For anyone that knows me, I’m a chip lover. If I had to list my favorite, Salt n’ Vinegar all the way. But chips, although made from a root vegetable, are not a health-food and can negatively impact our health. Today let’s be honest about how chips compromise our health. Plus we’ll learn how a healthy alternative, like kale chips, can support your health, including anti-aging properties to help your skin look younger and healthier.
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Acrylamide
Acrylamide is a chemical that can form in some foods, especially starchy foods, during high-temperature cooking processes, such as frying, roasting, and baking. It has been linked to nervous system disorders, cancer and increases the chances of certain diseases.
The cooking process used to make chips produces acrylamide. Potato, a high starch vegetable, has a very high acrylamide concentration when made into a chip.
According to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, after ingesting large amounts of potato chips providing about 157 micrograms of acrylamide daily for four weeks, the participants had adverse changes in oxidized LDL, inflammatory markers, and antioxidants that help the body eliminate acrylamide—all of which may increase the risk of heart disease. 10.3945/ajcn.2008.26647
And The Not-Good Fat
A standard serving of potato chips contains about 16 percent of your daily recommended amount of fat. The high-fat (saturated & trans) content is part of the reason why we consider chips to be empty calories; they fill you up and their fat content gives you energy. However, they don’t actually have much nutritive value.
The Kale Chips to the Rescue
When working with my clients we discuss and analyze their cravings. While we work on functional health and avoid binging on chips, healthy chip alternatives are a great solution. Remember, I don’t teach deprivation.
Ditching the chips might be hard. But believe me when I say, if I can get over the chip addiction, anyone can.
Kale Is A Superstar
Kale is full of nutrition. It has high amounts of vitamins A, K, B6, and C, calcium, potassium, copper, and manganese. One cup of raw kale has just 33 calories and only 7 grams of carbohydrates. So it’s good for those eating low carb, keto, and for weight loss support.
Younger & Healthier Skin
Those that follow me on social and who are in the Simply Nutritious Membership, know that longevity and healthy aging is one of my keys teachings. Kale is rich in vitamins C, E, and K. Together, these vitamins help your skin look younger and healthier. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that’s great for brightening your skin’s appearance; it can aid in brightening complexion (goodbye, dark spots!) and gets rid of fine lines and free radicals.
Kale Chips
Southwest Kale Chips
Ingredients
- 1 bunch Lacinato/curly kale washed and dried well
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil melted
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 300 Fahrenheit.
- Tear kale leaves (discard stalks) into bite-sized pieces. Add kale and all remaining ingredients to a mixing bowl and mix well.
- Add kale to a large baking sheet, then bake for 20 minutes or until crispy. Serve immediately.
Nourish & Live A Vital Life
… and reclaim your health. Join the Simply Nutritious Program for a simple, natural, no-nonsense holistic approach. Vitality, Radiance & Longevity. Join the movement, join Simply Nutritious.
Have Questions? Contact me to set up a free strategy call to learn how I can help support your health and wellness goals. And don’t forget to follow me on Facebook & Instagram.
