When there’s a plate of french fries in front of us, it’s easy to take one, or two, or maybe even finish the whole plate. With our guilty conscience screaming at us to get a side salad, there are a few healthier alternatives that can satisfy our cravings and kick our diets up a notch.
While french fries are a go-to side with pretty much anything, it might be time to choose smarter options every now and then to avoid developing heart disease, diabetes and other health issues.
6 Healthier Alternatives to French Fries
The trick to overcoming french fry cravings is to become friends with your oven and give these tasty options a try. Not only will your heart be happy, but you might find a new snack to indulge in without messing up your otherwise healthy lifestyle.
1. Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potatoes are a popular substitute for regular fries. Besides having the word “potato” in its name, sweet potatoes look like french fries and taste pretty good.
Rich in vitamin A, C and fiber, sweet potatoes are great for the heart and boost the immune system.
Tip: Sprinkle with a little olive oil and toss them into your oven instead of frying them and you’re in for a treat.
2. Zucchini Fries
It started with zoodles as an alternative to pasta, and now this vegetable is slowly taking over our side dishes and replacing french fries.
Zucchini is a beneficial food that promotes weight loss, strengthens the bones and improves digestive function.
Tip: Slice the zucchini into long sticks, add them to beaten eggs and sprinkle a little parmesan on top before inserting them into the oven. Wait about 25 minutes and your tasty snack is ready to be enjoyed.
3. Kale Chips
We all know the power of kale. Not only are the leafy greens rich in vitamins and minerals, kale also helps to keep blood sugar in check and fight unnecessary cravings during the day.
The beauty about kale chips is that they’re really good for you and extremely easy to make.
Tip: Chop and remove the stalks, sprinkle a little olive oil and pepper on the pieces and bake in the oven until crisp.
4. Avocado Fries
You’re probably just as excited as we are to see this one on the list. Instead of sticking to avocado toast as your go-to snack, why not switch it up to avocado fries instead?
California’s favorite food, avocados are high in healthy fats and contain no cholesterol or sodium.
Tip: Slice them up to look like fries, dip them in beaten eggs and roll them in breadcrumbs before sticking them in the oven. If you couldn’t get enough of avocados before, you’re about to become even more addicted.
5. Green Bean Sticks
Fun fact, there are more than 130 varieties of green beans and they all come with excellent benefits for the body.
Pleasantly delicious, green beans are rich in fiber and protein, making them an excellent side dish to replace those fried potatoes. Not only are they a great addition to most meals, this healthy food is a good source of vitamins and minerals such as calcium and potassium.
Tip: A little olive oil, salt, pepper and garlic powder will add a good amount of flavor to the green beans. Bake in the oven until crisp and get ready to enjoy this yummy snack.
6. Carrot Fries
Carrots are satisfying on their own, but they are even better as fries. Not only does this vegetable keep your eyes healthy, they are also rich in antioxidants that help to fight harmful free radicals in the body.
Instead of frying them, opt to bake them in the oven instead. Baking will reduce your oil intake so you can still maintain your healthy diet and enjoy doing so.
Tip: Seasoning is key — a good amount of salt and pepper with a dash of olive oil should do the trick before baking. Dip them in ketchup and you’re ready to nom.
Still Craving Potatoes?
If you absolutely need to get your fix of french fries, instead of indulging in the deep fried version, opt to make them at home and bake them instead. Add a little salt to taste and not only will you satisfy your urge, you will also avoid harmful amounts of oils and sodium in the process.
