Are you looking for ways to eat healthier during the COVID-19 quarantine? One of the aspects of staying home that affects our everyday routine is not exercising the same way we used to before this crisis. Another challenge is not having healthy options ready, and hence eating whatever is available in our pantry e.g. chips, sweets, cookies.
In this week’s article I share 10 Vegan [ Healthy ] Snack Ideas for Teleworking to help you stay nourished and satiated (and avoid gravitating towards those processed foods that look so tempting).
As someone who is used to exercising five days a week, being home doing Zumba with YouTube videos is a bit of an adjustment. Knowing that I can’t be as active as before makes me realize that I have to put extra care on the food I eat every day. This is why I want to share with you some healthier options for the coming days.
Ready to start munching? Here are my 10 Vegan [ Healthy ] Snack Ideas for Teleworking.
These delicious kale chips are a great way to eat healthy between meals. Image ©Diana - The Elephant Soul
1. Cheesy kale chips - A friend introduced me to this recipe a while back. Who would have known that these super healthy leaves (rich in Calcium, Vitamin C and Vitamin K) would make a delicious crunchy snack? Kale is also believed to help lower cholesterol levels, fight cancer and depression. Read article.
I made this recipe from Fit Mitten Kitchen over the weekend. They’re lovely! The one suggestion I would make is to bake them for a bit longer or to turn up the oven temperature to 325.
If you have Trader Joe’s Chicken-less Seasoning Salt at home, add it during the preparation and right before you bake them. It’s a wonderful addition.
2.Dates with almond butter - This super easy to make snack was recommended by my wonderful Jordanian health coach a couple of years ago. To make:
1- Slice a medjool date (or two)
2- Remove the pit
3- Fill it with almond butter - or -
4- Add chopped dark chocolate (70% or 80% ) or walnuts, pecans, slivered almonds.
You’ll find that the contrasting sweetness of the dates and the bitterness of the chocolate make a beautiful combination.
Photo by Magalie De Preux on Unsplash
3.Creamsicle smoothie - If you’re craving something sweet, especially in the mid-afternoon, then this smoothie is going to be your new go-to sweet snack. It’s creamy, satiating and it will feel like a treat. It has cashews, fresh orange, frozen banana and your nut milk of choice. Add more vanilla than the recipe calls for, for extra delight.
The recipe is by the very inspiring and renowned vegan author and wellness warrior, Kris Carr.
Photo by Marianne Krohn on Unsplash
4.Infused waters - Although technically not a snack, having good-tasting water infused with natural ingredients from your pantry or fridge, will help you stay hydrated and tempt you drink more H20. This will also help activate your metabolism and, if you’re watching your weight, drinking more water also helps you reduce your calorie intake. Read article.
The great thing about infused water is that you can use your favorite ingredients.
I love adding:
1- Cinnamon sticks and orange slices -or-
2- Basil leaves and peeled cucumber slices -or-
3- Orange slices and fresh ginger; -or-
4- Mint leaves and lemon slices; and some people make it with
5- Strawberries and basil - or -blueberries and mint
Ever since I started doing this, I’ve been drinking MUCH more water than before.
5.London Fog - What is London Fog, you may wonder. It’s a delicious low-calorie drink made with Earl Grey tea, nut milk and vanilla. It’s a great snack for in between meals. This easy-to-prepare recipe has not gone unnoticed. Starbucks actually offers it in some of its outlets. To prepare, simply follow these steps:
1- Brew your Earl Grey tea (1 teaspoon- loose leaves are always preferred)
2- Warm (or froth if possible) 2 Cups of almond milk
3- Add 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract - or -1/4 teaspoon of vanilla bean powder
4- Sweeten with 1/2 Tbsp maple syrup (optional)
5- Enjoy!
The general recommendation is that you froth the milk, but since not everyone has a frother at home, you can skip this step and just combine the tea with the warm milk and the rest of the ingredients.
If you’re looking for more inspiration on how to make London Fog at home, check out this recipe by Life is Better with Tea. Other variations include adding lavender or dry orange slices to the tea while brewing.
6.Triple Almond Energy Balls - If you want a snack to last all week, look no further. These Triple Almond Energy Balls are a great make-ahead snack that stores well in the fridge.
To add an extra crunch and to make them more fun, I added toppings like sesame seeds, chia seeds, and shredded coconut. The recipe included in the link is from Oh she Glows.
She also suggests adding chopped chocolate or pistachios. The main ingredients are dates and of course, almonds. Super simple!
7.Banana cinnamon milk shake - Another favorite afternoon snack is this sweet smoothie, made with only six ingredients. Kris Carr nailed it again with this healthy and super delicious recipe. Oats, bananas, almond butter and cinnamon are some of the ingredients that make this snack a hit. You can also add Maca powder for a caramel-like taste. The Maca root is believed to help improve brain function and reduce anxiety. Other sites claim that it helps regulate hormonal unbalance. Read article.
8.Green apple slices with almond butter and granola - A favorite among my omnivore friends, this simple snack is very satiating and delicious. If you’re rushed with time, give this recipe a try. I like it because you only need three ingredients which you probably already have at home. To make, simply:
1- Slice a green apple in eight pieces and remove the core
2- Spread almond butter (or your favorite nut butter) and
3- Sprinkle granola.
This recipe idea is from Pick Up Limes. If you don’t know Sadia already, be sure to follow her YouTube channel. She is a vegan Canadian nutritionist making the most amazing and nutritious recipes for her over 2.5 M followers.
9.Rye bread with vegan butter, cucumber slices and sea salt - This snack idea is inspired by the very healthy and delicious Danish rugbrød. This delicious rye bread is topped with Earth Balance, sliced cucumbers and coarse sea salt. Another variation is to add your favorite savory spread e.g. hummus and top with sliced tomatoes and micro greens.
This snack literally takes less than five minutes to prepare. You need to:
1- Heat up the bread in the toaster. (If you usually eat bread as is, skip this step)
2- Spread 1/2 teaspoon of your favorite vegan butter or hummus
3- Peel and slice 1 small cucumber
4- Add cucumbers or tomatoes and sprinkle with coarse sea salt
I usually eat this treat mid-morning. One slice keeps me satiated till lunch.
Photo by Deryn Macey on Unsplash
10.Seasoned roasted chickpeas - Who doesn’t like crunchy, salty, roasted chickpeas? This recipe by Joy Food Sunshine is filled with yummy spices (that you probably already have in your pantry). Roasted chickpeas usually last for a few days in an airtight container. Some people recommend refrigerating them as well.
There are plenty of roasted chickpea recipes out there, so you’ll probably find more than a few to help you start. And if you’re not in the mood or do no have time to cook, I recommend getting the BIENA Habanero Roasted Chickpeas. I found them in Target by accident. Be sure to buy more than one bag. They’re so good!
There you have it, 10 Vegan [ Healthy ] Snack Ideas for Teleworking. Now that we’re bound to stay home for some time, let’s create healthy, nutritious and smart eating habits to help us thrive during the weeks ahead.
What are your go-to snack recipes? Do you have a favorite you’d like to share? Please leave your comments below. Would love to hear from you!
I send you a big virtual hug. This too shall pass.
Namaste.
Diana
Sources
Healthline - 10 Health Benefits of Kale
Medical News Today - What are the Benefits of Maca Root?
Harvard Medical School - Drink more water to cut calories, fat, and sugar?