Many of us are more and more health conscious in this day and age and it’s sometimes difficult to avoid guilt while eating and drinking, just about everything! In fact, focussing on the positive effects most foods have on our body, rather than the detrimental side effects, is the key to a happy and healthy life. It’s better for your minds and bodies to try to enjoy life and not get caught up worrying about what might happen. With a little awareness and moderation it’s possible to indulge in and benefit from certain treats from time to time.
Pasta
Pasta is a great option for students as it’s quick, cheap and doesn’t go off, these qualities also appeal to professionals, families and basically everyone. Even though it seems like an easy option, don’t treat it as a fast food. It’s an Italian tradition handed down by generations, and if you learn the right way to cook it, you’ll get a perfectly balanced meal, low in calories and still delicious. Pasta is low in fat and salt and it fills you up, which means you are satisfied for longer and don’t need to snack. It’s what you put with it which is key to its nutritional value and fat/sugar content. Avoid pre-prepared sauces in jars, these are just not nice, loaded with sugar and salt and horrible artificial things. Instead, try buying Italian passata which is nothing more than sieved tomatoes, add some bacon, chilli, a little parmesan, and you’ve got yourself a basic amatriciana. For veggie options add seitan, vegan bacon or mushrooms.
Popcorn
Popcorn is a whole grain which actually has a lot of fibre, vitamin B, magnesium and antioxidants. When you’re getting ready for film night, don’t necessarily veto it as a healthy snack, as it’s lighter than most.
Chocolate
Dark chocolate is especially beneficial as it’s been proven to be high in antioxidants and antiinflammatories, for other anti-inflammatory foods see here. It’s gonna be hard to defend this one, but in moderation it’s a great mood booster.
Coffee
Coffee is another one rich in antioxidants, and caffeine, which is moderation boosts your energy levels. Keep it under four cups a day to not over do it. There have been studies that show drinking coffee can lower the risk of dementia, diabetes and Parkinson’s. If you’re a fellow coffee fanatic brands like Two Chimps Coffee https://twochimpscoffee.com/wholesale-coffee-supplier/, are a guilt-free alternative. Their single sourced beans are ethically sourced and come in a wide range of types and flavours for you to sample and have fun with, you can even get a subscription delivered to your door.
Cheese
Cheese is a lean source of protein, phosphorus and calcium. Preparing a cheese board with fruit and crackers is a great snack to share with friends, swiss, feta, mozzarella, cottage and parmesan are the lightest.
Get creative with fun foods rather than cutting them out, you’ll feel the benefits in your body and mind.
