Five healthy, comfort snacks you can enjoy this winter
· The South African
Winter has well and truly arrived in South Africa, folks.
With it brings the urges to hide under blanket fortresses, take long, hot baths or curl up in front of a roaring fireplace (or a braai pit, which helps to keep the outdoor winter chills at bay).
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There’s also the temptation of indulging in comfort foods: soups, stews, curries, toasted sandwiches, lasagna, puddings, hot chocolate… yup, delicious foods that warm the stomach and soul in equal measure. Of course, it’s easy to go overboard on these foods, as shown by our expanded waistlines (and lasting feelings of regret) long after winter ends.
FIVE GUILT-FREE WINTER SNACKS FOR THE SOUL
Fortunately, there are snacks out there you can sink your teeth into this winter without feeling guilty. Let’s take a look, starting with:
1. APPLE SLICES WITH PEANUT BUTTER
Apple slices with peanut butter is a delish combination. Image: Pixelshot/ CanvaCrispy and creamy, apple slices with peanut butter are a match made in health heaven. Apples are rich in fibre, while peanuts provide healthy fats, plant-based protein and fibre. Be sure to use salt-free, sugar-free peanut butter, as this helps keep your sugar levels steady.
Couple this snack with a hot cup of tea (rooibos, anyone?), and you will be warmed up in no time!
2. DARK CHOCOLATE
If you’re going to eat chocolate this winter, then make it dark chocolate.
Dark chocolate is chock-full of healthy benefits: it contains antioxidants, vitamins and minerals that help protect you from heart disease. It also reduces inflammation, improves your gut health, boosts your cognitive function and contributes to weight loss.
3. HARD-BOILED EGGS
Nothing beats the creamy (or chalky, depending on your preference) yolks of hard-boiled eggs. They are also chock-full of B vitamins, vitamin D, iron and other antioxidants. What’s more, each egg contains about six grams of protein, making you feel full until the next meal.
4. OATMEAL
Oatmeal is loaded with fibre and antioxidants. Image: Arx0nt/ CanvaOatmeal, says Healthline, is a whole-grain food. It’s a great source of carbs, fibre, antioxidants and protein. If you’re looking to improve your blood sugar levels, enhance your skin quality or relieve constipation, then oatmeal is your go-to. For flavour, top it with dark chocolate chips, cinnamon or fruit.
5. POPCORN
A movie-time classic snack, popcorn is high in fibre and low in calories… so long as it’s not smothered in salt and butter! To reduce hypertension, type 2 diabetes and heart disease, opt for popcorn – and add a little olive oil, nutritional yeast or chilli powder for a healthy, tasty seasoning.
MODERATION IS KEY
There’s no shame in treating yourself, especially during winter. Still, as with all food, moderation is key. While these snacks are healthy, it can be easy to go overboard and eat them in excess. Limit your portion sizes and eat until you’re full, not stuffed.
If you do overeat, don’t beat yourself over it. Rather, remind yourself that it doesn’t define your overall health. And remember to show yourself some grace this season – you deserve it.