Winter snacks: superfoods for the cold months of the year
Coming up to Christmas, we don’t always have to opt for the hearty and high-calorie meals. Tasty superfoods like kale crisps or roasted chestnuts prove that there are other choices for nibbles and snacks! Below are our Top 5 ideas for healthy winter snacks.
- Kale: salad, smoothie or crisps
This crunchy green winter vegetable is packed with protein and vitamins A, C and K. It is also a good source of iron, phytochemicals and fibre. Calcium ensures healthy bones and magnesium helps to maintain a functioning nerve system. Our secret tip: Trendy snack ideas for kale, e.g. salads, green smoothies or crunchy kale crisps.
- Beetroot brownies
The beautiful dark red colour of the beet is not its only attractive feature: betanin, the red pigment in beetroot has antioxidant properties, which can counteract free radicals and strengthen our defences. Beetroot also contains plenty of B vitamins, iron and folic acid, all of which are important for blood formation. A nice side effect is that this root vegetable is low in calories: just 43 calories per 100 g. Try it as a sweet snack, in our luscious beetroot brownies for example.
- Sweet potato toast
Another colourful superhero for your plate: sweet potatoes contain lots of minerals and very little fat. They are also rich in vitamins: beta-carotene, a precursor of vitamin A and responsible for the vibrant colour of the sweet potato, and vitamin E. This tuber also scores highly when it comes to potassium, and contains even more fibre than conventional potatoes. We love to eat it on toast for breakfast or as a colourful snack during the day.
- Roasted chestnuts
These dark brown fruits of the sweet chestnut tree are actually nuts. Compared to hazelnuts or almonds, however, they contain less fat. Chestnuts are a good source of vitamins and minerals, and thanks to their fibre content, they make a really substantial snack. Chestnuts are easy to roast or boil. How about some roasted chestnuts from the oven or a delicious chestnut soup?
- Pomegranate juice
Originally from Persia (modern-day Iran), the pomegranate is an impressive superfood: it is packed with potassium, antioxidant phytochemicals and vitamins C and K, precisely the vitamins we need in winter. Its crunchy seeds make the perfect topping for muesli or salads or squeezed as a juice in a fruity vitamin shake.
We wish you an enjoyable and colourful winter season!
Your Dole Team