Healthy Habits for a Happier Life
Eating a healthy diet is one of the most important things you can do for your overall health and wellbeing. A healthy diet not only helps you maintain a healthy weight, but it can also lower your risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
In this blog, we will share some healthy recipes that you can try at your home.
Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are packed with nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. These essential nutrients help protect your body against disease and keep your immune system functioning properly. Aim to eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables per day.
Try to eat a variety of colors to get a range of nutrients. Incorporating fruits and vegetables into your diet can be easy – add berries to your oatmeal, have a salad for lunch, or snack on carrot sticks and hummus.
Whole Grains
Whole grains are a great source of fiber, which is important for digestive health. They also contain essential nutrients like iron, magnesium, and B vitamins. Choose whole grain bread, pasta, and cereals instead of refined grains. Look for products that have “100% whole grain” on the label to ensure you are getting the most nutrients.
Healthy Fats
Healthy fats, such as those found in nuts, seeds, and avocado, are important for brain function and hormone production. They also help keep your skin and hair healthy. Avoid trans fats, which are found in fried foods, baked goods, and processed snacks. These fats have been linked to heart disease.
Here are some snack recipes that are healthy and easy to make.
Roasted chickpeas
Ingredients
● Chickpeas, drained and rinsed
● Olive oil
● Salt
● Garlic powder
● Pepper
Procedure:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Drain and rinse the chickpeas in a colander, then pat them dry with a paper towel.
3. In a mixing bowl, toss the chickpeas with olive oil, salt, garlic powder, and paprika until they are evenly coated.
4. Spread the chickpeas out in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with archment paper.
5. Bake in the oven for 20-30 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally, until the chickpeas are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
6. Remove the chickpeas from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy as a crunchy and healthy snack!
Baked Sweet Potato Fries
Ingredients:
● large sweet potatoes
● olive oil
● garlic powder
● paprika
● Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Peel and cut the sweet potatoes into thin fries or wedges.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add the sweet potato fries and toss them until they are evenly coated with the mixture.
4. Arrange the fries in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, making sure there’s enough space between each fry so that they can cook evenly.
5. Bake the fries for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they are crispy and lightly browned on the outside and tender on the inside. Flip them over halfway through cooking.
6. Remove the fries from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. You can sprinkle them with some additional salt or herbs if desired.
Enjoy your delicious and healthy sweet potato fries!
Veggie sticks
Ingredients:
● Assorted vegetables- carrots, celery, bell peppers, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes
● Hummus or ranch dressing (for dipping)
Procedure:
1. Wash and prepare the vegetables by slicing them into thin, bite-sized sticks.
2. Arrange the veggie sticks on a platter or plate.
3. Serve with a bowl of hummus or ranch dressing for dipping.
4. Enjoy your healthy and delicious veggie sticks as a snack or appetizer!
