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Healthy substitutes for everyday snacks

There are numerous snack options that you can explore without jeopardizing your health.

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I get it-the temptation to grab a bag of chips on your way home after a long day, or  the urge to indulge in some candy especially when your energy levels are low.

While it’s okay to eat candy and chips, daily intake can have an adverse effect on your health. Fortunately, here are some healthy snack options you can try.

Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate has some high nutritional value and can help decrease body fat. Moreover, it has antioxidants that reduce blood pressure and magnesium which helps reduce menstrual cramps. Nevertheless,  do not overindulge and choose dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content.

Seeds and nuts

With seeds and nuts, you are spoilt for choice. From almond nuts, cashew nuts, pumpkin seeds, walnuts, pecans, pistachio; you have a variety that can last you for months.

Seeds and nuts contain important nutrients that can help improve digestion, reduce the risk of heart disease, boost your brain performance and increase energy levels. Next time you find feeling sluggish at work, loose the coffee or energy drink and grab some nuts.

SEE ALSO: Healthy Snack Guidelines for Kids

Fruits

You didn’t think fruits would miss on this list, did you? Fruits are nutritional powerhouses. They are excellent sources of important vitamins, minerals and fibers that boost the body’s metabolism and ultimately health. Fruits also prevent certain life-threatening diseases like cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.

RELATED: 5 easy-to-make snacks for your kids

The beauty with fruits is that you can eat them alone or you can use them to make delicious smoothies and juices. You can also use them as toppings for yoghurt. The next time you go to the grocery, make sure to get a variety of fruits., Its time you stop using your fruit rack as house decor.

Photo by Wesual Click on Unsplash

Juices and smoothies

Juices are another healthy snack option, especially on a hot lazy day. The beauty with smoothies is that you can easily make them at home. You just need a blender, a couple of fruits and recipes that are easily available on the internet and in a matter of minutes you get yourself a healthy smoothie or juice.

Yoghurt

Unless you are lactose intolerant, there is no reason why you should not add yoghurt to your healthy snacks list. Yoghurt contains calcium, live culture, and vitamins that strengthen the bones, boost the immune system and help prevent digestive problems. Sometimes, yoghurt can also boost your weight loss efforts. However, make sure that your yoghurt is natural with little or no added sugar or artificial sweeteners, as these can be harmful to your health.

Kale

Kale is highly loaded with nutrients that are especially useful in decreasing blood pressure and the risk of colon cancer.  You can use kale to make a delicious snack for you and your loved ones. You just need some chopped kale, some olive oil and salt. Mix the ingredients together and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes and Voila! You get yourself some finger licking kale chips.

Snacking doesn’t have to be a guilty affair. With the healthy snack options provided here, and many more, you can enjoy your snacking time without worrying about your health or weight. Try some of these today.

Featured image: Unsplash

 

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On this Mother’s Day issue, we catch up with Beatrice Elachi. The former legislator opens up about her journey into politics, motherhood, and her marriage in an exhilarating candid read that you don’t want to miss!

 

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Easy Kenyan recipes to try for lunch

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Mokimo/Mashed potatoes and greens

Ingredients

  • 9 potatoes
  • 3 garlic cloves
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2-3 cups chopped spinach
  • Swiss chard or pumpkin leaves
  • 1 cup corn or peas

Instructions

Peel your potatoes and cut them into cubes

Put the cubes in a pot and add water. Make sure the water is not too much or too little.

Over medium heat bring the cubed potatoes to  a boil.

Add the garlic and greens. You can opt to cook these separately, blend then add to the potatoes later.

In a separate pot boil the peas until tender.

Once the potatoes are done drain the excess water. You can check if the potatoes are ready using a fork or knife.

If you boiled your greens together with the potatoes, add the peas and proceed to mash until everything is mixed up and there are no lumps.

If you boiled your greens separately add them and mix in the peas, then mash.Add salt and pepper to tasteServe with your veggies of choice

ALSO READ: 7 benefits of eating with your family

Mixed matoke and beef

Ingredients 4 servings

A bunch of bananas

Several stalks of dhaniaa

Pinch of salt

1 large onion

2 small carrotscooking oil

500 g beef

Chopped 3 tomatoes

Instructions

Chop your onions, carrots, tomatoes and dhania

Peel your bananas. You can use paper gloves or you can smear oil on your hands to prevent matoke sap from sticking on your hands.

Add in the beef, increase the heat and let it cook till brown.

Add in the beef, increase the heat and let it cook till brown.

Add the chopped carrots and tomatoes and cook for a few minutes.

Add the bananas to beef and stir and then add beef broth for stock

Add salt, dhania and curry powder then cover and let the mixture simmer for  a few minutes until the bananas are soft. Remove from heat and serve.

You can add your favorite greens on the side.

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Easy Kenyan recipes to try for lunch

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Mokimo/Mashed potatoes and greens

Ingredients

  • 9 potatoes
  • 3 garlic cloves
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2-3 cups chopped spinach
  • Swiss chard or pumpkin leaves
  • 1 cup corn or peas

Instructions

Peel your potatoes and cut them into cubes

Put the cubes in a pot and add water. Make sure the water is not too much or too little.

Over medium heat bring the cubed potatoes to  a boil.

Add the garlic and greens. You can opt to cook these separately, blend then add to the potatoes later.

In a separate pot boil the peas until tender.

Once the potatoes are done drain the excess water. You can check if the potatoes are ready using a fork or knife.

If you boiled your greens together with the potatoes, add the peas and proceed to mash until everything is mixed up and there are no lumps.

If you boiled your greens separately add them and mix in the peas, then mash.Add salt and pepper to tasteServe with your veggies of choice

ALSO READ: 7 benefits of eating with your family

Mixed matoke and beef

Ingredients 4 servings

A bunch of bananas

Several stalks of dhaniaa

Pinch of salt

1 large onion

2 small carrotscooking oil

500 g beef

Chopped 3 tomatoes

Instructions

Chop your onions, carrots, tomatoes and dhania

Peel your bananas. You can use paper gloves or you can smear oil on your hands to prevent matoke sap from sticking on your hands.

Add in the beef, increase the heat and let it cook till brown.

Add in the beef, increase the heat and let it cook till brown.

Add the chopped carrots and tomatoes and cook for a few minutes.

Add the bananas to beef and stir and then add beef broth for stock

Add salt, dhania and curry powder then cover and let the mixture simmer for  a few minutes until the bananas are soft. Remove from heat and serve.

You can add your favorite greens on the side.

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Simple Kenyan Fish and Ugali Recipe

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Fish and ugali is a beloved Kenyan meal enjoyed across many households. Not only is it delicious, but it also provides a nutritious balance of proteins and carbohydrates, making it perfect for family mealtimes.

Here’s a simple yet authentic way to prepare this dish:

Ingredients for Fish

– 1 whole tilapia (or any other fish of your choice)

– 2 large ripe tomatoes, chopped

– 1 medium onion, chopped

– 2 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 teaspoon ginger, grated

– 1 tablespoon cooking oil

– Salt to taste

– 1 teaspoon curry powder

– 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)

– 1 lemon (for cleaning the fish)

– Fresh coriander for garnish

Ingredients for Ugali

– 2 cups maize flour

– 4 cups water

Instructions

Step 1: Clean the fish

Begin by cleaning the fish.

Rub the lemon over the fish and rinse it well with water to remove any fishy smell.

Once clean, pat the fish dry using a kitchen towel and sprinkle salt over it.

 

Step 2: Fry the fish

Heat the cooking oil in a large pan over medium heat.

Gently place the fish in the pan and fry both sides until golden brown and crispy.

Once done, remove the fish and set it aside.

 

Step 3: Prepare the fish stew

In the same pan, add the chopped onions and sauté them until they are soft and golden.

Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another minute.

Next, add the chopped tomatoes and let them simmer until they soften into a thick sauce.

Stir in the curry powder, paprika, and salt, allowing the flavours to blend.

Return the fried fish to the pan, adding a little water to create a stew-like consistency.

Cover the pan and allow the fish to simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, ensuring it absorbs the sauce.

Garnish with fresh coriander before serving.

 

Step 4: Cook the Ugali

 

 

 

 

 

 

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In a separate pot, bring the water to a boil.

Gradually add the maize flour while stirring continuously to avoid lumps.

Keep stirring until the mixture thickens.

Lower the heat and press the ugali with a flat wooden spoon until it is firm.

Let it cook for about 5 minutes, ensuring it is well done.

Once cooked, transfer the ugali onto a plate and shape it into a round mound.

 

Step 5: Serve

Serve the fish stew with a generous portion of ugali and enjoy this wholesome Kenyan meal with your family.

This traditional meal is not only tasty but also rich in nutrients.

Fish is a great source of Omega-3 fatty acids, while ugali provides essential energy for the day. Your family will love this meal, and it’s easy to prepare for any occasion.

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Easy Kenyan recipes to try for lunch

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