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.
I am definitely someone who likes my snacks and I keep a few in my bag at all times. Stocking the pantry with a few good options prevents you reaching for junk foods because you’re starving.
My Favourite Plant-Based Snacks
1. Raw fruits and veggies. I love frozen grapes or slices of apple or carrots with peanut butter and cinnamon. Crudités with homemade hummus are another go to.
2. Roasted chickpeas (channa), preferably homemade. If you live in India, you can also try roasted makhana (lotus seeds).
3. A handful of nuts with unsweetened dried fruit (almonds and figs make a great calcium rich snack or pair cashew nuts with raisins for an iron-rich one.
4. A couple of Medjool dates filled with almond butter or tahini. Such a great flavour combination. You can also make simply energy balls in advance and store them in your fridge or freezer: combine dates, almonds, chia seeds and cacao.
5. Seeded crackers or slice of bread with hummus, cucumber, rocket (arugula to Americans) and tomatoes.
6. A smaller amount of leftovers e.g. 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 and sea salt.
8. Homemade smoothie with plant milk, berries and greens.
9. Homemade popcorn. Fun fact: popcorn is a whole grain and full of fibre. Toppings could include nutritional yeast and sea salt, cinnamon and some sugar or smoked paprika and lime. Simply lightly spray the popcorn with some water so that the toppings stick to the popcorn.
10. Chia pudding with a couple of squares of dark chocolate – choose one with over 85% cacao content for more of the heart-healthy flavonoids.
Do you have any favourite snacks I’ve missed out? Let me know below in the comments!
