Snacking makes up half of all daily meals. Here are tips to ensure that snack time is healthy and purposeful.
Fibre
Fibre not only helps with a regular digestive system but some types of fibre also help with blood sugar and blood cholesterol control. Enjoying a handful of trail mix that can consist of raisins, nuts, seeds and some Jungle Muesli or granola is a great way to incorporate fibre.
Pack in Protein
Protein-rich snack options, including cheese, Greek yogurt and hummus, are best known for managing hunger levels as these snacks tend to keep you fuller for longer while serving an important role in bone and muscle health.
Not all carbs are bad
Carbohydrates are a great source of energy and can be found in grains such as Oats, air-popped popcorn and roasted chickpeas. These snack options are high in dietary fibre too.
Good fats
Enjoy unsweetened nut butter, vegetable oils and avocados which are all a great source of unsaturated fats. Including these in your next snack time ensures the absorption of fat-soluble nutrients such as Vitamins A, D, E and K which together perform hundreds of important roles for the body.
Granola Energy Bars
Ingredients
MAKES: 12 bars
TIME: 10 minutes
MUST: Be chilled for 3 hours or left overnight
12 large Medjool dates, pitted
60g sunflower seeds
70g pumpkin seeds
50g walnuts
280g Jungle Muesli Cinnamon Granola
60ml cocoa powder
75ml coconut oil, melted
10ml honey
30ml water
2,5ml mixed spice
50g dark (70%) chocolate, melted
Method
Place the dates, seeds, walnuts and Jungle Muesli Cinnamon Granola in a large processor.
Blitz until coarse breadcrumb-like texture.
Add the remaining ingredients, except the chocolate, and pulse once more until well combined.
Transfer to a lined 20cm square baking tin.
Press down firmly and chill for 3 hours or overnight.
Drizzle with chocolate and slice into bars.
Store in the fridge until ready to serve.
