Do you love a snack? I do, but I am currently trying to break the habit of an afternoon cuppa with a biscuit or two … I don’t feel hungry, so why do I get to about 2.30pm and then think to myself its time for me to take a break? I’ll have a cup of tea, and while I am in the kitchen making my tea I will just grab a couple of biscuits! I have formed a habit … and not
necessarily a good one. I’ve had enough food for lunch to take me through to dinner/tea time so I definitely don’t need the extra calories.
The thing is we can make snacking a healthy choice, and there will be times when we might need a boost to our energy levels during the day. For example if you are exercising more, or you have become more active, your body may need a snack to ensure you are able to keep energised to manage the day ahead. If this is the case then it
would be better to choose a healthy snack that is going to fulfil what our body needs.
A couple of squares of dark chocolate, a handful of nuts, some dried fruits, an apple, carrot sticks, banana — I am sure you will be able to come up with your own healthy snack — but in truth is this what you would choose?
If you feel snacking has become a problem for you then get organised with your snacks, ensure you always have healthy options available. If you
are on the road take the fruit/nuts/veggies with you. Stay organised and plan ahead. I thought I would share this recipe below for a healthy snack. I haven’t tried it yet, so why don’t we try it together this week.
Yogurt and Fruit Clusters
These yogurt and fruit clusters
are a simple, satisfying, and delicious homemade snack requiring minimal ingredients. You can customise them with your choice of fruits and yogurt, making them versatile and adaptable to different dietary preferences.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of your favourite yogurt (regular, Greek, or plant-based)
- 1 cup of chopped fresh fruits (strawberries, blueberries, mangoes, or any preferred fruit)
- 1 cup of melted dark chocolate (optional)
- 1 teaspoon of coconut oil (optional, to mix with melted chocolate)
Method
- Prepare the Fruit: wash and
chop the fruits into small pieces
- Mix with Yogurt: in a bowl, combine the chopped fruits with the yogurt, ensuring all pieces are well-coated
- Form Clusters: line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Drop spoonfuls of
the yogurt and fruit mixture onto the sheet, forming small clusters
- Freeze: place the baking sheet in the freezer for about 1-2 hours, or until the clusters are firm
- Optional Chocolate Coating: if desired, melt the
dark chocolate and coconut oil together. Once the clusters are frozen, dip each one into the melted chocolate, then return them to the parchment paper
- Final Freeze: place the clusters back into the freezer for an additional 30 minutes to allow the chocolate to set
- Enjoy: Once set, your yogurt and fruit clusters are ready to be enjoyed! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer.
I am reliably told this is a delicious snack, but I do know it will provide a good balance of protein, fibre and antioxidants, making it a perfect addition to our healthy eating habits.
So over the next week I am setting a challenge, I want us to
have a ‘Hydration and Fuel’ week — tracking water intake and having a balanced snack each day. Oh, and let me know if you try the yoghurt and fruit clusters.
Have a good week folks. Keep moving, keep looking and feeling good, and keep working on your Everyday Essentials for Wellbeing.
With love
Jane xx
