Salty snacks can be enjoyed — in moderation

The biggest problem with these is foods is that they tend to offer saturated fat and sodium with fewer nutrients such as vitamins, minerals and fiber.

SHARE Salty snacks can be enjoyed — in moderation
You can soothe your salty cravings by reading package labels and paying attention to serving size as well as sodium content.

You can soothe your salty cravings by reading package labels and paying attention to serving size as well as sodium content.

Dreamstime/TNS

Chips, french fries, tater tots — these are not usually foods on any healthy eating lists.

That doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy them once in a while. But try to choose those that are the healthiest.

The biggest problem with these is that they tend to offer saturated fat and sodium with fewer nutrients such as vitamins, minerals and fiber. The best way to include these into a healthy eating plan occasionally is to address those issues.

Start by looking for those with the least amount of sodium and saturated fat. This can vary greatly by brand.

Next, try to find those made from a nutrient-rich food. Check the ingredient list. Look for ones in which the first ingredient listed is a whole grain like popcorn or a nutrient-dense veggie like sweet potatoes.

Other tips:

  • Check your serving size. Salty snacks come in different sizes — think onion rings versus popcorn kernels. So check the specific serving size for whichever one you’re enjoying.
  • Don’t replace. When you’re adding a food like this to a meal or snack, instead of having it replace a nutrient-dense food, like a fruit or veggie, have a small portion in addition to a healthy option.
  • Go easy on the extras. Often, the dips and sauces we enjoy with these snacks contribute extra saturated fat and sodium. Indulge in them sparingly.

Environmental Nutrition is a newsletter written by experts on health and nutrition.

The Latest
Vice President Mike Pence will not be asked about his actions on Jan. 6, but he will have to testify about potential illegal acts committed by former President Donald Trump.
Asked how they would bring together a divided city, Vallas said his “comprehensive, very strong, very cohesive and united coalition” would allow him to do so. Johnson said he wouldn’t have gotten this far without a “multi-cultural, multi-generational movement” that is “Black, Brown, white, Asian, young old, middle-class and working class.”
Michael Barr, the nation’s top banking regulator, said Silicon Valley Bank was warned in the fall of 2021 that its interest rate model was not ‘aligned with reality.’
He seems content to hand control over football operations and the Arlington Park stadium project to incoming president Kevin Warren. And as far as the likelihood of the Bears leaving Chicago, he says, “Change is necessary at times.”
Only 3% of ballots cast on Feb. 28 came from youth voters. So what’s the deal? “It’s obvious to me that young people in that city don’t feel empowered by their governance,” said Della Volpe, author of “Fight: How Gen Z is Channeling Their Fear and Passion to Save America.”