in calories, sugar, fat, and salt. To achieve this goal, individuals should be cautious of foods that appear healthy but are not, such as sugar-filled yogurt and coconut oil high in saturated fat. One food that is commonly mistaken as healthy is vegetable chips, which are actually calorically dense, high in salt, and not filling. Examples of foods like cauliflower chips or cauliflower pizza crust may seem nutritious, but are often filled with corn starch and are not as beneficial as consuming fresh vegetables like potatoes with the skin on.
Dr. Mitchell Roslin, chief of bariatric surgery at Northern Westchester Hospital, advises against processed vegetable chips and recommends opting for fresh vegetables with a hummus spread as a healthier alternative. He emphasizes that foods like potatoes, despite containing starch, can be healthy if prepared correctly. Potatoes are a good source of potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin B6 and do not inherently cause weight gain. It is the preparation method, such as frying or adding butter, that can make potatoes less healthy. Additionally, registered dietitian Abbey Sharp cautions against veggie chips, noting that they are not as nutritious as they may seem, and recommends being mindful of how these snacks are processed and prepared.
Registered dietitian Abbey Sharp, who calls herself a “health halo detective,” warns against falling for misleading food labels that claim to be healthier than they actually are. She advises individuals to be skeptical of veggie straws, which are often marketed as a healthier alternative to potato chips but are nutritionally similar. Sharp also emphasizes the importance of understanding the nutritional content of foods and how they are processed in order to make informed choices about what to eat. It is essential to read food labels carefully and be aware of marketing tactics that may lead consumers to believe certain foods are healthier than they are in reality.
For individuals who are still inclined to choose veggie chips as a snack option, Eat This, Not That! recently ranked 11 brands based on their calorie, saturated fat, and sodium content. While some veggie chips may offer additional dietary fiber and vitamins depending on the vegetables used, they are not necessarily lower in calories, sodium, or fat compared to traditional potato chips. Registered dietitian Caroline Thomason explains that while veggie chips may have some nutritional benefits, consumers should be mindful of their overall impact on diet and be aware of their caloric and macronutrient content. Making informed choices and understanding the nutritional value of different snack options can help individuals achieve their goal of eating healthier in the new year.
