It is not surprising that in winter we are hungrier. When it is cold outside the body wants to warm up and to do that it needs more energy, meaning calories. If salad and yogurt are refreshing options that could be a good solution in hot summer days, when the temperatures drop what usually comforts the stomach and the soul are warm foods or those served at room temperature. Because snacks and sweets are less recommended for snacking, here are some alternatives that are much more nutritious that can always be prepared quickly.
Edamame
The soy beans called edamame are a perfect snack that warms the body and the soul when it becomes chilly outside. Because it is a product kept in the freezer there is no need for special preparation. Just boil water, throw the edamame inside, wait five minutes and that is all. For an upgrade you can squeeze a little lemon and sprinkle coarse salt and olive oil. One hundred grams of edamame contain ten grams of carbohydrate, five grams of dietary fiber and eleven grams of protein which is a very good amount compared to the carbohydrate. In addition the soy beans are rich in vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, iron, calcium, vitamin A and mainly folic acid.
Popcorn
Instead of taking another snack high in calories and fat from the drawer just make popcorn. From kernels in a pot or a purchased paper bag. Children love it very much. Popcorn is made from corn kernels. They are low in fat and rich in polyphenols, antioxidants that protect against cancer and high cholesterol. Corn contains calcium, magnesium, zinc and phosphorus which support the general energy of the body the health of the skin hair muscles and bones. Corn is less filling and as a legume is not very high in fiber compared to beans or lentils, but as a snack there is no doubt that popcorn is the perfect and healthiest option. If you prefer popcorn intended for microwave preparation it is recommended to choose one that contains the least amount of fat.
Sautéed green beans
You can buy them fresh or frozen and in any case you will get many nutritional values with many vitamins like vitamin C and vitamin K, minerals like iron and magnesium and dietary fiber. What is most popular in my home is green beans sautéed with a little soy and crushed garlic with one spoon of olive oil. Try serving it to children, most of them will love the idea.
Baked cauliflower florets with Asian sauce
Cauliflower florets baked in the oven.
Homemade health snack
Date balls granola bar or puffed rice. Online you can find countless healthy and easy recipes for homemade health snacks. Unlike purchased snacks that usually contain a large amount of sugar here you control. There are endless simple and tasty recipes on the internet. It is also a great quality time activity to prepare together with children.
Baked cauliflower florets
Cauliflower is a vegetable from the cruciferous family. It is rich in antioxidants that protect the cells of the body from free radicals and keep the body healthy. It is rich in vitamin B9 known as folic acid, minerals and more. Cauliflower is associated with anti inflammatory and anti cancer properties. It helps strengthen the bones of the body and lower cholesterol. Wash it divide into florets season with a little olive oil and coarse salt and put in the oven at medium heat for ten minutes. If you prefer you can simply wash the cauliflower cut it into florets and snack without baking.
Oat and chocolate balls
Oat balls with chocolate.
Apple sandwiches with peanut butter
The trick is simple. Cut apples into thin slices spread a little natural peanut butter on top place another apple slice above and serve. It works perfectly also with bananas or strawberries. Peanut butter is rich in protein and quality fat and the apples are full of vitamins and minerals. Peanuts contain antioxidants that help prevent heart disease reduce the risk of developing cancer and the risk of developing gallstones. They contain niacin B3 which protects against Alzheimer and cognitive decline associated with age. They contain calcium potassium selenium phosphorus and magnesium. They contain an amino acid called arginine that stimulates the immune system.
Warm mushroom salad
They are tasty and meaty and also full of good and nutritious values. The mushrooms contain a good amount of vitamin D whose deficiency is linked to muscle weakness depression fatigue difficulty losing weight thyroid problems weak sleep slow metabolism and more. In addition the mushrooms contain vitamin C various B vitamins and minerals like potassium and selenium. In traditional medicine mushrooms are used as a natural method to treat different conditions like lowering blood pressure lowering cholesterol and more. All you need is to cut them sauté in a pan with a little salt pepper and olive oil and add to a salad or eat as is.
Have a pleasant warm and tasty winter.