How to Kill the French Fry Habit

We all love French fries and it's almost impossible not to get hooked on their crispy salty goodness. And yet we know how unhealthy they can be if eaten on a regular basis, regardless of the type of oil they are cooked in. Can you really find a substitute for french fries? This may or may not be humanly possible. And yet, here are some ideas if you would like to attempt the mission.

Instructions

1. Kill the fast food restaurant habit. This is the first and most basic step. Pass up those beckoning colorful signs and buy a grocery bag of food. Learn how to cook it so it is attractive and delicious and then eat up that more balanced meal at home. Just don't buy frozen french fries.

2. Substitute a green salad. Though obvious and unexciting, this alternative looms over the fast food eater more and more often until it becomes unavoidable. Sometimes the salad can be more expensive, which is a problem. Alternatively, bring your own chips, or even better, crunchy baby carrots. These bear some resemblance to fries.

3. Find a salty substitution such as peanuts, almonds or even baked tater tots. At least the latter are not deep fried in oil. It's okay to take small steps in the right direction.

4. Make your own "french fries" at home the healthy way by dividing a russet potato into eight slices, slathering them in a bit of olive oil and adding some salt and pepper. Place on a cookie sheet at 400 degrees and bake for 20 to 30 minutes. Kids will probably like this too. Do this with sweet potatoes for an extra nutritional boost.