It’s the middle of the day, and all of a sudden, you get a craving to eat a tasty snack, but you are on a diet, so you decide to sit and do nothing about it. We all have faced this situation at some point, and it doesn’t feel good to say no to tasty food, especially when the mid-day cravings hit. You can avoid such situations by preparing some equally tasty and super healthy snacks. The ingredients can be easily ordered from an online grocery app.
Don’t worry. We won’t suggest items like a power smoothie containing bitter gourd, aloe vera, okra, and more.
Lettuce & Chicken Salad (Paneer for vegetarians):
A crisp lettuce salad makes a perfect light snack that is low in calories but high in nutrients. Start with a base of fresh romaine or green leaf lettuce. Then, add shredded chicken breast to get a boost of lean protein. If you’re vegetarian, substitute cubed paneer (Indian cottage cheese) with chicken. Mix in some chopped tomatoes, shredded carrots, cucumbers, or any other favorite veggies you have on hand. Top with a simple dressing made from olive oil and lemon juice. This salad is crunchy, refreshing, and filled with vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
Pomegranate Juice:
Pomegranate juice is one of the healthiest thirst-quenchers around. It’s loaded with disease-fighting antioxidants and has been shown to lower inflammation. You can make fresh pomegranate juice at home by purchasing a few ripe pomegranates. Start by scoring each pomegranate and breaking it open underwater in a bowl. This makes it easy to separate the juicy ruby-red seeds from the bitter yellow membrane. Once all the seeds are out, blend them up with a bit of water, strain out the pulp, and your juice is ready! You can adjust the thickness by adding more or less water. Drink it over ice for a delicious and super-healthy beverage.
Masala Ginger Tea:
When you need a warm pick-me-up, try masala ginger tea. It combines the anti-inflammatory benefits of ginger with an array of aromatic Indian spices like cloves, cardamom, cinnamon, and black pepper. This beverage is calming yet invigorating at the same time. To make it, simmer fresh ginger slices, whole spices, and black tea like Assam in water for 5-10 minutes. Let the flavors blend, then strain out the solids. You can add a teaspoon of honey or jaggery if you like it sweet. Sip this comforting and spicy tea whenever you need a healthy energy boost.
Chicken Sandwich (Paneer for vegetarians):
A simple chicken sandwich can be a healthy snack when made the right way. Use whole wheat bread for more fiber. Cook chicken breast with just a bit of olive oil seasoning. You can use paneer instead of chicken for a vegetarian version. Stack the chicken or paneer along with tomato slices, lettuce leaves, and just a smear of mashed avocado or hummus to add moisture and creaminess. The avocado provides healthy monounsaturated fats that keep you feeling satisfied. Add a squirt of mustard or hot sauce if you want a kick of flavor. This snack provides a nice mix of lean protein, complex carbs, and healthy fats, which can be ideal for sports and health enthusiasts.
Conclusion:
There’s no need to run to the store for expensive pre-packaged snacks. With just a few basic ingredients from your kitchen, you can whip up nutritious and delicious snacks at home. Salads, juices, teas, and simple sandwiches make it easy to snack healthy while getting plenty of vitamins, minerals, protein, and fiber. The next time a snack craving strikes, turn to one of these four homemade options that will healthily satisfy your hunger.
Making your snacks allows you to control portion sizes and avoid unhealthy additives.
Homemade snacks are also much cheaper than store-bought options. With a little effort, you can put together filling yet light bites packed with the nutrients your body needs. Get in the habit of making one of these healthy snacks each day using wholesome ingredients you likely already have on hand. Your body and wallet will thank you! Plus, as mentioned above, you don’t need to run to the market to get the items; you get all the fresh ingredients delivered to you through an online grocery app.