Can’t get enough potato chips
Q: Dear Donovan,
My cravings for potato chips are excessive. I have been sticking to my diet and exercise regimen and I have been getting results, but I snack in between and it’s often on potato chips. I understand the implications this will have on my weight loss process and how it will sabotage all my efforts. However, it’s an urge I struggle with. Is there anything I could substitute for potato chips when I feel like snacking, or is it a case where I will have to develop the willpower and mental strength to stop snacking and still wholeheartedly exercise and diet and not go back to my old ways when I’ve gained the results I want?
A: I am very happy that you have started your weight loss programme and you are getting some results. However, you mentioned that you are having some concerns about your potato chips cravings.
Overall, potato chips are very tasty but might not be the best snacks for your weight loss programme. The carbohydrates, salt and oil/fat content of potato chips are usually high per serving. Therefore, you should consider how much you consume per day.
You seem to have a strong addiction to potato chips. Therefore, I would suggest that you try to overcome your potato chips addiction over time. There are a number of ways that you can do so.
You can start by reducing the frequency of how many packs of chips you eat. For example, if you usually consume three to five packs per day, you could cut this to one to two packs. Also, purchase smaller packs of potato chips if you usually buy the large ones.
In addition, purchasing fewer packs and keeping them out of sight can be helpful. In general, the aim is to reduce then eliminate potato chips over time.
Along with the process of reducing your chip intake, you could also introduce other snacks such as yogurts, fruits, a few nuts, coconut water, green juice and carrot juice. These are usually healthier choices and in most cases lower in calories.
Generally, doing a weight loss programme should not only be about losing weight but also keeping healthy. In my opinion, your health would be greatly enhanced by reducing or eliminating snacking on potato chips providing that you are not increasing your intake of other foods or reducing your exercise.
That aside, if you do not control your diet and exercise you are going to hit a weight loss plateau. A weight loss plateau occurs when your input calories are roughly equal to your output calories that you burn on a daily basis. At this point weight gain or weight loss is usually minimal.
A very important point to note with your weight loss programme is that you must be continuously doing something new with your food intake and exercise in order for your weight loss to be sustained overtime. Overall, in going forward you should try to reduce your calories from your food and burn more calories from your exercise. Preferably, do cardiovascular type exercises. Also, if possible, do a detox programme and drink plenty of water.
Good luck!
We will answer your weight-related questions
Are you struggling to lose weight or just need some advice on living a healthier life? Tell us about your health issues and we’ll have nutritionist and wellness coach Donovan Grant answer them for you. Grant has over 12 years’ experience in the fitness industry and is the owner of DG’s Nutrition and Wellness Centre, Suite 16, 39 Lady Musgrave Road, Kingston 5. Send your questions to clarkep@ jamaicaobserver.com.
