We all know that feeling; your stomach says it must be mealtime, but the clock says otherwise. So, in the immortal words of Winnie the Pooh, it must be time for a little something, and we instinctively calculate the hours till the next meal and make a mid-afternoon raid upon the fridge.
Snacking has been given a bad rap over the years, touted as the cause of all sorts of health problems. Weight gain? Snacks are the culprit! Poor appetite? Too many snacks between meals. Low energy? It’s those snacks again! But are they as bad as they’re stacked up to be, or can snacking actually help us live healthier lives?
Luckily for those 6-meals-a-day people out there, the short answer is yes, and the key to it is’what, not’when.’The right snacks can keep your hunger pangs under control and keep your concentration and energy levels up throughout the day, as well as adding to your intake of essential nutrients.
Although this is becoming a common theme from nutritionists, the most common snack worldwide is still also the most unhealthy; potato chips (crisps) – virtually a bag full of saturated fats, sodium and calories. So steer away from the chip aisle and instead head over to the produce section. Fresh fruit is always a great option, and dried fruit, including apples, pears, and peaches, is another sweet alternative when fresh fruit is not readily available. Fresh vegetables like cucumbers, capsicums (peppers) and sugar snap peas make a perfect summer snack, especially when served with a hummus dip. If you prefer something homemade, all the better! It’s the preservatives and artificial flavourings in pre-packaged snacks that make them a trap, so avoid them entirely and make your own. Look for recipes that call for wholesome grains like oatmeal, or mix up a batch of nuts and dried fruit for a high energy trail mix minus the calories. In the spirit of adventure, try a new snack from a foreign culture; Edamame peas from Japan, or Goji berries from China. In Mexico, roasted pepitas or pumpkin seeds are a typical snack, and fresh fruit is sprinkled with Tajin seasoning, a chilli-lime salt which brings out the tantalizing sweetness of watermelon, mango or any other fruit.
So, before you go and grab yourself a little something, shift the potato chips to the top shelf (you never know, you might even burn a calorie to reach them next time) and shift your mindset towhat‘not’when– snack right, and you’ll feel good, not guilty!
Recipe Inspirations
Pistachio & Oat Squares with Maple Syrup
