7 Healthy Snacks to Make During a Lockdown
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During the COVID-19 pandemic, a majority of cities all over the world went into lockdown mode. Entire families are forced to stay indoors and ride out the pandemic. But as the days go by, life can get boring, and most people tend to alleviate this boredom through snacking. Boredom and unhealthy food can be a dangerous combination though. Constantly snacking on junk food will lead you to gain weight without getting any much-needed nutrition.
So, if you are going to be snacking on anything during the lockdown, you should make your snacks as healthy as possible. Here are some healthy snacks that you can truly enjoy:
1. Overnight oats
Overnight oats are a filling and versatile snack that you can make in a flash. The main idea of overnight oats is that you take a mason jar, fill it up with oats, your choice of dairy, and fruits. Then you leave it overnight to mix and cool. They are perfect meals if you are dieting because you can make a whole set of them that you can eat throughout the day.
Oats are a great grain option because they are filling and are full of iron and fiber. When it comes to milk, you can opt to go with a non-fat option or go with a full cream one. If you are lactose intolerant, you could also use other forms of dairy such as soy milk or almond milk.
Remember that you are going to store the oats overnight, so you will also have to be particular with your mason jars. If you want to store your jars overnight without any risk of breaking, it is best that you use custom-made jars made by a reliable glass jar company that specializes in custom-made glassware.
2. Granola bars
The granola bar is a classic health snack. Runners and other athletes love them because they offer much-needed calories while also containing a great deal of fiber. Granola bars are usually made up of a specific grain, nuts, and dried fruits. Sweeteners such as brown sugar are also added. Some nutritionists don’t consider granola bars as healthy snacks because of the high sugar content. But you can minimize the sugar level by using honey instead of brown sugar. You could also lay off the sweeteners entirely because dried fruits like raisins and candied berries are already sweet enough.
3. Avocado toast
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If you’re looking for a creamy and savory snack, you’ll never go wrong with an avocado toast. Avocados are extremely creamy and are a great source of healthy fats. They contain more potassium than bananas. They are also known to lower cholesterol and they can even help you absorb nutrients from other food more efficiently.
Avocado toasts are also versatile because you can pair your avocado with practically anything. You can pair it with eggs, grains, and even cheese. You can also opt for a healthier option by using whole wheat bread and hummus for the seasoning. Overall, avocado toasts are a filling and healthy alternative to a baloney sandwich.
4. Acai bowl
The acai bowl originated from Brazil and is predominantly made of pureed acai berries. It is usually topped with a choice of grain, dried fruits, and syrup. The acai berry has the look and feel of a berry or grape. It has a tart taste and contains a lot of antioxidants. They can be eaten as snacks and even as full-on meals. You can also add other ingredients such as chia seeds, fresh fruits such as bananas or apples. Acai bowls are very popular in health bars, and with their long list of health benefits, it’s easy to see why.
5. Chia pudding
Think of the chia pudding as a cousin of the acai bowl. They are both best served chilled, and they are both extremely healthy. The only difference with the chia pudding is that it is predominantly made up of chia seeds. These seeds are taken from the plant Salvia Hispanica. It contains a huge amount of nutrients and very little calories. Chia seeds are chock full of protein and you can use it as a protein substitute for eggs.
The preparation for chia pudding is similar to overnight oats. You mix the chia seeds with a dairy product of your choice. You can also mix in berries, oats, syrups, and even chocolate into the mix. You then put it in the fridge to cool overnight. The end result usually has a tapioca-like texture with a subtle and filling taste.
6. Healthy Banna oats muffins
Muffins are always a great snack. However, they are not always healthy. Some muffins are overloaded with sugar and other calorie-rich ingredients without offering any nutrients. This is why you should incorporate fruits and oats into your muffins. Fruits, such as the humble banana, are a great source of vitamins and potassium. They are also a great source of fiber, which aids in digestion. Oats also have a great deal of fiber and iron and can make your muffins more filling.
7. Pita bread with hummus
If you want a more savory snack, then you could always try the pita bread and hummus combination. Pita bread is a technically unleavened flatbread. It is a lot easier to make than most pastries. Hummus is usually made of pureed chickpeas and is a rich and filling companion to the pita bread. Hummus is chock full of proteins and because of its low glycemic index, it can help control blood sugar.
Conclusion
Being in lockdown mode can get depressing, and it is very easy to turn to food for comfort. This is why you need to watch what you eat. With these great snack alternatives, you can now indulge without worrying too much of what you put inside your tummy!
