As the cool weather starts to creep in, our usual warm weather snacks such as veggie sticks and hummus or yoghurt and berries, no longer cut it! Instead, we tend to crave snacks, which offer warmth, satisfaction and lots of taste!
Considering that snacking can form a large part of our dietary intake, it’s important to pay attention to ensuring snacks remain balanced and healthy over winter.
To give you a head start, here are my top 5 warming yet healthy snacks to see you through the cooler months!
Poached Fruit
Fruit is a popular pick come snack time and while fresh, juicy fruit is unlikely to appeal during winter, it’s important to continue to consume at least 2 pieces of fruit daily. Fruit not only offers a source of fibre but also many immune supportive vitamins, minerals and antioxidants including vitamin C.
A simple and delicious way to keep up your fruit intake is to swap fresh fruit for poached fruit. I recommend using fruits such as apples, pears and berries and adding warming spices such as cinnamon and ginger. To see my poached fruit recipe click HERE.
Miso Soup
Miso paste is an ingredient native to Japan, made from fermented soy beans and forms the basis of miso soup. Miso itself is a nutrient dense ingredient and offers a source of B-vitamins, protein, zinc, Vitamin K and good bacteria. To get the most benefit from this snack, make the soup from scratch using fresh miso paste, rather than from a packet. Because miso is very high in salt, if consuming regularly, be mindful of your overall salt intake for the day.
Legume or Veggie based Soup
If miso soup does not take your fancy, other types of soups such as lentil, minestrone, chickpea or pumpkin are also healthy snack options. I recommend about 3/4 cup serve of soup as a snack and if you make a large batch, try freezing the soup in individual 3/4 cup portions, ready to go!
Edamame beans
Edamame beans offer a source of plant-based protein, carbohydrates, fibre, vitamins and minerals including vitamin C, calcium, potassium and folate. They are also super easy to prepare and can be served warm, making them the ideal winter snack!
Home-made baked goods
I am sure you will agree with me that there is nothing better than a homemade baked good on a cool winters day! Baked goods are usually associated with guilt. However, this does not need to be the case and there are many ways to turn baked goods into nutrient dense snacks such as my amaranth apple bread. This bread is rich in wholegrains, healthy fats, protein and fibre and should be enjoyed guilt free! Leftover slices can be frozen and warmed up in the microwave or oven before serving. Spread with thick greek yoghurt, nut butter, ricotta or cottage cheese mixed with a little bit of honey.
To view the recipe for my amaranth apple bread, click HERE.
