How many of you are struggling with snacking while working from home/furloughed? I’m hearing this a lot from clients, friends and family who are making frequent trips to the snack draw or fridge because of boredom, because its accessible or as a way of coping, therefore finding healthy snack ideas to swap out is a great idea.
I have nothing against snacking if it’s healthy, it can be useful for instance to have a snack an hour before a workout to ensure you have sufficient energy or to keep blood sugar levels consistent.
So if you are snacking here are some healthy snack ideas –
- Yoghurt, but keep an eye on the sugar content as some contain a lot of added sugar
- Nuts, full of good fats, vitamins and minerals and high in protein so you will feel fuller for longer, watch the portion size as they are high in calories
- Guacamole, high in good fats, vitamins and minerals
You can also try making your own –
- Hummus, chickpeas are a powerhouse of goodness – protein, fibre, vitamins, minerals and good fats [wprm-recipe-jump id=”5886″]
- Roasted Chickpeas, these crunchy gems are moreish [wprm-recipe-jump id=”5896″]
- Vegetable chips, vitamins, minerals and fibre, a way healthier crispy snack [wprm-recipe-jump id=”5898″]
If boredom is an issue then try these distractions –
- A quick 10-minute workout
- Use this time to take up meditation or learning a language – there are really good free apps available
- Clear out a draw or a kitchen cupboard (you know the one where everything spills our when you open it) channel your inner Marie Kondo
- Go for a walk, good for both our physical and mental health, if you are working from home having a reason to leave the house is important (and taking daily exercise is allowed as part of the governments social distancing policy)
These are really tough times and everyone finds their own way to get through and no decision is right or wrong, all you can do is try to make the best choices you can in the moment and remember no one is perfect
Like this post? why not try Recipe for Minestrone – Healthy and Delicious
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Easy Hummus
Hummus is creamy, rich and nutritious! Super easy to make with everyday ingredients
- 1 400g Can of chickpeas (drained and thoroughly rinsed)
- 80 ml Extra virgin olive oil
- 1-2 cloves Garlic (peeled and crushed)
- 1 Lemon (juiced, and zested)
- 3 tbsp Tahini
- 50 ml Water
Place chickpeas into the jug or bowl of the blender or food processor with 80ml of the olive oil and blitz until smooth
Add garlic, lemon, tahini and 30ml of the water then blitz again for around 5 minutes until smooth
Add the rest of the water (20ml) a bit at a time if the mixture looks too thick and season to taste
Transfer to a serving bowl and drizzle with the remaining olive oil
Serve with crunchy veg or warm wholemeal pitta bread
Roasted Chickpeas
A crispy, savory snack
- 1 400g Can of chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
- 1 tbsp Rapeseed oil
- 1 tsp Smoked paprika
- 1 tsp Ground cumin
- 1 tsp Ground coriander
Heat oven to Gas 4/160C fan/180C
Tip chickpeas onto the bowl with the seasoning and oil and toss really well so all chickpeas are coated
Transfer to the baking sheet and even out, place in the oven
Turn halfway through cooking
Remove from oven and leave to cool, store in an airtight container
Baked Vegetable Crisps
Amazing healthy snack swap
- 1 large Potato
- 1 large Carrot
- 1 large Beetroot
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- Salt & Pepper
Heat oven to Gas 5/ Fan 180C/ 200 C
Using the mandolin or a knife slice carrot thinly
Dry the slices in a tea towel and place in the bowl, use a third of the oil to coat and place on the baking tray, then season
Repeat this process for each vegetable, keep them separate on the baking sheet
Bake for 6-8 minutes or until golden
Remove from oven, season more if needed and allow to cool
