Depending on your activity during the day and regardless of your age, you may feel like eating a little something… Your body is asking for a break and you need a little boost to keep you going until the evening meal.
The first thing to take into consideration is that eating a snack does not make you fat and will only have a positive impact if you choose what you are going to eat with common sense.
Yes, there is a big difference between eating a healthy and balanced snack (your energy and vitality!) and the one you eat out of greed, stress, rushing at the first thing you find…
2 things you need to know
Firstly, it is difficult to trust manufacturers. Chocolate or cereal-based bars are often too rich in poor quality sugar, full of saturated (or even trans) fats, low in vitamins and minerals, contain flavours, E’s, etc. And often, although it can “satisfy” your taste buds, there is a high chance that the little boost it gives you will quickly end up as a real energy flop. That’s because it’s “too sweet”. And that’s what we try to avoid.
Secondly, it is interesting to take 2 minutes to ask yourself the following question: am I really HUNGRY or am I BORED and want to eat? It’s very different in terms of how you feel. In both cases, it’s really worthwhile to go for a balanced snack. On the one hand, this naturally gives you pleasure (a very important notion that we can’t exclude, we agree on that…). But on the other hand, it also gives you a certain balance to avoid the famous yo-yoing with hypo-hyper-glycaemia.
3 great snack ideas
Well, now that the theory is set, what do we eat to combine pleasure and vitality?
For a snack, I suggest several alternatives that should satisfy your taste buds…
Vegan energy balls
Here’s a simple idea that you can prepare in advance and that doesn’t require any machines.
Take fresh dates and mash them with a fork (or by hand) in a bowl. Add a little bit of ground almonds (or your preferred nuts, like hazelnuts, for example) and a little bit of cocoa powder (if you’re more of a choc ‘alcoholic it’s the best!). Mix and you’re done!
No need to weigh or complicate yourself with a recipe. Use your creativity! Add powdered coconut, seeds or even berries (goji, for example). Mix in between each addition to see what texture you get. When you feel the dough is “dry” enough to be rolled into a ball: go for it! Make small balls, keep them in an airtight box and voilà!
Serve your snack with herbal tea, if you like.
Chocolate, oilseeds & fruit
Don’t feel like putting too much effort into preparing your snack? Keep it simple! A local seasonal fruit, a piece of quality dark chocolate (at least 70 %), a handful of oilseeds (walnut, almond, hazelnut, cashews…), an infusion and you’re done!
Olives, cheese & oilseeds
Fancy something savoury as a snack? This one’s easy to take away. Prepare yourself a small jar of olives with a piece of cheese (preferably goat’s or sheep’s cheese, made with raw milk) and a few oilseeds. It’s simple and effective, perfect to take away in your bag.
You probably already know that everyone has their own desires and habits. Snacking is not compulsory. But if you do feel the need to eat something: by moving towards a nutritious combination you will bring good nutrients to your body. And your body, in turn, will give those back to you in the form of energy. Just what you need to end your day smoothly!
What do you think?