Rawkinlocs and Potato Chips

[Helen Of Tennessee]

Hi Rawkinlocs,

On another thread (which is closed) you mentioned your addiction to Potato Chips. I was wondering what you did to wean off of them?

I'm so close to being 100% raw, but my down falls are BBQ potato chips and bread sticks. When I fall off of raw I gravitate to these two foods. I'm going to assume it's going to be just a matter of time for me, though, like it was for the meat; but I thought if you had a few tricks up your sleeves, I would love to hear them.

Thanks.

<>< Helen of Tennessee

[honeybee joy]

If you go to day 270-January 30th, 2003 you will see Rachel talking about BBQ potato chips.

http://www.alissacohen.com/rachelblogger.htm

It kinda tells how she makes them.

[Raspberry4]

Is it the salt you are missing or the crunch?

[Helen Of Tennessee]

Thanks Honey Bee,

I don't know if I'll try that because I just did sweet potatoes in my dehydrater and had to throw them out. There's not one food that I have ever made in my dehydrator that I've liked. I've tried recipes for a year now, plus I go to a raw food potluck every month and haven't found a "recipe" that I like (I did like the onion bread the first time I made it, but the next two times I ended up throwing them out). I eat whole fruits and veggies and really like them. I don't care for celery and I'm thinking it's the salt that I like in the chips sthat keeps me coming back to them. Guess I should work on learning to like celery? :rolleyes:

My first raw food meal was made by Victoria Boutenko's family. My friend who went with me just LOVED it. The only thing I liked was the slice of cucumber. :p

It's probably good that I don't like all the prepared recipes. Eating fresh produce is easier.

Oh yeah, I do occasionally eat Larabars. Occasionally I can eat a whole one, but most times I eat about 1/3rd of it. I guess at times I need something crunchy or spicy (I like the Ginger Snap one) but can only tolerate a little bit. Maybe I should grab a laraba when I crave the chips and see if that works.

Maybe I'll try Rachels chips. Maybe my grandson will like them.

<>< Helen of Tennessee

[Helen Of Tennessee]

Hi Raspberry,

I was posting before I saw your post. I guess, as you'll see in my post above, that it's both - salt and cruncy.

Any whole fresh foods, besides celery, that you can recommend?

<>< Helen of Tennessee

[Rawkinlocs]

Hi Helen,

To be honest, it was only through prayer. I tried everything that was suggested to me, making thin flax crackers, etc. but to no avail. My will was not strong enough and I had to finally humble myself and ask for help and deliverance from the hold they had on me. I can now say that even though it has not been long, I am truly free from the chip bondage!

[Helen Of Tennessee]

Hi Rawkinlocs,

Seems like, at times, we always go to the Lord as a last resort. I know my doctor tried everything for me (with my thyroid diasease - fibro, CFS, etc.) and finally he asked me about prayer. And guess what . . . . it worked!!!! (for those wondering what happened, you can read my story at: http://www.shazzie.com/raw/transformation/helen.shtml ).

Although I do pray, I really don't spend enough time pertaining to my "eating" problems (which are becoming less and less of a problem). I will work in this area. Thanks Rawkinlocs for responding.

Thanks Honeybee, again. I may try those BBQ chips for my grandson.

<>< Helen of Tennessee

[exurb]

Helen, you can make potato chips in your dehydrator. You need to toss them in an acid to prevent them from going brown... Also, you need lots of celtic salt, and some olive oil. I slice them thinly on a mandoline type slicer, toss them immediately in apple cider vinegar, salt and olive oil, then dehydrate. You cut them a little thicker than you think they will be at the end. I make a cajun spice mix, I could find the recipe if it's the spicy of BBQ.

If it helps put you off SAD potato chips, do a search for acrylamides in potato chips, french fries, etc... :eek:

I find with the bread type stuff, your bread stick addiction, nuts is what I munch instead.

I also now on occasion will put a large granule of my raw salt in my mouth, because I think sometimes it's a salt craving. I also find myself eating raw olives which are salty.

raw carrots are high in sodium too, maybe that would help. or dip your veggies in a salt/fake BBQ spice mix? I dunno, just some ideas for you, but don't eat the SAD potato chips, I think they're really bad for you. You deserve better than that cr*p! ;)

[Helen Of Tennessee]

Hi exurb,

Thanks for the tips. I know the store bought potato chips are BAD for me. I probably should try making some of my own. I just know when I did the Sweet Potatoe shoe string fries, they were awful!!!!

I've been 100% raw today. I'm going to try to continue on this road, but will have to look into alternatives should the chips or bread stick thing hits me.

<>< Helen of Tennessee

[Rawkinlocs]

Helen, you have Alissa's book right? If so, how about making the Pizza Bread? Make it, cut it into strips when it's partially dry and perhaps brush with some olive oil with garlic powder in it, dry the rest of the way and dip in Marinara Sauce! YUM! That would at least help with the breadstick cravings!

As for chips, it's really the potatoes AND the seasonings they use. The flavored chips have MSG in them and that's what you crave as well. At least for ME that's what it was.

Do this, make the sweet potato chips and make sure they're sliced paper thin with the spiral slicer. Coat them in a little olive oil and dry them in teflex or parchment paper. While they're drying, get some sundried (or tomatoes you dried yourself in the dehydrator) and make sure they're not soft. Grind them in the coffee grinder. Put in a bowl or ziploc bag. To that add some cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, a little curry powder and sea salt to taste. When they're almost dry, put the chips in this mixture and coat well...shaking them up. Put back into the dehydrator (on the mesh sheet this time) to dry the rest of the way until super crisp and dry, however long it takes! They are very good and while they don't taste like SAD barbeque chips, they are a viable substitute. You might need to make batches of these every single night to keep a supply on hand at all times!

[Helen Of Tennessee]

Thanks again Rawkinlocs,

I'll print out your recipe, along with the other suggestions/recipes and give some a try. So far I haven't really liked anything from my dehydrator, but I DO need to have something on hand for those moments when I want to drive down to the gas station and get a bag of chips.

<>< Helen of Tennessee

[RawSunflower]

Hi Helen,

I find that olives in celtic sea salt tend to help the chip craving. Although salt is not really raw, I find it's still better than eating a bag of fatty chips. I eat Nature's First Law Raw Power olives, but I also have a source in Toronto. If you are interested, PM me.

I also noticed that there was a link to Rachel Greer's journal from sometime ago. I am curious if anyone knows how she is doing on her raw journey. She was an inspiration.

[Helen Of Tennessee]

Hi Raw Sunflower,

Thanks for the suggestion. I don't like olives or pickles or anything that has the bitter/sour tastes. I've never used vinegar, or anything fermented. Even many years ago (over 10 years now) when I ate hamburgers, the pickles had to come off!!!!!

I have gone 15 days without chips. It was just a year ago, Jan. 1 - Jan. 15th that I ate 100% raw. I've done it before, so I'm going to attempt it again this Jan. 1st. I want to break my record of 15 days. You would think that if I could go 15 days without them, I could go longer, yet right now I seem to turn to them. I think because of convenience and because there aren't too many other S.A.D. foods I'll eat, hence the increase eating of the chips.

I still haven't made the raw chips from the recipes above. I've been EXTREMELY busy the past 4 days!!!!! But maybe this weekend I'll make some and see how they work. I'll probably need something for sure after Jan. 1.

I REALLY appreciate everyone's suggestions. You can see from the info on my profile I've been here a long time. It's time I buckle down at get to my goal of all raw. I'm close and all of you are the ones that helped me get to this point and are now going to make it possible for me to finally "reach" this goal!

All suggestions are welcomed!

<>< Helen of Tennessee

[tvillemom]

I'm gonna make those chips! I occasionally crave that crunchy, salty, even spicy flavor.....those chips sound great. Thanks for the thread! Best of luck, Helen! You can do it...I've made it 100% for 31 days...me and a friend started on Dec. 1st...we're going raw for a year (that's just a goal, it's really a lifestyle change for good!) Anyway, best of luck! You are an inspiration to me...I've read alot of your posts, and you've answered alot of my questions...Thank you, and happy new year.
Wendi

[Helen Of Tennessee]

Hi Wendi,

31 days straight? That's WONDERFUL. I'm sure you're really feeling pretty good right now!!! I'll have to go and look and see if you have a journal area.

<>< Helen of Tennessee

[Helen Of Tennessee]

Hi Rawkinlocs,

Just wanted to let you know I'm day 2 of 100% raw . . . and no chips!!!! :D

I still haven't made the dehydrated ones, but I will if I feel like I'm falling off the wagon. If I make them now, I'll eat them. I really want to avoid dehydrated foods if possible. This will be a tough one because if they are there I'll eat them. If they aren't and I have a craving, it's going to be a long time until they are ready to eat.

[raeannasun]

Hey Helen! I just put up a new journal for my challenge this New Year!
I'm on my way to Publix to go shopping for the next week. I'll make some chips and if they taste really good to me I'll bring some to church or bring some over to you! I have another week of vacation before going back to school! Woo hoo!!!
I liked the chips that either Serene or Pearl brought to the potluck at Alison's. They were sweet potato with really spicy pepper. They weren't crunchy but were really leathery in oil and spices. Did you try them?

[jaurequi]

Helen of Tennessee ,

Do you like Nori? You can cut them into triangles, spray or brush lightly with oil, sprinkle lightly with salt -- or not; they're naturally salty -- and try dehydrating till crispy. The roasted Nori is a more crispy than they raw; but, I would try dehydrating the raw (maybe even without the oil, if you'd like) and see if they satisfy your crunchy/salty craving.
I used to buy Nori strips at an Asian market I used to frequent, which had flavored strips which were great as snacks -- bunches even came in individual wrappers -- and salad toppers, etc.; there was teriyaki flavor and spicy-hot, and, I think a sweet-ish one. Might be worth experimenting, brushing with various flavorings, if you find you like them :)

Best,

[Helen Of Tennessee]

Hi RaeAnnason,

I didn't try Serene & Pearls chips. I probably should have.

I'll have to go over and check out your journal. I just started again and am now on day 2 of 100% RAW!!!! - Yahoo!!!! BTW, I put an old picture of me on there at about 35-40 pounds heavier than I am now.

[Helen Of Tennessee]

Hi Jaurequi,

I've never had Nori. I bought it one time and ended up never using it and threw it out. It may be worth trying. Maybe I'll hook up with Raeannason and try some of her chips (she only lives about 3/4 a mile from me).

Thanks everyone for all your ideas here!!!!

[Helen Of Tennessee]

The Most Dangerous Potato Chips to Eat

Public knowledge of the serious dangers found in potato chips may finally be surfacing. The California-based Environmental Law Foundation (ELF) has filed notices with the state's attorney general against potato chip manufacturers:

· Lay's potato chip maker PepsiCo Inc.
· Pringles maker Proctor & Gamble Co.
· Cape Cod potato chip parent Lance Inc.
· Kettle Chips maker Kettle Foods Inc.

... that would require them to place labels on their products warning consumers about the high levels of acrylamide found inside. Acrylamide is formed when starchy foods are baked or fried at high temperatures and is considered a cancer-causing chemical by the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment.

Manufacturers who sell their products without such warnings are in violation of California law, California Proposition 65.
The attorney general's office has 60 days to decide to pursue the case; if the state declines, the ELF will file lawsuits against the companies.

What Do the Chip Makers Have to Say?

The reaction from the chip makers was on the defensive ... though the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) wavering position on the dangers of acrylamide certainly doesn't help.
Perhaps the FDA should review the report developed by the ELF that listed just how far various chip brands exceeded the state's required warning levels for acrylamide. The offenders include:

· Cape Cod Robust Russet: 910 times
· Kettle Chips (lightly salted): 505 times
· Kettle Chips (honey dijon): 495 times
· Pringles Snack Stacks (pizza-flavored): 170 times
· Lay's Baked: 150 times

Chew on that ...

Reuters June 17, 2005
Environmental Law Foundation June 16, 2005

Dr. Mercola's Comment:

I suspect nearly everyone reading this enjoys the taste of potato chips. However, they are clearly one of the most toxic processed foods you can eat. Do you really want to trade a few moments of taste pleasure for cancer?

Potato chips are loaded with acrylamide. This is only one of the many side effects that occur when food is highly processed; for instance, using high temperatures to cook foods can contribute to the formation of carcinogenic substances. Another similar example occurs when meats are cooked at high temperatures. In this case, heterocyclic amines can be formed.

Ideally, you should consume foods that are minimally processed to avoid these types of toxic byproducts. I assure you that there are many others, most of which have yet to be discovered. Acrylamides have only been known for a few years and many experts discounted them when they were first discovered.

In the best case, over half of your foods should be uncooked and eaten in the raw state. My diet is typically about 80 percent to 90 percent raw foods, and I find it is one of the major ways that I am able to remain healthy and avoid all sorts of health problems and challenges.

It may take you awhile to have more than 50 percent of your diet raw but start by throwing out the obvious and well-known processed foods that there is absolutely no excuse to consume:

· Doughnuts
· French fries and potato chips
· All sodas

http://www.mercola.com/2005/jul/7/potato_chips.htm

[karenisraw]

Raw virgin coconut oil on healthy crackers took away any cravings for meats, fats, or junk foods. It gives you great energy and makes you happier.

My vegan doctor recommended it in one of his lectures.

[RawTruth]

Raw virgin coconut oil on healthy crackers took away any cravings for meats, fats, or junk foods. It gives you great energy and makes you happier.

My vegan doctor recommended it in one of his lectures.I see that you've mentioned this in quite a few threads. I'm wondering what you mean by "healthy" crackers.

[karenisraw]

A Dr. Tel Oren in Minneapolis owns a restraunt (raw vegan) where they make raw living dehydrated crackers. They are great. Regular cooked crackers are dead food and when I eat them I feel like I am just waiting for them to go through my body without doing much good. When I eat the dehydrated crackers they are living (flaxseed crackers with tomato, garlic, peppers, etc.) I feel like my body is doing something good and utilizing them.

He recommended the coconut oil and it makes me feel so good that I wonder if its a natural anti-depressant.

[RawTruth]

When you've been on this forum longer -- perhaps poked around in the recipe section -- and/or bought Alissa's book (or other raw uncookbooks), you'll see that most of us make these crackers. If you get a dehydrator, you can make them yourself and save a lot of money. Glad you're getting benefits from this magical way of living.

[sjpersonal]

I am so glad that I am not the only person who is having trouble with finding recipes that I enjoy. I tried making both Salt & Vinegar potato chips and bbq in my very expensive Excalibur. God they were absolutely horrible. They tasted exactly like what they were dried starchy raw potatoes. Potato chips are one of my weaknesses also. I have tried several different recipes and so far nothing works. I have 8 raw cookbooks.

But I will not give up.

[karenisraw]

Thank you raw truth,

I feel better than I ever have and my boyfriend accepts that I will be eating this way. He is very supportive of me not eating meat.

It really helps to have people to share their experiences as raw fooding seems pretty new and probably not much written about it.

I can't wait to get a dehydrator and make my own crackers. :rolleyes:

[RawTruth]

. . . as raw fooding seems pretty new and probably not much written about it.Oh, karenramsell, there is SO much written about raw and living foods. Not only are there dozens of books -- some from 40+ years ago all the way to this year -- there are lots of online resources. If you don't have or, perhaps, can't afford right now to buy books, here's a list of very up-to-date websites. The first one has bunches of links:

http://www.fresh-network.com/links/rawfood.htm

http://www.welikeitraw.com/

http://greenchefs.tv/

[Faithfullyfit]

Hi Rawkinlocs,

On another thread (which is closed) you mentioned your addiction to Potato Chips. I was wondering what you did to wean off of them?

I'm so close to being 100% raw, but my down falls are BBQ potato chips and bread sticks. When I fall off of raw I gravitate to these two foods. I'm going to assume it's going to be just a matter of time for me, though, like it was for the meat; but I thought if you had a few tricks up your sleeves, I would love to hear them.

Thanks.

<>< Helen of Tennessee

I have the same issue with a craving for Salty Crunchy....I found some great dehydrated veggie chips (green beans, carrots, purple potato, squash) at Whole Foods in the "Bins" at 8.99 a pound...They are quite light but really give you that taste that you miss- I am waiting for my birthday present (dehydrator) so I can make my own. I have become so satisfied and not missing anything except that salty/crunchy- which causes me to have ezekial sesame toast occasionally when overwhelmed by the craving :(

Have a GREAT day!
Faithfully FIT

[rawfaith]

Have you ever tried jicama chips? You don't have to dehydrate them. You just buy a jicama (it looks like a turnip but tastese like an apple without the sweetness). Its amazing! You slice them thin like chips. They are crunchy like chips, but juicy. I made a salsa to dip them in for the saltiness! Omigod! I'm getting hungry for them just writing this!!!!!

:p

[Rawkinlocs]

I haven't tried jicama yet. I always buy one, end up taking my time using it and then it gets mold on it :eek:

But I'll try it one day. Right now, I'm enjoying flax crackers with Alissa's onion dip! That stuff is just too darned good! I made some "pizza" crackers by blending some leftover marinara sauce with ground flax and some other veggies and dried 'em out. They're awesome!

[honeybee joy]

Helen,

I don't know if someone else posted this, didn't read all of the posts yet, but this popped in my mind. I think I read it on Storm & Jingie's site. (forgot how to spell her name.)
They were talking about how if you were craving potato chips or french fries what you are really craving is fat. I haven't tried the potato chip thing yet, but gosh I would like to try them.
I know how you feel about not liking a whole bunch of stuff that you make in the dehydrator.
I am sure you have noticed this, but I have noticed that my taste buds slowly change to kinda liking that stuff. Hopefully someday I will love the angel hair zuchini w/ raw marinara better than the real thing. I love it, but my mind has not changed over yet.
One neat idea I found out for the fat/ potato thing:
One time I mashed up an avacado & sea salt. I thought it kinda tasted like mashed potatoes w/ salt & butter. Maybe you will not get that, but it kinda reminded me of it, with a more heavy, not fluffy feel.
Maybe try to have some nuts w/ sea salt, then wait and see if you still crave it 30 minutes later. Hope it helps out. ;)

[raeannasun]

Oh my gosh!!! Jinjee is here in person!!! I was just browsing the site today and I'm going to start putting some savings away to buy the DVD/E-book/CD special!!! :)
I've tried Jicama but found it was a little too strong tasting for me, but maybe in the dehydrator it would taste better.
I made some sweet potato chips in the dehydrator a couple days ago and told Helen that they tasted OK, but nothing like SAD potato chips. The only way I've found that I like dehydrated potatoes is when they are kind of leathery with oil and spices. How I made mine was by letting them soak in apple cider vinegar and sea salt and then brushing them with safflower oil several times throughout the drying process. I sprinkled some cayenne pepper and cumin over them and I liked them OK. I think I should have skipped the cumin because it tasted to much like cumin!!!! Just cayenne would have been better! :)

[RawTruth]

Welcome to the forum, Jinjee/rawfaith. I haven't seen you since all of you were at Au Lac a few months ago. Nice to see your face here. I'm so glad that you mentioned jicama as a great veggie to use. It really satisfies that desire for crunch ... and without the dehydrating.

Also, to the OP, have you tried Alissa's zucchini chips? I know Cherie has served them in her class to rave reviews and I've found people usually like them. They can be marinated (as Alissa says in her book) with Italian dressing (raw not SAD, of course) before dehydrating for that zingy flavor you're looking for.

[Helen Of Tennessee]

Hi all,

Thanks Honeybee, Jinjee, Karen & Rawtruth for the additional tips.

I'm happy to say I'm on day 7 of all raw (only slips were some organic cashews and a piece-of-a-piece of an organic pizza, which I paid for with a bad headache the next morning) and I have not had any chips!!!!! Pretty cool, huh!!!!! I find I will either eat some raw pecans or a larabar. I believe I read a thread on this board about some saying the larabars aren't all raw, but as far as I know they are and if they aren't, I know that they are a WHOLE lot better than chips :D

Other than this nasty headache from eating that small piece of organic, natural pizza yesterday, my aches and pains are less now, I'm sleeping better, and I've lost 5.2 pounds. On to day # 7 - YEA!!!!!

[jaurequi]

Helen in Tennessee, how's it going so far?
I was amazed to come across these crackers today! they are basically what I suggested to you above -- the Noris as chips --had no idea there were some already! These aren't plain and dried, but a combo that, actually, sounds really yummy even to me, who doesn't eat dried foods! These sound like they'd fit what you're looking for, no?
HERE (http://www.diamondorganics.com/ShowView/prod_detail_list/43)
It's the third item down.
If you like these, I can't see that they would be difficult to replicate at home -- worth a try, anyway!

Best,