A week of work and long office nights makes the anticipation of the weekend that much more urgent. And there is something extremely satisfying about spending the weekend at home, curled up with a book or binge-watching a show lounging on the sofa. Snacking on chips, crunchy crisps and popcorn can be an inviting option on such days.
But the weekend can be free of eating too much junk or high-calorie foods even as you laze around at home. Healthy snack options will induce a feeling of being full that will reduce the tendency to overeat while watching a show or movie. As the climax unfolds and the suspense reveals itself, you can immerse yourself completely in the plot without worrying about heightened calorie intake. Here are a few easy-to-make healthy munchies to binge on, guilt-free and with full pleasure, on the weekend:
Sliced Veggies And Hummus
Whip up an easy to prepare hummus and slice some cucumbers, carrots, radishes and celery for a healthy snack plate. Sprinkle some pink salt and pepper on the rectangular veggie cuts for an enhanced flavour. Binge on these crispy and delicious and veggie salad bites dipped in hummus.
Sweet Potato Chips
Sweet potato chips are a heathier substitute for potato chips or French fries and are extremely easy to make. Slice sweet potatoes thinly and fry them until golden brown; season with salt, pepper and paprika for a bit of spice. Sweet potatoes are rich in fibre and induce a feeling of satiety so you will hardly be tempted to overeat!
Masala Peanuts
Add chopped onions, tomatoes, a bit of chilli powder, lime juice and chaat masala to a bowlful of peanuts. Do away with the sev usually added to this bar bite for a healthier variation. You can also pour some coconut oil for a helping of essential fats. Binge on crunchy peanuts instead of popcorn for a healthier weekend munching alternative.
Dry Fruits
Almonds, cashews, walnuts, raisins have numerous nutrients including essential Omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins and antioxidants. Mix all these dry fruits together and create your own healthy snack bowl. Eating dry fruits also induces a feeling of being full and reduces the tendency to overeat. Add pistachios, dates and dried apricots for more variety.
Foxnuts
Makhana or foxnuts can be roasted at home and lightly seasoned to make a snack that can adequately substitute your cravings for popcorn. Foxnuts are a natural anti-inflammatory and a rich source of fibre that provide roughage and reduce constipation. You can also opt for the makhanas available in the market seasoned with different condiments.
Roasted Chickpeas
Roasted chana or chickpeas flavoured with chilli powder, chaat masala and a bit of cumin powder make for a delicious crispy and spicy snack on movie nights. Chana has a number of health benefits but be sure to binge on this snack in moderate proportions because too many chickpeas can cause bloating.