Snack Me In
We have all had those hunger pangs between meals and the more we ignore them, the more they seemingly drive our every move. Honouring our hunger cues is important and having balanced snacks on hand helps to curb them until mealtime.
How do we create satisfying snacks?
Incorporate slow digesting ingredients. Think sources of fibre (fruits, vegetables, wholegrain products), protein (egg, yoghurt, nuts or legumes) and/or healthy fats (avocado, nuts and seeds). Best to pair a source of fibre with protein and/or healthy fats. This snack combination will help keep you fuller for longer.
Smaller portion size: just right. A single snack portion is not meant to be served as a meal replacement; relative to meals, snacks are meant to hold you over until the next time you eat, therefore, are smaller in size.
Include foods you enjoy. Combine protein- or fibre-rich ingredients with ingredients your hangry self may crave.
Keep it simple. We all have something better to do with our time, and snacks shouldn't require much effort to prepare. Keeping the process simple and enjoyable gives us something to look forward to when those rumbles roll in.
Snack Ideas
Chips & Dip
Alternative Dip: Hummus,Tahini
Homemade Tortilla Chips
Ingredients:
2 white corn tortillas,
½ tsp olive oil,
Optional: salt or cinnamon and sugar
Instructions:
Cut each tortilla into 8 triangles
Coat the tortillas in oil and your choice of seasoning.
Air fry at 160℃ for 10mins or oven at 180℃ for 15 minutes (or until crunchy). Remember to flip or shake halfway through.
Guacamole
Nutty Trail Mix
Ingredients:
nuts (almonds, walnuts, cashews, pistachios)
dried fruits (dried cranberries, sultanas)
salted pretzels
Additions and alternatives: chocolate chips, coconut flakes, popcorn, roasted chickpeas*
Instructions:
Mix and munch!
Roasted Chickpeas*
Oat Cookies
Banana Bread
Ingredients:
4 ripe bananas + 1 for garnish,
3 cups rolled oats,
1 tbsp baking powder,
1 cup plant-based milk
Optional: cinnamon, maple syrup or honey, nuts
Instructions:
Preheat oven at 180℃.
Blend oats into flour.
Add the rest of the ingredients and blend again until batter forms.
Pour batter into an oiled or lined loaf pan.
Slice the 5th banana and place it on top of the batter and sprinkle with some oats for texture.
Bake 45-50mins or until toothpick inserted comes out clean
Cool before slicing.
Eat as it is or top with your favourite spread or nut butter!