Since lock down has kicked in, how many times have you told yourself, 'I am not hungry, I am just bored' as you reach out for another biscuit, piece of chocolate or packet of crisps?
Snacking isn't all bad though, especially if you make healthy choices. It can help keep your hunger levels on an even keel, especially on days when your meals are spaced further apart. Eating a snack is better than letting yourself become ravenously hungry which can lead to poor food choices and excess calorie intake.
Try some of these healthy little snack ideas to stave off hunger pangs.
Healthy Lemony Hummus
Hummus is made from chickpeas which are a rich source of vitamins, minerals and fibre and may offer a variety of health benefits.
Ingredients
400g can chickpeas, washed and drained
2 tbsp Lincolnshire Drizzle Lemon Dressing
1 garlic clove
2 tbsp tahini paste
Method
Whizz together the chickpeas, garlic, tahini paste and Lemon Dressing in a blender until smooth - loosen with a little water if you like. If you don't have a blend, mash smooth with a fork or masher.
Keep it in the fridge for up to 5 days with a selection of healthy veg sticks to dip. Or dip Homemade Tortilla Chips - recipe below...
Homemade Tortilla Chips
Ingredients
2 Tortilla Chips
Lincolnshire Drizzle Sweet Chilli Dressing
Method
Heat oven to 200C/fan 180C/gas 6. Cut the tortillas into triangles using scissors, toss in 1-2 tbsp of the sweet chilli dressing, season, then tip onto a lined baking sheet. Bake for 8-10 mins, turning halfway, until crisp. Set aside to cool.
These are healthier than shop bought ones, and are great for dipping or serving with a chilli. Serve them with this Delicious Avocado Salsa recipe:
Avocado Salsa
Avocados are among the most nutritious and satisfying foods on the planet, high in fibre, potassium, magnesium and monounsaturated fat.
Ingredients
½ red onion, finely chopped
1 small red chilli, seeded and chopped
3 ripe tomatoes, chopped
2 tbsp Lincolnshire Drizzle Lemon or Sweet Chilli Dressing 1 tbsp white wine vinegar
2 avocados
small bunch coriander, chopped
Method
In a medium bowl, combine the onion, chilli, tomatoes and dressing with some seasoning and mix well. Can be made a few hours in advance and kept in the fridge. When you're ready to eat, peel, stone and chop the avocados and add them to the salsa mix along with the coriander. Serve immediately.
Mixed Roasted Nuts
One of the healthiest snacks to have on hand is nuts. Full of protein, fibre and healthy fats.
To ring the changes, try drizzling them in our Sweet Chilli Dressing and honey, and mix to coat well.
Pre-heat oven to180 C, bake for about 15-20 minutes, turning the nuts at least once during that time .
Tomatoes & Mozzarella in Balsamic Dressing
Tomatoes are rich in vitamin C, potassium, and lycopene, and Mozzarella is high in protein, calcium and vitamin B12.
Tomatoes and mozzarella cheese are a flavour match made in heaven — and they're healthy, too.
Drizzle with our dressing to add a rich fruity taste, and have some cocktail sticks handy to dip in when you fancy a tasty snack.
So when your next craving hits, ditch the sugar rush and reach for something healthy, delicious and sustaining.