5 Healthy Comfort Foods FOR THE REGULAR FOODIE

BY DANIELLE ANENE

What comes to mind when you hear the phrase "comfort food"? Is it that snack that you reach for when you're not hungry but feel peckish? Or that food you reach for when you're in the middle of a project and can't afford to take a long break to prepare yourself a meal? Or could it simply be the snack you eat while thinking about work or assignments? Yes, we understand the feeling all too well, especially if you're a foodie.

Now, the general misconception could be that comfort foods are unhealthy and can have an adverse effect on your eating habits or health. While we admit that there are comfort foods that are delicious yet not healthy for constant consumption, this week’s edition will bring you healthy snacking options for when you get in a peckish mood and are not up for cooking.

1APPLE CRUMBLE ENERGY BALLS

This is a quick 10 minutes prep and can be made in batches for later. They are naturally sweetened by the dates and dried apple, balanced with dietary fiber as well as the heart-friendly, mono-unsaturated fat from almonds. The sweetness in this snack is satisfying enough to soothe your craving and also boost your concentration for work.

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Oatmeal Cookies

The cookie is mostly high-fiber oats, with just 1/4 cup whole-wheat flour. Add some quality dark chocolate chunks and tart dried cherries for your perfect sweet treat and pick-me-up snack moments. This is a great option for you if you are on a weight loss journey but do not want to give up eating cookies.

This snack is seriously so easy to make that you can have your sweet, crunchy snack ready to eat in under 30 minutes with an air fryer! All you need are apples, cinnamon for flavoring, an air fryer, and about 30 minutes of your time, and viola! You have your healthy snack.

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Kettle corn is popcorn that is topped with sugar and salt. The combination makes for an addictively sweet, high-fiber treat that’s perfect for movie night, an afternoon sugar craving, or on the snack table while working. For a more spicy feel, you can cook your pack of popcorn with oil, chili, garlic, and rosemary. This recipe is highly recommended for you if you want something gluten and diary free. A portion of popcorn also provides good-for-you plant compounds called polyphenols, which are protective and help keep you healthy.

If you’re looking for snacks safe for blood sugar levels and blood pressure, then sweet plantain chips and potatoes should be your go to comfort foods. They promote proper digestion because of their fiber content and aid in weight loss. You can choose to flavour them with any seasoning of your choice.

These delicious treats are not just comfort snacks but have dietary benefits for foodies like us who are still cautious about our waistlines. Although they are healthy, you are still advised to remember to have a well cooked meal during your active work time.