Monday, 20 January 2014

Five fridge-free, healthy snacks



Sometimes those potato chips just sound so good.  

When hunger strikes and you’re on the run, it’s hard not to snack on vending machine goodies.

But despite their grab-and-go status, pre-packed snacks often weigh heavy on the sugar and the sodium.

Photo by: Tales of a Kitchen
Good news: You don’t have to eat reckless just because you’re in a hurry. Tasty, nutritious snacks can be prepped in little time:

Mango popcorn anyone?
Date night at the movies isn’t the only time for popping kernels.

When not dripping in oil and butter, these delicious nibbles can be nutritious replacements for potato chips. Great for digestion and high in fibre – whole-grain popcorn prompts gastrointestinal health and boasts more antioxidants than most fruits and veggies.

Not a mango fan? Skip the butter and add some berries instead. Mango Ball Recipe 

Triple layered apple sandwich
“An apple a day keeps the doctor away”

The sweet, crispy apple is a mighty thirst quencher all by itself. But imagine biting into a mouthful of honey, almond butter, chia seeds and dried cranberries too?

As your mouth begins to water, don’t fret – it’s normal for apples to stimulate saliva which in turn reduces tooth decay and lowers levels of bacteria in the mouth.

Next time you’re looking for a quick fix, try this mouth-watering Triple Layered Apple Sandwich. It takes less than 5 minutes to prep and provides your carb, fibre and protein count for the day.

No-bake energy bites
Hate waiting for the timer? Try rolling up some scrumptious No-bake Energy Bites without dialing up the heat. These bite-size snacks are crammed with coconut flakes, healthy oatmeal, honey and even a tinge of peanut butter. Plus it only takes 10 minutes to make a batch of 3 dozen for the week.

Protein wrap
“Ho-hum” ham sandwiches can get pretty squishy and unappetizing after siting in your bag all day. Wraps however, offer a thicker shell and come in a variety of flavors – herb, pesto, spinach and wheat.

Come lunch, spoil yourself with spicy tuna or avocado turkey. Protein Wraps can be stuffed with your choice of nuts, cheese, veggies and spices too.

Bugs on a log
There’s no reason Bugs on a Log should be kept Kindergarten exclusive! This classic combo of celery, peanut butter and raisins is a fun yet simple snack for any age.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with other dried fruits or nuts either. Celery is a wealthy source of vitamin C and an excellent aide for arthritis pain.

Wednesday, 8 January 2014

How to power nap like a pro: The benefits



It happens. Snoring through that boring seminar. Dosing off on the CTrain. Drooling while catching some lunchtime shuteye. We’ve all done it, and probably woke up dazed and confused (not to mention embarrassed) too. Next time, avoid being “that” person by grabbing some pre-planned Zzz’s instead. 

But aren’t naps frowned upon?
Not really. Though some people say naps are for the lazy – the term “power nap” is a genuine medical term. Research shows that a 15 to 20 minute power nap enhances concentration, boosts creativity, and lifts mood and levels of alertness.

The idea behind the power nap is to recharge and receive benefits of sleep without surrendering too much time. Power naps are a great way to gain and retain energy throughout the day.

To get a vitality kick from your midday break consider these few things: 

1) Whether iPhone or wrist watch, set an alarm and remember not to over sleep. 

Otherwise you’ll run the risk of waking up feeling more drained than before. Plus your boss likely won’t be too keen on any “sleep drunkenness” effects – prolonged transition from sleep to wake that causes disorientation and confusion.

2) Consistently is key. So have a set schedule for nightly sleep and naps, it’ll upsurge your chance of falling asleep when you need it.

3) Keep in mind, snoozing atop or under your desk probably isn’t the best choice. Find a quiet, comfortable spot away from too much noise and people. If you’ve got a private office or have your vehicle handy – use that as your haven of relaxation during power naps.

4) First time grabbing a few quick Zzz’s? Try not to plan it the day you’ve got that “big wig” meeting. You might just sleep through your alarm if you’re not yet used to snoozing in short durations.

Otherwise though, there’s really no reason not to nap.

Who says power naps are good for you?
Harvard University
The Mayo Clinic
National Institute of Mental Health
NASA

Other perks:
Natural and healthy alternative to caffeine
Soothes and depletes stress levels
Lowers chance of heart disease
Improves memory
Provides bursts of alertness
Enhances decision making skills

Resources
How to power nap correctly