Looking to enjoy the classic flavor of your favorite chips while still following an Optavia diet?
Quest chips have become a popular choice for those looking to indulge without sacrificing nutrition, but can these crunchy snacks be part of this plan, too?
In general, you can eat Quest protein chips on Optavia, as long as you measure a serving size or balance out your snack with additional proteins and fiber. Despite having more calories than Optavia fuelings, Quest chips have nearly twice as much protein per serving.
We’re here with all the information you need about incorporating Quest into your Optavia program.
From tips and tricks on fitting them in within guidelines, to ideas for tasty recipes so you can get snacking guilt-free!
What makes Quest chips a snack option on Optavia?
As a snack enthusiast, I am always on the lookout for Optavia alternatives that offer tasty, satisfying treats without derailing my weight loss goals.
So how do Quest chips fit into the Optavia fueling guidelines?
Despite the variations between Quest bars and Optavia bars, when it comes to Quest chips, they have similar nutritional values as fuelings.
Let me start by saying that these protein chips are unlike any other snack you’ve ever tried.
Here’s the photo of Quest Chili Lime Tortilla Style Protein Chips.
What you can see here is one serving size (32 grams).
Each serving size contains a total of 20 grams of protein, equivalent to three whole eggs, two cups of peas, or one container of Greek yogurt.
When it comes to caloires, Quest chips have 140 calories per serving, which is around 30 calories more than Optavia shakes and bars.
On the contrary, half serving size (16 grams) of Quest chips has only 70 caloires, an equivalent to one whole egg.
Here’s what the half-serving size of Quest chips looks like.
You can see a plate with 1/2 bag of Quest chips on your left, and one medium size boiled egg chopped in half on your right.
While these two food items have the same amount of caloires, the rest of the micronutrients are completely different.
- One medium size boiled egg has 71 calories, 5 grams of fat, 6 grams of proteins, and 200 mg of cholesterol (1).
- Half of the serving size of Quest Chili Lime protein chips has 70 calories, 4.5 grams of fat, 10 grams of proteins, and 5 mg of cholesterol (2).
My point is that these chips, as well as other Optavia approved tortillas, can provide a decent solution for any on-the-go snacker.
Are there any health benefits to eating Quest chips on Optavia?
Sure, they may not have the same taste as others Optavia approved chips, but most certainly they have higher nutritional value than most snacks.
For example, Doritos and Cheetos both contain 15 grams of carbohydrates, and Quest protein chips are much lower in carbs with only 5 grams.
What’s more, the proteins in quest chips are derived from animal-based milk protein isolate and whey protein isolate.
Dr. Rachel Reid-McCann is an esteemed expert in the field of plant-based proteins and a holder of a Ph.D. from Queen’s University Belfast.
According to Dr. Reid-McCann’s article published in the Systematic Reviews Journal, “animal protein sources have a lot of high-quality protein. Plant protein sources have variable quality, which means that some have a lot of high-quality protein while others don’t.”
Unlike Cheetos and Doritos chips, which contain additives like Monosodium Glutamate, Quest chips contain mainly natural flavors.
Monosodium Glutamate is safe to eat, but some studies have questioned its safety over a long period.
Okay! I’m ready – show me how to enjoy Quest chips on Optavia
- Quest chips as your Optavia fueling alternative
- Quest chips as snacks
- Quest chips as part of your lean and green meal
Fueling alternatives
One way to incorporate Quest chips into your Optavia plan (without ruining your progress) is to use them as a fueling substitute in both weight loss and maintenance plans.
Quest chips are a tasty snack on their own, so you can either enjoy one serving as a stand-alone treat or mix in 1/2 serving with other high-protein foods like greek yogurt or cottage cheese.
Here’s the photo of what 1/2 of the serving size of Quest chips looks like together with Greek yogurt.
Here you see the plate with 16 grams of Quest chips (which has 70 calories) together with one serving size (150 grams) of Greek yogurt (which has 80 calories).
This fueling substitute contains approximately 150 calories, 25 grams of protein, and 10 grams of carbohydrates, and it is extremely tasty.
Just dip your chips in a container or use the spoon like in the photo. To make it spicier, add some chilies or jalapenos.
(I also like to mix Quest chips with nuts, like peanuts or almonds.)
If you like, dip your chips in a protein-rich hummus made from chickpeas.
This can add more fiber to your fueling. (Surprisingly, Quest chips aren’t packed with fiber.)
Although avocado has a lot of fat, you can mash up one 1-2 tablespoons and spread it over your chips for a creamy and fiber-rich topping.
If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to high-calorie dips, choose from one of the many calorie-free salad dressings.
Not only are they healthier options, but they also provide a delicious flavor boost to your salads and other dishes.
Snacks
You can enjoy Quest chips on Optavia as an optional snack, however, I recommend practicing portion control.
For a snack, use no more than 1/2 serving. Also, try to limit your frequency.
If you’re following the Optimal Weight 5 and 1 plan, you can incorporate one optional snack per day on top of your six meals.
Although Quest chips are only available in 1.1 oz (32 grams) bags, you can use a measuring cup (or spoon) to portion out half or a quarter serving size.
If possible, use a food scale.
Instead of mindlessly munching on your chips, eat mindfully and take the time to sit down.
I find that when I eat slowly I get more satisfied and can pay more attention to how much I’m eating.
Lean and green meals
Finally, you can incorporate Quest chips with your lean and green meals as a side dish or crunchy topping.
For example, you can add one serving of Quest chips as a base for an Optavia-friendly nacho recipe.
You just add diced vegetables, meat (or plant-based proteins), and cheese. Keep it in the oven until the cheese is melted and the chips are crispy.
You can also make Quest chip-crusted chicken. (My wife’s favorite.)
Instead of coating meat in flour or breadcrumbs, which have more carbs and very few proteins, she crushes Quest chips and uses them as a coating.
Quest chips match well as a topping for soups, stews, or casseroles.
Which Quest chips flavors should I choose for Optavia?
Although I understand that flavors are highly dependent on your personal taste preferences, keep in mind that not all Quest chips are created equal.
Each of them has its own unique nutritional profile.
Here is a comparison table of some of the different Quest chip flavors and their nutritional content per serving (1.1 oz):
| Flavor | Kcal | Fats | Carbs | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BBQ | 140 calories | 5 grams | 5 grams | 19 grams |
| Sour Cream & Onion | 140 calories | 5 grams | 5 grams | 19 grams |
| Cheddar & Sour Cream | 140 calories | 5 grams | 5 grams | 19 grams |
| Nacho Cheese | 150 calories | 6 grams | 5 grams | 18 grams |
| Ranch | 140 calories | 5 grams | 5 grams | 19 grams |
| Loaded Taco | 140 calories | 5 grams | 5 grams | 19 grams |
| Chili Lime | 140 calories | 4.5 grams | 4 grams | 20 grams |
| Spicy Sweet Chili | 140 calories | 5 grams | 5 grams | 19 grams |
The Quest Nacho Cheese potato chips have the highest calories per serving (150 grams) and the lowest amount of proteins (18 grams).
On the contrary, Quest Chili Lime Tortilla Style protein chips have the least amount of fat (4.5 grams) and the highest protein count (20 grams) per serving.
Please remember that the table above is for information purposes only and should not be considered as a reference when it comes to choosing a flavor.
Instead of looking at the nutritional values, consider Quest chip flavor that aligns with your preferences.
For example, I hate BBQ flavor, so even if it would have 25-30 grams of protein, I would choose something spicy.
Make sense?
Are there any alternatives to Quest chips?
Although I like the taste and nutritional value of Quest chips, I would lie if I told you these are the only ones you can have.
Several alternatives to Quest tortilla chips may be more suitable for the Optavia program.
Seaweed snacks
Seaweed snacks are crunchy, low in calories, and high in omega-3 fatty acids. A great alternative to traditional chips for those following the Optavia program.
Here’s the photo of Ocean’S Halo Maui Onion Seaweed Snack I got from Walmart.
Although one serving has only 20 calories, I cannot say I feel satisfied after eating the whole bag.
Homemade kale chips
While it takes time and energy to make kale chips from scratch, they are more nutritious and have fewer calories compared to Quest chips.
Veggie chips
Many brands offer veggie chips made from vegetables like sweet potatoes, beets, and parsnips.
Although they are usually more expensive, they have significantly more fiber and fewer carbs.
Chickpea chips
Chickpea chips are often high in both protein and fiber.
For an even healthier option, seek out brands that offer baked versions of their chips.
Homemade protein balls
My wife makes protein balls with just a few simple ingredients such as nuts, seeds, and dried fruit.
This is a satisfying snack that is both high in protein and fiber.
