Mindful snacking option is now within reach without being cooped up in the gruelling kitchen, as dedicated food brands market genuinely healthy snacks. While processed foods are easy to find in the market, they are detrimental to one’s health in the long run. “Snacks made from whole foods are a nutrient-dense option. They are fibrous and high in protein like quinoa puffs, ragi chips, whole grain bread, fruits like banana, and lentil salads that keep an individual energetic and motivated throughout the day,” suggests SN Rao, MD-Chairman, Supreem Superfoods.
To snack or not to snack
Any ideal snack should contain the trifecta of protein, fibre and healthy fat to maintain blood sugar levels, stretch your nourishment besides keeping hunger at arm’s length. It is vital to constantly boost up about every four hours and not dodge the main meals.
Chandni, Founder, The Tiny Tub, who believes in smart snacking, says, “Portion control is more important than the snack itself. Rather indulge in a tiny bite of something that tastes great than have something in a larger amount. This thinking led me to create bite sized desserts that can fit into a person’s daily macros for a guilt-free indulgence.”
Stop-gap meals
Snacks keep us going from one meal till the next. The “danger zone” is 5 pm when most of the “snackccidents” happen. It is that time when one would crave something junk and often tumbles upon unhealthy choices like vada pav, samosa, or burger.
Homechef and Baker Seema Makwana, Founder of Buns and Deluchas, while indulging the family’s experimental food demand during the pandemic, tried something healthier. Her unique approach to feed veggies to children was delightful baked, healthy fast-food items. “Tofu or paneer poppers, dryfruits toasties or a delucha — a kulcha wrap with veggies and fresh sauces — is nutritious and delicious at the same time,” she says.
A sweet finale
The tendency to reach out to chocolates as after-meal endings is not uncommon but make sure it is the dark variety. “Around 50gm of dark chocolate as an in-between snack not only helps sweet cravings but is also loaded with iron, magnesium, zinc and other minerals,” dietician Pooja Thacker explains.
Read the label
Sapna Kamdar, Nutrition Consultant, Urban Platter, warns, “One should not fall prey to false marketing gimmicks that claim unhealthy snacks as ‘the healthy’ ones. Be wise and vigilant about the choices you make.”
While you may be ready to unburden your pockets to buy “the so-claimed” healthy snacks, do read the labels for the sodium, fat, and sugar content of the snacks!
