Snack your way to good health

 

Nibble, munch, crunch… are routine, where snacks are concerned. But there are rules to the snacking game. The quantity and the quality of food that you snack on, is the cause of your woes or joys of a healthy living.

 

We are all obsessed with snacks and snacking too often,  or at the wrong time and place can make you obese.  Not snacking at all, too has its flaws. This sounds contradictory, but it is true.

 

So what are the best snacks to consume? Simple, something that you can nibble, munch, crunch which is salted, sweet or spiced and at the same time makes you feel satisfied. Satiety value is important.

 

So the best way is; kill old eating habits, pick the right snacks, eat at the right time and the right amount.  Choose nutrient-dense snacks and what better way than snacking on fruits and nuts?

 

It is a known fact that dry fruits and nuts packed with abundant sources of proteins, vitamins, minerals, dietary fibre and essential nutrients, keep diseases and stress away. And thus you need to include it in your diet.

 

While the Pistachos, Almonds, Cashews and other dry fruits contain the right blend of unsaturated fats, vitamin B and minerals, they are conducive for the proper functioning of the crucial organs of our body. They prevent cardiovascular problems, Anemia, Maintain Cholestrol, Improve Hemogoblin levels, and improve the functioning of the brain.

 

A tasty and convenient snack, dry fruits and nuts are the ideal substitute for high-calorie snacks. With natural sugars and fibre, zero cholesterol and fats, and a variety of delectable flavors, dry fruits and nuts are an easy source of all essential nutrients. The right and regular mix of almonds, cashews, pistachios, cranberries, strawberries and other dry fruits and nuts are all you need to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

 

Gourmia, from KBB Nuts Pvt Ltd. the latest entrant in the market, with an array of products like Roasted Pistachios, Almonds and Cashews in classic salted, salt-pepper, tangy masala and Jalapeno flavours are worth a try as the variety is tremendous.  The nuts they offer are crisp, crunchy and tasty.

 

Their seasonal fruits range consists of Cranberries, Strawberries, Prunes, Mangoes, Kiwis and Pineapple. These are equally luscious and perfectly sweet to appease your taste-buds.   

 Hygienically packed and affordably priced, each variant is available in packages of 200 gms and 40 gms. The nuts and fruits are handpicked and their flavours unfurl flamboyantly at every bite.

Go for these this festive season and indulge in your guilty pleasures!

Amazing Almonds !

Almonds are my favourite among all dry fruits. I love them as a roasted, salted, snack. I usually soak a few overnight and peel the skin in the morning and have them before my breakfast.

 In the Victorian era, nuts were considered a delicacy, which is why they were eaten at Christmas. The best thing about alonds is that due to their unique health benefits, almonds are guilt-free. 28 grams, 160-calorie handful of almonds is high in vitamin E, magnesium calcium and potassium. Almonds are also a natural source of protein, naturally high in fibre. Recent research shows they also contain flavonoid antioxidants in levels comparable to broccoli and tea. Research shows that eating about a handful of almonds a day may actually help lower LDL, or “bad” cholesterol levels.

Nutritional benefits apart, almonds taste so good. I love to use them in my cooking too. as a garnish on phirni, in gajar halwa, in pulaos. I also prepare a nice chicken curry with ground almonds in my masala paste along with other ingredients. Lends a unique thickness and flavour to the dish. Kashmiris use a lot of almonds in their daily cooking too.

And of course in macroons and marzipans during Christmas. Delectable.  

Enjoy them, but don’t go overboard too. Especially the salted ones should be consumed sparingly.