The pandemic has led to an increase in time spent at home, working, reading, studying, etc. Being at home the entire day can induce random, untimely hunger pangs and all one wants to do is reach out to the nearest, quick snacking options. We hardly tend to pay attention to the ingredients present in these snacks. A large number of these snacks are loaded with carbs and fats that are harmful to the body in the future. Keeping a check on the ingredients of each food item you consume can be a task, however, it is crucial to see what is being consumed while at home, quarantining or performing different activities.
Here are some healthy snacking options one can binge on guilt-free:
1. Healthy Chips:
The idea of chips is always associated with fried and potato. To shake things up a bit, a lot of healthy, non-friend alternatives are available in the market which is made up of healthy ingredients and not potatoes. They are not fried using the traditional methods of frying, instead are vacuum fried which contains 70% less oil and keeps all the nutrients intact. They are equally tasty and far healthier than traditionally fried and processed ones. Some available options include Rajma Chips, Brown Rice Chips, Moong Dal Chips, Banana Chips, etc. These are readily available and can be consumed at any time of the day.
2. Mixed Nuts:
A mixture of varied nuts and dry fruits is quick and amongst the healthiest snacking options. Almonds, cashews, raisins, dried berries, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, flax seeds, etc. can be mixed to prepare this quick snack to get through your 5th zoom call of the day! They reduce the chances of cardiovascular diseases and prevent cancer. However, they are relatively high in fat but good for the body if consumed judiciously. Multiple studies also suggest that consuming nuts helps in weight loss.
3. Gur Chana:
Easily found in many Indian households, jaggery-coated roasted chickpea snack is light, easy, and a powerhouse of energy. Rich in protein and carbohydrates, it also helps in boating the recovery process. An excellent source of zinc, both jaggery, and chana are recommended by experts for healthy and naturally glowing skin.
4. Roasted Fox Nuts:
A nice crunchy, flavourful snack nobody can say no to. This quick and easy snack takes less than 2 minutes to prepare by combining roasted makhanas with your favourite seasoning. The light, crunchy snack suitable for any time of the day. Makhanas are an excellent source of calcium, which makes it an ideal 2 minutes snack to get rid of hunger pangs.
5. Healthy Bhujia:
The words healthy and bhujia don’t usually sit well; however, currently there are healthy bhujia options available in the market that match the traditional aloo bhujia taste but are made using much healthier ingredients. These options include Beetroot Bhujia, Palak Bhujia, Quinoa Bhujia, Ragi Bhujia, Oats Bhujia, etc.
These aren’t just fancy names but are capable of helping you get rid of your cravings in a healthy and tasty way.