Some people prefer eating three large meals a day (or fewer!) whereas others prefer to have smaller meals and a few snacks in between. Snacking often gets a bad rep but it’s an amazing way to keep energy levels up between meals and add some nutrient-dense foods in, especially for those with smaller appetites or for children and older people.
Here are my top 10 go-to snacks. I like to keep a couple in my bag at all times.
1. Raw fruits and veggies
I love frozen grapes or slices of apple with peanut butter and cinnamon.
2. Roasted chickpeas (or channa!)
Preferably homemade! If you live in India, you can also try roasted makhana (lotus seeds).
3. Handful of nuts with unsweetened dried fruit
How about almonds and figs for a calcium rich snack or cashews with raisins for an iron-rich one?
4. Medjool dates filled with almond butter or tahini.
This is such an unbeatable combination. Sprinkle on some sea salt to take it to the next level.
5. Seeded crackers or slice of bread with hummus, cucumber, rocket and tomatoes.
Can’t beat a good old sandwich.
6. A smaller amount of leftovers
This could be wholewheat pasta with tomato sauce. Rethink how you view snacks – it doesn’t have to be from a packet or cost the earth.
7. Bowl of edamame beans with chilli flakes.
Protein and fibre rich!
8. Homemade smoothie
Add in plant milk, banana, berries and greens and you’re good to go.
9. Homemade popcorn.
Fun fact: popcorn is a whole grain and full of fibre.
10. Chia pudding with a couple of squares of dark chocolate
Choose dark chocolate with over 85% cacao for more of the heart-healthy flavonoids.
Do you have any favourite snacks I’ve missed out? Let me know below
