One of the most popular New Year's Resolution is around diet and eating a bit healthier. In fact, just last year 46% of Australians vowed to improve their diet.
Cleaning up your diet doesn’t mean you have to cut out sweet treats! It just means changing the way you treat yourself. Swap the processed chocolate, lollies, and pastries for some of the healthy snacks listed below and feel the difference! They’ll satisfy your sweet cravings and give you a boost of energy rather than a sugar crash. It’s a win-win.
Fruit
Fresh fruit is nature's candy! It requires little to no preparation so it’s the perfect on-the-go snack. Swapping sugar-heavy desserts for fruit not only helps reduce your sugar intake but also increases the fibre, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants in your diet to support good health. When shopping for fruit and veg, try to eat seasonally and support local farmers as much as you can. Eating produce that’s in season means it’s generally in peak supply, so it’s not only fresh and tasty but it’ll likely be cheaper too. To make your fruit feel more like a treat, try dipping it in Dark Chocolate, Nut Butter, or adding it to a bowl of natural coconut yoghurt.
Our Reusable Vegan Food Wraps are great for covering leftover fruit and helps it stay fresher for longer, plus it's a great alternative to plastic cling wrap.
Dark Chocolate
Believe it or not, Dark Chocolate has impressive health benefits! Made from the seed of the cacao tree, it’s one of the highest sources of antioxidants in the world. Scientific studies have shown that dark chocolate is rich in phytonutrients, which are plant chemicals that act as antioxidants. Antioxidants scavenge free radicals from our cells, helping to reduce inflammation and counteract stress. Dark Chocolate (70% or higher) is also a good source of fibre, potassium, calcium, copper and magnesium. Not to mention it’s seriously delicious.
What's chocolate without a nice cup of tea? We have a huge range of Organic Tea and Drinks you can shop here.
Smoothies
A daily smoothie is a quick and easy way to pack extra fruits and veggies into your day — while at the same time nourishing your body with fibre, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. It’s important that your smoothie contains a good balance of nutrients including protein, carbs, and healthy fats to give you energy and keep you feeling full for longer.
To make, begin with a base of fresh or frozen fruit, add a handful of leafy greens like spinach or kale, a teaspoon of seeds or Nut Butter for healthy fats, a scoop of Plant Protein Powder, about a cup of liquid and a handful of ice! It’s as simple as that.
Nuts, Seeds & Dried Fruit
Nuts, seeds and dried fruit make for a healthy, non-perishable snack combo. A handful of the three provides a good mix of fibre and all three macronutrients; healthy fats and protein from the nuts and seeds, and carbs from the dried fruit. Keep a container of it in your desk drawer or handbag for when you start to feel peckish between meals.
At Flora & Fauna, we stock Barukas Nuts aka 'the healthiest nuts in the world.' You can read all about their health benefits in our Blog.
Baked Sweet Potato Fries
This Vitamin A-rich snack is a great choice when you’re craving something savoury, salty and sweet. A good source of Vitamin C and Potassium, sweet potatoes contain natural compounds called carotenoids which give them their rich colour. Carotenoids are also antioxidants that help protect your cells from everyday damage. Simply cut up a sweet potato into chips, toss with a dash of olive oil, salt and pepper, and bake in the oven or air fryer until tender and golden brown (about 20 minutes).
These sweet potato fries look even more inviting when served in our Coconut Bowls. They are also handy to have around the table for people to pick at and are absolutely perfect for hosting dinner parties.
Plant-Based Protein Bar
When you’re on the go and in need of a convenient, healthy snack — a protein ball or bar is a great option! Plus, did you know protein has also been shown to directly reduce food cravings? Made from real ingredients (no artificial nasties), Amazonia Raw Plant Protein Bars are a delicious plant-based snack. Don’t let their indulgent appearance deceive you – these bars are packed with goodness. Each one contains 10g of sprouted and fermented plant protein to help you feel full for longer, and 4g of fibre for healthy digestion.
They’re vegan, gluten-free, and available in three mouthwatering flavours: Triple Choc Brownie, Choc Chip Cookie Dough, and Peanut Butter Choc Melt. Yum!
Amazonia aims 'To deliver the best nutrition to you and see more happy, healthy people that are bright-eyed, energetic and full of life.' Their delicious range of vegan health products are super motivating and a great way to start your new year, without having to compromise on taste.
For more tips to stay on track with your new year goals, have a read of the below:
