JOIN USSnack healthy
A good workout exhausts you and leaves you famished. It is common to binge-eat afterwards, as you tend to feel that you deserve a piece of chocolate cake or a medium pizza after sweating it out for an hour at the gym.
However, it’s important not to take in more calories than you just burned. You need to resist the urge so that you can reap the full benefits of the workout. Meanwhile, there are numerous healthy snacks that you can munch on to satiate your craving. Here are a few:
Fresh fruits with maple syrup: A bowl of freshly-cut fruits drizzled with a helping of maple syrup will provide a number of benefits to your body. Fresh fruits contain multiple vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fibre, while maple syrup is an excellent source of manganese and riboflavin (Vitamin B2). The latter is also a good substitute for sugar.
Almond and soya milk smoothie: It doesn’t get any easier than this. Blend whole almonds without skin, soya milk, honey and banana in a mixer. Garnish the smoothie with roasted almond flakes and drink up for a dose of essential vitamins, protein and dietary fibre.
Hummus and whole wheat pita: Another great snack for a dose of protein and carbohydrates. Hummus, a dip made from pureed chickpeas, is rich in protein and is best when coupled with the slow-release of energy from whole wheat pita.
Thick curd with berries: Take one cup of low-fat curd that packs protein, calcium and probiotics with half a cup of fresh blueberries and a sprinkling of muesli. It makes a delicious cold snack.
Flavoured almonds: They are a source of several nutrients including Vitamin E, dietary fibre and protein. Roast or simply mix them with masala or spices. Make a batch and keep them in a box in your gym bag and snack on them on your way back home. A handful of almonds may have satiating properties that promote a feeling of fullness, which keeps cravings at bay.
Milk and cereal: Any time is a good time for cereal. Add 1 cup of low-fat milk to 1 cup of whole-grain cereal. Add a few slices of banana for a tasty twist.
(The author is a diet, nutrition and wellness consultant)