Virtually everybody you meet absolutely adores French fries made in one way or another. Many of us are simply addicted to fries. While this may not seem like much of a dangerous addiction, when you’re trying to stave off obesity or when you’re attempting to lose weight, it can be quite problematic.
Moreover, when you’re working on living a healthier lifestyle, being addicted to fries can easily hold you back. There are tons of varieties of fries. Crinkle cut, beefsteak, shoestring, and everything in between. People like them with ketchup, vinegar, Tabasco sauce, truffle oil and even mayonnaise. That said, when it all comes down to it, the concept is the same, and none of it is all that good for the waistline or for cardiovascular health.
If you’re eating them as a rare treat, it doesn’t hurt to dig into your favorite French fry made from potatoes deep fried in oil. However, if you’re addicted to fries, then it would likely be beneficial to you to come up with some great healthy alternatives you’ll be able to eat instead. This will allow you to skip the calories, starches and overall lack of nutrition. Instead, you can have something far more nutrient dense.
Consider these alternatives the next time you have a French fry craving:
Bell pepper slices
The key to making this fry alternative successful is in the seasoning. If you cut them up into strips, season them with some spices such as pepper, cayenne and garlic powder, you’ll fall in love with them right away. If you’re someone who loves to dip your fries, don’t worry, the bell pepper slices taste awesome that way, too. Choose a great hummus and you’ll find yourselves craving these more than their potato based counterparts.
Baked green beans
These veggies may seem a bit bland on their own but like bell peppers, if you jazz them up, they become delicious. In this case, toss them in olive oil, some freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a touch of garlic powder and black pepper. Bake them in a 375ºF oven until they’re crispy and delicious.
Parsnip and carrot sticks
Peel parsnips and carrots and slice them into sticks. Toss them in olive oil and add a dash of pepper before baking them in the oven. Cook until tender and crispy on the edges. They’re veggies like you’ve never had them before.