Help me stop eating raw french fries

November 6, 2008 7:46 PM

I need a healthier snacking alternative to raw frozen french fries. Help?

As odd as it sounds, I really like eating uncooked, slightly thawed french fries — especially the bargain-basement uncoated/unseasoned type. I've always kind of liked them served this way, but over the past year or so I've gotten somewhat hooked on them, generally eating 2-3 bags per week. My diet is otherwise pretty healthy and low in bad carbs and fat, but these fries aren't doing my figure any favours. Is there a healthier, lower-carb alternative with a similar mouthfeel?

posted by thisjax to food & drink (19 comments total)

Edamame
posted by caddis at 7:53 PM on November 6, 2008

I really like frozen peas.
posted by greta simone at 7:54 PM on November 6, 2008

Carrot sticks?
posted by a robot made out of meat at 7:59 PM on November 6, 2008

Switch to Jicama.
posted by Cat Pie Hurts at 8:04 PM on November 6, 2008 [1 favorite]

Cat Pie Hurts beat me to it but I'll throw in a second on Jicama - when you were describing your snacking habit it was the first thing I thought of - nutritious, less than half the calories of plain potato, and it holds up really well after preparation.
posted by nanojath at 8:35 PM on November 6, 2008

Almonds?
posted by troy at 8:41 PM on November 6, 2008

Thirding jicama.
posted by peacheater at 8:43 PM on November 6, 2008

Snap peas.
posted by salvia at 8:49 PM on November 6, 2008

I had to show this to my SO, who thinks I'm crazy for eating frozen tater tots on occasion.

But yeah, another vote for edamame. Or frozen apple slices. mmm.
posted by fracas at 8:55 PM on November 6, 2008

No judgement here -- earlier this week, I devoured a frozen, uncooked pie crust. Just because it was there and darn tasty.

Anyways, yet another vote for edamame. Pleasantly starchy but much healthier.
posted by saturngirl at 9:11 PM on November 6, 2008 [5 favorites]

Frozen Mango chunks. Great on hot days. But yeah, the edamame will be better for you.
posted by No New Diamonds Please at 10:02 PM on November 6, 2008 [1 favorite]

Yes, frozen mango chunks! Hooked I tell you. My favourite thing is this: frozen mango chunks and a some frozen blueberries--add a couple of tablespoons of vanilla yogurt--let stand a couple of minutes, the yogurt will freeze to the fruit and the fruit will soften a little. This is my ice cream substitute! I even prefer it.
posted by Toto_tot at 10:13 PM on November 6, 2008 [1 favorite]

try tea.


I know, I know. Nothing beats the satisfaction of mindlessly nawing on some starch, but trust me, you can kick the habit.

Eat more during meals, and just have a single banana between them if your really hungry. Tea will satisfy many cravings, simply because it tends to suppress the appetite.
posted by parallax7d at 11:28 PM on November 6, 2008 [1 favorite]

Frozen banana slices. Not store-bought "banana chips"! Thinly slice a banana and putting it in the freezer.
posted by Jaltcoh at 4:03 AM on November 7, 2008

(put, not putting)
posted by Jaltcoh at 4:03 AM on November 7, 2008

Frozen grapes are delicious -- they don't get rock-hard, but hard enough that it's satisfying biting into them, and they still have some of that chewiness that makes frozen french fries so yummy.
posted by cider at 4:57 AM on November 7, 2008 [3 favorites]

Dried fruit.

[Hey, you forgot the "weirdo food alert" tag.]
posted by mandal at 5:49 AM on November 7, 2008

Speaking from similar enough experience- no piece of frozen mango will please you as much as those fries. Just stop buying them - if you try to substitute you will likely end up disappointed and go back to them. (The ideas above are all good, just don't tell yourself it's an explicit "substitute", if that makes sense.)
posted by KAS at 8:23 AM on November 7, 2008

I will eat corn straight out of the can. It's not cold but it still has that satisfying crunch.
posted by bendy at 1:00 AM on November 8, 2008