In a perfect world, we would all have at least an hour a day to devote to ourselves. We would all like to eat healthy, wake up early in the morning to exercise and strive towards inculcating a healthy lifestyle. However, in the real world, even 24 hours is never enough time to fit in such "luxuries".
Time will never be enough; however, with the extremely stressful lifestyles that we lead, whether that of a homemaker or a working professional, taking care of one's health has become difficult and managing weight, a huge challenge.
While managing weight may seem like a daunting task to many, yet one can start this process by introducing basic lifestyle changes, for instance, adopting a healthy snacking habit. One such habit can be snacking on almonds - a rich source of vitamin E, fiber and protein and many other important nutrients.
Weight-watchers 101
· Feel "full" with almonds - Almonds are a satiating food item for weight watchers as they are high in fiber and protein. Hence, consuming these nuts, leave you feeling full and may dissuade you from reaching for unhealthy food, helping in maintaining weight, staying fit and keeping energy levels up.
· Research Substantiation - A recent study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that study participants consuming 43 grams of dry-roasted, lightly salted almonds every day experienced reduced hunger and improved dietary vitamin E and monounsaturated ("good") fat intake without increasing body weight.
A mother's delight
· Healthy Eating - For mothers, looking out for ways to inculcate healthy eating habits in their family as well as their own diet, almonds can prove to be a healthy addition
· Replace the junk - For those mid-morning and mid-evening cravings, snacking on almonds instead of unwholesome snacks, can make a healthy difference to your life and take you one step closer to your goal of being fit
With deadlines to meet, frequent wining and dining, late nights and early mornings, it's easy to forget how simple it is to take control of your health. If you're looking for a way to add almonds into your diet, consider the following, easy recipe ideas:
RECIPE 1: Almond and Rice Crispy Breakfast Bars
Serves: 4
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: no cooking
Ingredients:
Rice Crispies - 200 gms
Dark chocolate - 70 gms
Roasted whole almonds - 100 gms
Sliced almonds - 50 gms
Sunflower/ melon seeds - 50 gms
Method:
1. Temper the chocolate and mix in all the ingredients; put in a rectangle mould and allow it to set cut in bars and serve.
Tip: Do not store this in a fridge as it might get soggy and rice crispy could be substituted with granola, wheat flakes, to make a perfect breakfast or a mid-meal snack.
Nutrient Analysis
Calories
2320
Protein
59.6 g
Total fat
131.4 g
Saturated
22.1 g
Monounsaturated
65.7 g
Polyunsaturated
38.9 g
Carbohydrates
255.4 g
Fibre
34.4 g
Cholesterol
4.9 mg
Sodium
44.6 mg
Calcium
530.9 mg
Magnesium
846.4 mg
Potassium
2245.6 mg
Vitamin E
56.1 mg
RECIPE 2: Roasted Almond Dip with Baked Namak Para
Serves: 4
Preparation time: 10 mins
Cooking time: 20 mins
Ingredients for Almond Dip:
Almonds roasted & crushed - ½ cup
Tomato chopped - 1 cup
Garlic cloves - 2 no
Sprig Basil - 1 no
Lemon - ½ no
Salt - ½ tsp
Pepper - ½ tsp
Ingredients for Namak Para:
Refined flour - 250 gms
Sugar - 10 gms
Salt - 1 tsp
Olive oil - 20 ml
Water - 150 ml
Method:
1. For the dip place the tomatoes in a bowl. Crush and then chop the garlic; add to the tomatoes. Finely chop the basil sprig and add to tomatoes with other of the ingredients. Refrigerate for a while.
2. Prepare dough with the above ingredients. Give it a rest for 10 mins. Now roll out thin sheets from the dough and bake it in a pre-heated oven at 200-degree celsius for 10-12 mins.
3. Remove and break into pieces. Serve with the almond dip.
Nutrient Analysis
Calories
1590
Protein
43.598 g
Total fat
58.88 g
Saturated
5.975 g
Monounsaturated
37.609 g
Polyunsaturated
12.16 g
Carbohydrates
227.2 g
Fibre
18.3 g
Cholesterol
0 mg
Sodium
1237 mg
Calcium
267 mg
Magnesium
269 mg
Potassium
1213 mg
Vitamin E
21.46 mg
Almonds are a snack for anyone who wants to eat healthier and manage their weight. This versatile nut, with essential nutrients, is an enjoyable and a convenient option. They are an ideal on-the-go snack that you can eat anytime and anywhere, and which can help you effectively manage your weight and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
If you liked our recipe of almond and rice crispy bars, stay connected for more healthy recipes that are easy to prepare.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Anurup_A/2189162
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