When you’re looking for a snack with a crunch, opt for jicama instead of chips. Also known as a Mexican yam bean or Mexican turnip, jicama is low in calories and high in fiber and nutrients. Its clean and crisp flavor makes for a great appetizer, addition to an antipasto, or a healthy nosh to pack for lunch. Keep a container of it in your fridge for when those chip cravings hit — the crunch of this root vegetable, paired with cilantro and a bit of heat from the jalapeno, will satisfy your snack tooth.
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Prep: 20 minutes
Cook: None
*Chili preparation
Note: It’s best to wear vinyl or synthetic gloves or wash hands frequently when handling chili peppers. If you don’t have fresh jalapenos, you can substitute the canned version. For more zing, increase the amount of lime juice or jalapeno to taste.
Makes: 6 servings
Serving size = 1/2 cup
Calories: 7.5
Total fiber: 0.4 g
Soluble fiber: 0 g
Protein: 0.14 g
Total fat: 0.03 g
Saturated fat: 0 g
Healthy fats: 0.001 g
Carbohydrate: 2.3 g
Sugar: 0.7 g
Added sugar: 0 g
Sodium: 190 mg
Potassium: 37 mg
Magnesium: 3 mg
Calcium: 4 mg
— From The What to Eat When Cookbook by Michael F. Roizen, MD, Michael Crupain, MD, MPH, and Jim Perko, Sr., CEC, AAC.
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