Nutritious nibbles this autumn......
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As we reluctantly wave goodbye to summer and all its juicy fruit and fresh salads it’s easy to forget the wonders of the autumn harvest. Organising the family into back-to-school routines and getting into the swing of post-holiday life may mean focus is lost on diet and nutrition.
Snacks are important; the right snack can keep our energy levels more stable during the day no matter how busy or demanding it may be. With autumn approaching and the threat of coughs and colds; immunity boosting snacks can help you battle the bugs. Brain development is vital at any age, especially children starting their new school year so provide them with tempting treats in their lunchboxes and easy ideas when they get home.
So what makes a good snack? It has to be nutritious, quick to prepare and easy to grab when you’re in a rush. Here are a few of my suggestions to help you snack healthily this autumn:
On the go
These combinations are perfect to store in small, sealable tubs to take with you when you’re out and about. Keep some in the car, your bag and even in your children’s coat pocket for break time.
Blackberries & brazil nuts – All berries are high in anti-oxidants which help protect and keep our cells healthy. Blackberries are in abundance at this time of year and fun to forage for them in the hedgerows. You could pick them with the kids on the walk home from school too!
Dried mango & Walnuts – Reminisce over the tropical tastes of summer with fresh or dried mango pieces paired with a handful of walnuts. It’s no coincidence that walnuts look like tiny brains, they are excellent for improving brain function; perfect to get brains back into work, school and learning.
Snacking at home
It’s always a great idea to keep your fridge and cupboards stocked with these snack essentials as you can offer them to your kids as they return from school and are a great mid-morning or afternoon energy boost when spending time at home.
Avocado & rice cakes – Mush up half an avocado and add a squeeze of lemon before spreading on a couple of rice cakes. Avocado is an excellent source of essential fatty acids and contains some protein; helping to keep you fuller for longer. It is even good for your skin which can be affected by cold winds and central heating.
Mange tout & houmous – Crunchy mange tout are a nutritious and tasty snack, high in fibre. These can be dipped into some houmous, making this a timeless snack to prepare, full of the essential fatty acids for our brain function along with some protein keeping our energy levels up.
This list is not, of course, exhaustive and please contact me for more ideas on improving your nutrition for your family.