Long classified as a guilty pleasure, this salty snack could ultimately help to better manage hunger, and therefore weight, according to nutrition specialists.
Between two meals, snacking often gets a bad rap, especially when it evokes something salty, crunchy and sold in a bag. However, more and more nutrition specialists are explaining that the problem does not necessarily come from the food itself, but from the way it is consumed and what accompanies it. The idea is not to snack mindlessly, but to use these eating breaks to stabilize energy, avoid big cravings and limit excesses at the next meal.
Indeed, dieticians emphasize a key point: an effective snack is not limited to calming a craving in the moment, it must also provide nutrients that support satiety. “Snacks should combine carbohydrates and proteins to give you a feeling of fullness, energy and lasting satiation”summarizes Katie Drakeford, dietitian-nutritionist. This association helps avoid peaks of hunger which encourage you to eat again later.
Fiber and good fats also play an important role, as their slower digestion helps prolong the feeling of being full. Foods like nuts, certain varieties of cheese or even fruits rich in fiber show that a snack can be nourishing without being heavy. Whatever the case, the professionals’ message is clear: demonizing a food as a whole does no good, especially if it then leads to frustration and repeated breakdowns.
It is in this context that a product returns to the table that many avoid as soon as they want to pay attention to their figure: chips. Their main advantage, according to experts, is to respond to a specific desire, that of something salty and crunchy, which can otherwise become obsessive. The point is not to make it a staple food, but to include it in reasonable portions, combining it with nutritionally richer elements. “Consider serving them with salsa or Greek yogurt seasoned with lime juice, salt and pepper.”explains Jenn Fink, dietitian-nutritionist. “Salsa enhances flavor and provides valuable nutrients like fiber, lycopene, quercetin and capsaicin, which can reduce inflammation and promote weight loss.”she adds. “Greek yogurt, for its part, provides protein and thus contributes to the regulation of appetite”specifies Jasmin Ilkay, dietician-nutritionist.
As explained, fiber matters too. And for good reason, today there are elaborate versions of this snack, made from vegetables or legumes. “For a healthier option, opt for those made with cauliflower or beans”advises Jasmin Ilkay. So, the next time you have a little craving, think about it, this option is far from being prohibitive as part of a slimming program.
