Who doesn't love a Chinese spread on the table? Those stir fry veggies, noodles or meat chunks tossed in tantalising sauces are something which we can't resist. Be it street-style desi Chinese or authentic Chinese at fine-dine restaurants, there's something about Chinese recipes that make us go weak in the knees. From classic fried rice and noodles to chilli paneer, chilli chicken, chilli potato and more, the list of delectable Chinese recipes is never-ending. Here we bring you one such stellar dish that has a huge fan following. It is known as Honey Chicken - thanks to the addition of honey. Imagine juicy chicken chunks tossed in delicious honey along with hot and flavourful sauces and many more fiery ingredients. We hear you, already slurping!
If you are also an ardent lover of Chinese food, Honey Chicken is all you need for a lip-smacking starter recipe. This recipe has a sweet and sour taste that will impress your friends and family in no time. Besides being delectable, this recipe is also very quick and easy. All you need is some boneless chicken chunks, honey, salt, butter and some sauces. Yes, that's it! Wondering how to make it at home? Read on.
Here's How You Can Make Honey Chicken | Honey Chicken Recipe:
To prepare this recipe, take boneless chicken pieces and fry them for 4-5 minutes on medium flame. Once done, keep them aside.
Then place a pan on medium flame, add butter and honey onto it. Once the butter is melted, turn off the flame. Now add lemon juice and salt in the same pan and mix everything well.
Add the chicken pieces into this honey mixture and cook for about 10 minutes. If you want a fiery texture, you can also use schezwan sauce. Your honey chicken recipe is ready to be savoured. Can anything be simpler than that? We guess nothing!
Pair this recipe with noodles or have it as is. The choice is yours! Try this easy-peasy recipe at home and share your experience with us in the comments section below.
Nighttime craving can be viewed as a devilish feeling after a long, productive day. Your mornings are filled with vigour, ready to start your day with a workout and a healthy smoothie. The trend continues with diligent work and snack break patterns throughout the day, and you get into bed feeling quite content. But then, that dreaded feeling creeps in. Fries, ice cream, wafers, and chocolate take over your thoughts and continuously nag at you. They often drive you insane to a point where you can’t see beyond putting some unhealthy food in your belly. We’ve all been there.
Understand What You Are Craving
The trick to dissect the feelings of ‘want’ and ‘need’ is to understand what it is you’re craving. Is it that ONE food item? Is it that ONE flavour? Is it just a patterned anxiety response that you’re looking for something to keep yourself occupied? Or is it just plain hunger? Understanding the root cause of these cravings is imperative for you to figure out the alternatives. So that you can supplement your otherwise unhealthy nighttime snack routine with healthier options.
How Does Bloating Work?
Towards the end of the day, it’s not just your mind that needs rest. Your body does too, and that includes your digestive tract. As the sun sets, so does your metabolism, and your body is focused on getting rest. It’s best not to throw a curveball at it and control your intake because any wrong ingestion can lead to heartburn, discomfort and bloating.
We get it though, it’s so tough to go to bed on an empty stomach; it’s almost cruel to deny yourself food when your body craves it. However, it’s relatively easier to opt for the right snacks that will not cause any short or long felt discomfort during your midnight munching escapades.
What You Can Chomp On Instead
1. Unsalted, Baked Chips
Unsalted and baked wafers are a great snack to keep you occupied while feeding into your craving for something to munch on. A little crunch goes a long way. Stay away from salted foods that are high in sodium content, and your previously bloated self will thank you. We get that salt is just a necessary additive in chips, so you can substitute it with a sour cream dip or a salt-free salsa.
2. Almonds
Our favourite little dudes, these packers, are a whole meal. Almonds provide nutritious value while quite quickly getting rid of the dreaded hunger pangs. To help you not go overboard with the number of almonds you consume, look into portioning methods, and avoid salted or flavoured almonds altogether.
3. Nice cream
Ice cream may feel great ATM, but are the after-effects it has on your skin and gut really worth it? Substitute your ice cream cravings for some strawberries and cream instead. Frozen strawberries, vanilla extract, a bit of a natural sweetener, and non-dairy blended together will give you the same comfort that ice cream does, sans the bloat.
4. Berries, Multiple Ways
Berries mixed with Greek yoghurt (if you’re not sensitive to dairy products) or non-dairy cream is a great way to alleviate nighttime cravings. You can mix and match certain berries and make a little berry bowl for yourself as well.
5. Popcorn
Who doesn’t love some munching on popcorn while watching your favourite nighttime tele special? We’re sure that perked up some ears! Healthy popcorn (non-GMO and made in coconut oil) exists and getting it ready is an organic process. The best part about popcorn is that it gets rid of your hunger without consuming a significant amount of calories. Helps that it tastes excellent as well. 6.
6. Dried And Dehydrated Fruits
A mix of dried fruits like raisins, apricots, cranberries is both nutritious and filling. You can also try out some dried apple chips with a bit of cinnamon sprinkled on for a dessert-like snack. Pairing it with a cheese board (non-dairy cheese for the people with dairy discomfort) would do your midnight meal wonders.
7. Hard-Boiled Eggs
If you’re looking at increasing your protein intake and opting for a more fulfilling meal, two hard-boiled eggs are a good option. Season with a bit of pepper (avoid the salt), and pair it with a few multi-grain crackers to add a bit of crunch. You can also opt for only the egg whites and save the yolk for desserts instead.
8. Oatmeal
Oatmeal in the form of hot cereal with non-dairy/dairy milk and a few dried fruits and nuts is a great way to wind down the night after a long day. Aside from providing nutritional benefits, it’s the perfect pick of comfort food and to calm a nighttime craving.
9. Asparagus
Asparagus is a great nighttime snack for a lean body in the morning. Season it lightly, and go on a crunching binge with this green weapon packed with protein, vitamin C, K & A and a whole lot of fibre.
10. Celery With Peanut/Almond Butter
Celery has high water and fibre content and is an excellent snack for individuals looking for a non-gluten alternative to pair with peanut butter or almond butter.
11. Kale Chips
Kale is a severely underrated green, with calcium, potassium, magnesium and a world of vitamins and minerals. In its crispy form, it tastes great as a snack as well. You can pair unsalted kale chips with a yoghurt dip to add an extra oomph of satiety.
Sweet Potatoes (or shakarkandi) is an excellent source of various minerals, vitamins and fibres that are quite beneficial for overall health. This starchy yet sweet-tasting root vegetable has a thick skin with an off-white-coloured and mushy pulp from inside. According to consultant nutritionist Rupali Datta, "Sweet potato is not only the king of root vegetables but also one of the most nutritionally rich vegetables available. This wonderful treat can add a healthy boost to our food''. You can consume this ingredient as is or mix it with several other ingredients including tangy masalas, lime juice and more.
We are sure, you all must have tried that famous shakarkandi street-style chaat packed with plenty of flavours. This popular recipe can instantly tantalize your taste buds. Similarly, you can create numerous other recipes by using sweet potatoes. Wondering what those recipes are? Here we bring you 5 exotic sweet potato snacks recipes you can whip up in less than 30 minutes. So, without any further ado, let's get started with the list.
Sweet Potato Recipes: Here's A List Of 7 Delectable Sweet Potato Snacks Recipes To Try At Home:
1. Sweet Potato Fries
Anything crunchy and crispy is tasty, and when it is sweet potato French fries, you wouldn't want to miss snacking on it. These crispy delights are bound to leave you wanting for more. Pair it up with your favourite dip and add the seasonings of your choice and there you get your wholesome snack right in front of you. Click here for the recipe.
2. Shakarkandi Ki Chaat
What's better than having a bowl full of chaat with your 'sham ki chai'? We guess nothing! This tangy and sweet chaat made with sweet potatoes mingled in chaat masala, chillies and lime juice will tantalize your taste buds in just a matter of minutes. Find the complete recipe here.
3. Sweet Potato Puffs
Sweet Potato Puffs are crispy, flavoursome and taste awesome with the tangy tomato ketchup. The vegetable masala mixture inside these puffs provides an exotic and fiery texture to the taste buds. Here's the recipe for you.
4. Shakarkandi Tikki
Here we bring you another delectable sweet potato recipe known as sweet potato tikki also known as shakarkandi ki tikki. This particular recipe is a vrat-friendly recipe that doesn't use any salt, atta, onion or garlic! Click here for the recipe.
5. Sweet Potato Toast
This recipe offers a perfect balance of both health and taste on your palate, that too in less than 30 minutes! It is made with a combination of shakarkandi chaat and bread toast and further elevated with some mayonnaise, olive oil and crunchy almonds. Find the recipe here.
6. Sweet Potato And Oats Patty
Sweet Potatoes along with oats come together to make this snack a healthy meal for immunity, diabetes, weight loss and many other health benefits. Here's the recipe for you to try at home.
7. Baked Sweet Potato Chips
Here we bring you a healthier version of your favourite munchies. This recipe of chips is made with sweet potatoes and seasonings like paprika powder, salt and pepper and avocado or olive oil. This recipe is baked, not fried. Click here.
These recipes are perfect to satisfy your cravings in a healthier manner! Try them out at home and let us know which one you loved the most. Happy Snacking!
If you thought that eating nuts and seeds, or dry fruits as we locally call them, can lead to unnecessary weight gain, think again. These superfoods might be tiny, but they are nutritionally mighty: when the winter chill sets in and sitting close to the heater isn’t enough to warm you up, these nuts and seeds will come to the rescue.
How, you ask? Well, nuts and seeds have a high concentration of healthy fats (monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats), proteins and fibre. When the body breaks these foods down for energy, it triggers thermogenesis – a heat production – in the body.
What’s more, a number of nuts and seeds are cheaper and more easily available during winters – it’s one of the miracles of nature that it provides everything you need to survive particular seasons. So, here are seven nuts and seeds you must indulge in during winters to stay warm, cosy and healthy.
Almonds
Dry roast them, soak them, add them to salads or just grab a handful to snack on – eat them any way you like, but do have almonds this winter. From regulating blood sugar levels to reducing cholesterol, almonds can boost your overall immunity while keeping you warm. Just make sure that you don’t remove the skins off the almonds because those are storehouses of antioxidants!
Walnuts
Rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids, walnuts are great for your health. Moreover, walnuts have anti-inflammatory properties, and they can naturally moisturise your skin and give it a healthy glow, too. Add walnuts to your salads, cakes, cookies or just snack on them whole to generate more body heat, and ride out the cold weather.
Cashew nuts
These white and curvy nuts always get a bad reputation for being too fatty. But that’s just a myth you need to bust! Cashew nuts pack a powerful punch of polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids. You need these healthy fats to trigger thermogenesis or heat generation in your body to stay warm through the winter. Plus, cashew nuts also have a high content of minerals and antioxidants. Avoid cashew on your sweets, but instead, add them to your veggies to make them more delicious and more nutritious this winter!
Peanuts
Okay, so peanuts are technically seeds of legumes. But who cares about classification when something tastes as good and is as healthy as peanuts? Peanuts are full of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals that can reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, cholesterol issues and maybe even cancer. You don’t need any more reason to indulge in peanuts, whether as roasted snacks or in the form of that winter special snack – Chikki!
Sesame seeds
Black or white, sesame seeds taste amazing in salads, snacks, dips, curries and desserts. Sesame seeds are versatile and give an essential boost to your immunity. Just like nuts, sesame seeds are a rich source of antioxidants and minerals. Eat enough sesame seeds through the winter and you’ll be able to keep your blood pressure, cholesterol, cardiovascular and respiratory health in ship-shape. Home-made tahini is an easy and simple way to include sesame seeds into your daily diet. Simply roast a cupful of white sesame seeds and blend with one-fourth cup of olive oil till you get a smooth paste. Enjoy it with veggies like roasted carrots or pita bread.
Pumpkin seeds
Pumpkin seeds are rich in healthy fatty acids, minerals like potassium, phosphorous, manganese, magnesium, zinc, iron and copper. They also have a high concentration of vitamins and antioxidants, which are highly effective in treating anaemia, kidney stones and prostate disorders – and that’s apart from generating enough heat to keep the winter chill away. You can dry roast pumpkin seeds and have them as a snack or add them to your meals to get some extra crunch.
Pistachios
So, pistachios are likely to be the most expensive of this lot of nuts and seeds, but its benefits are so many that you should definitely indulge in some when you can during winters. With the same nutritional value as most other nuts, pistachios can induce weight loss, lower your cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and improve blood circulation too. What’s more, pistachios are flavourful and make a great addition to curries, salads and desserts.
These seven nuts and seeds are a must-have this winter, so make sure you stock up on them and add them to your daily diet. However, make sure that you have fresh nuts and seeds instead of those that have added salt or sugar, or are coated with chocolate. Eating those can definitely lead to unnecessary weight gain.
While milk is the most severe food allergy for children under 16, nut allergies can also be extremely serious. Many schools have implemented no-nut policies, forcing parents to get creative when it comes to sending their kids to school with packed lunches and snacks—whether their kid has a nut allergy or not. For those unfamiliar with navigating the nut-free world, it can seem daunting as nuts are a staple in most vegan diets and products. However, there are plenty of options out there that don’t compromise on taste or texture—you just have to know where to look. Spare yourself the endless scanning of nutrition labels and check out these kid-approved, nut-free vegan snacks.
Sarah McLaughlin
1 Once Again Sunflower Seed Butter Graham Crackers
Just launched in the fall of 2021, these nut- and gluten-free snacks are ideal for lunch boxes and post-meal treats. Two lightly sweet graham crackers are sandwiched together with a thick schmear of sunflower seed butter making for a crunchy yet creamy, sweet yet salty snack. Our hypothesis is that they’d make fantastic s’mores. Have a fun family science experiment to test this out. Find it here
Good Planet
2 Good Planet Snackable Wedges
We are still waiting on the promised vegan version of BabyBel cheese, but in the interim, we’re really excited about these vegan cheese wedges. Great for kids and adults alike, they’re nut-free (with the exception of coconut oil) and remind us of the iconic Laughing Cow soft cheese triangles we used to love. Flavors include Original, Pepper Jack, and Smoked Gouda. Find it here
Miyoko’s Creamery
3 Miyoko’s Cheddar Sticks
We can’t say for certain, but we’re fairly confident the cheese stick craze was planted by the dairy industry. Parents send kids off with these plastic-wrapped cheese stalks, assured that they’re choosing a healthy option. While that’s far from the truth (hello, cholesterol, saturated fat, and inflammatory compounds found in dairy), the cheese stick trend isn’t going away. Let kids eat the same thing as their friends, just give them a vegan option. Both Miyoko’s Creamery and Daiya make dairy-free cheddar cheese sticks (Daiya even makes a mozzarella version) that are nut-free. Note: both brands use coconut oil, so heads up for kids also allergic to coconut. Find it here
Raisels
4 Raisels
Sure, not all kids like raisins, but you’d be hard pressed to find a kid that doesn’t love Raisels. The company transforms thick and juicy golden raisins into better-for-you candy by coating each raisin with sweet or sour flavoring. They come in 70-calorie mini-packs which provide just the right amount of sweetness without inducing a sugar rush. Find it here
Rule Breaker Snacks
5 Rule Breaker Snacks
Borderline dessert, these chickpea-based blondies, brownies, and bites are parent-approved lunchtime sweets. Each flavor is vegan and certified nut-free, gluten-free, and non-GMO. Send your sweetie to school with a fudgy Deep Chocolate Brownie, peanut-free P’Nutter Chocolate Chip blondie, or a handful of sprinkle-topped blondie bites. Find it here
Hummus Pods
6 Hummus Pods
Pizza rolls were a popular after-school snack in the ‘90s and early aughts, but today’s generation of kids is snacking on a more sophisticated version of these oven-baked bites. Hummus pods take that soft-yet-chewy pizza roll dough and stuff it with flavored hummus. Served hot, they’ll satisfy hungry kids after school or practice without sacrificing nutrition. Kid-friendly varieties include Smokey Chipotle, Zesty Lemon, and Mediterranean Olive. Find it here
Motts
7 Applesauce cups
An oldie but a goodie, there’s no denying the convenient portability and universal love of single-serve applesauce. Grab a pack at Trader Joe’s or virtually any supermarket. No cool pack needed—these fruity snacks are always good to go. Find it here
Hippeas
8 Hippeas
Kids and puffs go hand-in-hand. While their friends may be scarfing down puffs with a famous, sunglasses-wearing cheetah on the bag, your kids can snack on something equally as satisfying without the chemical powders. Made with chickpea powder, these puffs pack in a good amount of quality nutrition—including four grams of protein, three grams of fiber, and no saturated fats. Flavors include Vegan White Cheddar, Nacho Vibes, Bohemian Barbecue, and Sriracha Sunrise. Find it here
Nature’s Bakery
9 Nature’s Bakery
This wholesome snackery is completely nut-free and vegan. Products range from figgy and fruit-filled bars to oatmeal crumbles and better-for-you brownie squares. All are soft-baked, lightly sweet, and perfect for the kid who craves dessert at every meal. Find it here
From the Ground Up
10 From the Ground Up pretzels and stalks
Made from vegetables such as cauliflower, cassava, and butternut squash, these crunchy, savory snacks are virtually guaranteed to never get traded at the lunch table. The pretzels come in twists and dippable sticks while the hollow stalks are light and deliciously crackly. Kids will love the vegan cheddar flavor, and parents will love the nutrition label. Find it here
SunButter
11 SunButter to-go
If you have a kid with a nut allergy and you’ve yet to stumble upon sunflower seed butter, you’ve got to give it a try. The spread offers the same creamy texture and nutty taste of peanut butter—without the nuts. The SunButter company offers portable, single-serving cups and pouches which are perfect for lunch boxes. Great on its own or spread on apples or celery, sunflower butter is what allergen-friendly dreams are made of. Find it here
SeaSnax
12 SeaSnax
Don’t be afraid to offer kids bold flavors—their palates can handle it. These light and crispy sheets of seasoned nori are a healthy, nut-free option for snack time at school. Flavors range from Original (just sea salt and olive oil) to Toasty Onion, Chipotle, and Wasabi. Find it here
The Forager Project
13 Forager chips
More exciting than kale chips, these tortilla-style chips are infused with green powder to add a little nutrition to an otherwise nutrient-deficient snack. Kids will love the Cheesy Greens flavor—a completely vegan chip with a big cheesy punch. Find it here
Snacklins
14 Snacklins
Light and airy yet crisp and crunchy at the same time, these minimal ingredient snacks have a lot going on in terms of texture. Made simply with yuca, mushrooms, onions, sunflower oil, and spices, these chips are great for after-school snacking that won’t ruin their appetite for dinner. Fair warning: the family (adults included) will fight over who gets the last bag of Snacklins, so buy in bulk. Find it here
@Bldwithtiff/Instagram
15 The Snack Yard Shiitake Mushrooms
Better. Than. Chips. While there are flavored potato chips, these baked shiitake mushrooms come with all-natural umami—not artificial colors, flavorings, or powders that stain your fingers. They’re addictive, but not because they were manufactured that way. These super crunchy snacks are perfectly bite-sized for kids and a terrific alternative to the more processed food products constantly touted to the younger generation (and the parents who buy these foods for them). Find it here
Imperfect Foods
16 Good ole fruits and veggies
In today’s world, it’s virtually impossible to be a parent and avoid packaged foods. We get it, and it’s totally okay to rely on some convenience foods to get through the day. However, there are a few whole foods that are super easy to prep and pack. Look for fruits that come in their own “package,” such as bananas, oranges, and apples. Buy pre-chopped celery and carrot stalks or single-serving packs of baby carrots. If you have an extra second, spoon some hummus into a mini to-go container or some nut-free, dairy-free ranch (Follow Your Heart makes a nut-free option). Have an extra minute? Ants on a log (celery stick slathered with sunflower butter and dotted with raisins) are a perpetual crowd-pleaser.
Whether you work out first thing in the morning or hit the gym after work, a portion of healthy pre-workout food is an important step in fueling your body for the exercise ahead. A pre-workout snack should contain carbohydrates to top off your energy stores, protein to provide amino acids to your muscles, and fat to keep hunger at bay and blood sugar levels stable. Good pre-workout snacks leave you feeling energized and strong without feeling bloated, heavy, or running to the bathroom, so they should contain complex carbohydrates without an excessive amount of fiber, fat, or volume.
Rich foods or excess protein can cause heartburn and indigestion during exercise, so opt for lighted, balanced pre-workout snacks. Pre-workout snacks should ideally be consumed 30-90 minutes before exercise, depending on the type of exercise you’ll be doing, the planned intensity and duration, how hungry versus fueled you feel, and what you are eating for the pre-workout snack. The closer it is to your workout, the lighter and more carbohydrate-based the snack should be because protein and fat will slow digestion, potentially reducing the effectiveness of your pre-workout snack.
Ultimately, fueling yourself properly with the best pre-workout snack foods before you hit the gym, head out on a run, or take a spin class will allow your body to have the nutrients and building blocks it needs to power your activity and maximize the gains from your workout. If you’re overly hungry, weak, and lacking the glycogen needed to push your body, your performance will be lower and you’ll make slower progress on your fitness goals. Therefore, keep reading for our recommendations for the best pre-workout snacks to step up your fueling game and take your workout gains to the next level.
Cheese, Fruit, and Turkey
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Cheese and fruit or fruit and a protein like chicken breast, turkey, tuna, tofu, or tempeh provide a balance of sustained energy and quick energy before you work out. You can even make a small wrap with a whole-grain tortilla, cheese, a few veggies, and your favorite protein. Just make sure to keep the portion small or eat it 90 minutes or so before you hit the gym to give your stomach ample time to digest.
Oats
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Oats are highly versatile and make for a great pre-workout snack due to the complex carbohydrates, which provide sustained energy without inducing a blood sugar crash. Oats also contain prebiotics, a special type of fiber that feeds the beneficial bacteria in your gut and has been shown to lower cholesterol. Try overnight oats with nut milk, fruit, chia seeds, and berries, or oatmeal with fruit and nuts if you’re hitting the gym in the morning. You may also enjoy steel-cut oatmeal or low-sugar granola or other healthy breakfast cereals.
Trail Mix
Pixabay
Trail mix with dried fruit, nuts, and seeds is filling without being heavy. Nuts and seeds are packed with nutrients like fiber, healthy fats, zinc, iron, and vitamin E. Dried fruits, especially dried apricots, are an excellent source of iron, which is an essential mineral necessary to transport oxygen around your body. You can also throw in some dark chocolate, which adds decadence and many antioxidants.
Homemade Protein Balls
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Homemade protein balls are easily made by combining rolled oats, nut butter, protein powder, dried fruit, coconut, and seeds. You can flavor them with different spices like ginger, cinnamon, or even cocoa powder. They provide sustained energy and contain fewer preservatives and processed ingredients than store-bought protein bars.
Protein Bars
Protein bars and energy bars make for convenient, on-the-go snacks before a workout. They are often specifically designed to provide the ideal ratio of macronutrients to fuel your body before exercise. Look for low-sugar bars with whole, natural ingredients, and no artificial sweeteners or sugar alcohols, as they cause digestive distress. We like Slow Up bars, a new line of nutritious bars that are reinventing traditional energy bars with real ingredients and innovative flavors, some of which are savory. The bars have to be refrigerated until you plan to eat them (though they can be out for several hours), a sign of their freshness and lack of processing. Flavors include Sesame Ginger, Red Pepper Pesto, and Poblano Black Bean, along with some sweet options as well.
Rice Cakes
Pixabay
Rice cakes don’t necessarily provide tons of lasting energy, but they are exceptionally light and easy to digest. This can be ideal before exercising, particularly for those with sensitive stomachs or who plan to go running or take on another vigorous workout. Top them with some fat and protein to provide satiety. For example, nut butters, tuna fish, turkey breast, hummus, or ricotta cheese with sliced fruit make for a tasty, balanced pre-workout snack.
Cottage Cheese or Yogurt
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Cottage cheese or Greek yogurt is high in protein and can provide sustained energy for your workout, especially when paired with some fruit, or a little cereal, granola, or nuts. If you are sensitive to dairy, consider an alternative milk yogurt, such as soy or hemp.
Nut Butter and Fruit
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Whether you love peanut butter and banana, apple and almond butter, or sliced pear and sunflower seed butter, nut butter and fruit makes an excellent pre-workout snack because it contains an ideal ratio of nutrients to fuel your body for physical activity. Bananas are packed with potassium, an electrolyte that may help prevent muscle cramps while exercising. If you prefer something a little more savory, you can also enjoy carrot sticks, celery, or other crudités instead. Sweet potatoes, or other root vegetables, also make a good vehicle for almond butter or peanut butter and provide complex carbohydrates and fiber for sustained energy.
Whole Grain Toast
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Whole grain bread or toast provides complex carbohydrates, fiber, and vitamins, and can make for a versatile pre-workout snack. Like rice cakes, it can be topped with anything from nut butters or hummus to avocados, eggs, turkey, tempeh, or cheese.
Whole Grain Crackers
Pixabay
Whole grain crackers can be enjoyed on the go, with string cheese, a few nuts, or a couple pieces of chicken breast, turkey breast, or leftover cooked tofu strips. Crackers with seeds will provide additional nutrients like zinc and omega-3 fatty acids, which can reduce inflammation in the body.
Hard-Boiled Eggs
Pixabay
Hard-boiled eggs offer a complete source of protein with all the essential amino acids your body needs, as well as iron, B vitamins, and vitamins D K, and A. For an ideal pre-workout snack, pair an egg with a piece of fruit, like an orange or a handful of berries, to boost the carbohydrate content and the vitamin C.
Hummus
Made from nutritious garbanzo beans, a type of legume, hummus can be a perfect pre-workout snack, as it’s full of protein, a little fat, and complex carbohydrates. There are tons of flavors and varieties of hummus these days—even sweet ones—to suit all sorts of palates. We love Ithaca’s Everyone Bagel Hummus, which has the iconic everything bagel seasoning in a delicious protein-packed hummus perfect for dipping or spreading on crackers, whole-grain bread, carrots, pepper strips, or other healthy vegetables.
Smoothies or Protein Shakes
Smoothies or protein shakes have the nutrient ratios to fuel a hard workout and prime your muscles for a hard effort. Make your own with fresh fruit, leafy greens, and a protein powder, or buy a convenient, to-go option like Fuel For Fire portable protein-packed smoothies, which come in delicious flavors like Chocolate Strawberry. There is a line of whey-protein-based smoothies as well as one made entirely with plant-based protein.
Sarah McLaughlin
Good Planet
Miyoko’s Creamery
Raisels
Rule Breaker Snacks
Hummus Pods
Motts
Hippeas
Nature’s Bakery
From the Ground Up
SunButter
SeaSnax
The Forager Project
Snacklins
@Bldwithtiff/Instagram
Imperfect Foods
