Ensuring sustained energy levels and providing our bodies with nourishing snacks are essential during the festivities. You can achieve this with the following snacks:
India’s Independence Day is celebrated with enthusiastic and patriotic fervor across the nation. It’s a time to unite, honor our freedom fighters, and embrace the essence of unity. With our spirits soaring as high as our kites in the sky, we gather to commemorate our country’s freedom. Maintaining our energy levels and nourishing our bodies with wholesome snacks is crucial during these celebrations. While indulging in traditional treats adds to the festivity, it’s also important to include nutritious snacks to fuel our bodies. To shed more light on this, we reached out to Ritika Samaddar, Regional Head-Dietetics at Max Healthcare in Delhi.
Here are four delicious yet healthy snacks to energize your body and elevate the spirit of patriotism:
Almonds
“Starting your morning with a handful of almonds is a great way to kick off your day on a positive note,” stated Samaddar. She emphasized that almonds are packed with 15 essential minerals, including vitamin E, magnesium, protein, riboflavin, zinc, and others.
“Almonds also serve as an excellent source of protein, which supports muscle mass development and maintenance while providing a valuable energy boost. According to research published in the journal PLOS ONE, consumption of tree nuts, including almonds, has been linked to improved blood sugar regulation in individuals with type 2 diabetes,” she explained.
“Therefore, incorporating almonds into your breakfast routine by adding them to your cereal, oats, or porridge, or simply enjoying a handful as a snack, can provide a delicious and nutritious start to your day,” she concluded.
Berries
“Indigenous berries such as strawberries, raspberries, and mulberries not only offer a delicious treat but are also rich in antioxidants,” noted the expert. “Many of these berries are high in fiber, promoting a sense of fullness.”
Highlighting the nutritional value, she pointed out that raspberries, for example, contain an impressive 8 grams of fiber per cup. Additionally, a single cup of berries typically ranges from 50 to 85 calories, depending on the specific variety chosen.
“For a delightful pre-lunch snack, consider pairing berries with Greek yogurt, slivered almonds, or cottage cheese. Their antioxidant-rich nature makes them an excellent choice for bridging the gap between breakfast and lunch,” she recommended.
Tricolor Smoothie
You can revitalize your mid-day with a tri-color almond smoothie inspired by the colors of the Indian flag. “Blend together frozen bananas, spinach, and a handful of almonds for the green layer, followed by a layer of vibrant mangoes for the saffron layer, and finally, top it off with a luscious berry blend for the last layer,” recommended Samaddar.
“This Instagram-worthy creation also provides essential nutrients such as vitamin C and potassium from spinach, vitamin E and riboflavin from almonds, the right amount of copper from mangoes, and necessary antioxidants from berries,” added the expert.
Sprouts Salad
“Combining a traditional salad of chopped tomatoes, coriander leaves, cucumber, and chickpeas with sprouts, and dressing it with lemon juice along with a suitable amount of salt and pepper can create a delicious snack suitable for both children and adults,” shared Samaddar.
She emphasized that serving it as a wholesome meal in a bowl allows everyone to enjoy it while basking in the fresh air and savoring the sense of freedom and unity that fills the day.