Healthy Snacks Part II

5. Dates

Why Eat Them?
* Nature’s natural sweets
* High in natural sugars and carbohydrates, they are easily digested to provide a quick and healthy energy boost
* Low in fat and a good source of fibre to support healthy digestion and bowels
* High in iron and potassium and contain modest amount of folate and a small amount of vitamin A, and the B vitamins

How To Eat/Use Them
* Great for snacking on
* Add chopped or sliced dates to cereals, porridge, yoghurt or smoothies
* Use in baking recipes

6. Figs

Why Eat Them?
* Fibre rich for healthy digestion
* Contain natural sugars to help balance blood sugar levels to prevent cravings
* Good source of non dairy calcium- 100g of fig is equal to 250mg of calcium – and
magnesium, required for nerve and muscle function
* Good source of iron, important for producing red blood cells

How To Eat/Use Them
* Great snacking for
* Add chopped or sliced figs to cereals, porridge, yoghurt or smoothies
* Mix with other dried fruit, nuts and seeds to create a healthy snack


7. Ginger

Why Eat Them?
* It may help quell nausea resulting from travel, motion or pregnancy sickness
* It is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine
* Research is currently being carried out into the possible anti-inflammatory properties of ginger

How To Eat/Use Them
* Adds a wonderful zing to all types of dishes and is a favorite ingredient in many Chinese and Indian dishes
* Put pieces of crystallized ginger on toothpicks as a sweet alternative to chocolate parties
* Can be found in a variety of foods and drinks, including gingerbread, ginger snaps, ginger sticks and ginger ale

8. Goji Berries

Why Eat Them?
* Nutritionally rich, they contain beta carotene (vitamin A), important for strengthening the immune system
* High in antioxidants which maintain cell health and may help fight the ageing process
* Contain a unique combination of sugar which may help stabilize blood sugar and help curb appetites

How To Eat/Use Them
* Eat straight from the bag or soak in water for a couple of minutes to rehydrate
* Add to smoothies or juices
* Sprinkle over cereals, porridge, salads or yoghurts
* Can be added to recipes