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Healthy Snacks for Kids

Leave a Comment / Healthy Meals, Kids Corner / By Naina

Ditch the Sugar Crash: Fun & Healthy Snacks for Kids

As a mother, I am always looking for options for healthy snacks for kids. In today’s times, children are so busy juggling between school and music lessons, tuition, badminton class, guitar class, football, basketball, playdates, robotics, and whatnot. With increasing pressure and the need to stay energetic, they need a balanced diet and healthy meal options that are easy to procure, carry, and consume.

Like all parents, I was super concerned about the nutrition needs of my children. Junk food was like an eternal enemy that we as supermoms were trying to defeat with our indigenous recipes and tricks. While all meals are equally important, today I want to emphasize on the evening snack as it plays an important role in keeping the energy levels high without impacting the overall health.

Sharing my list of tasty, nutritious and non-messy food options for little ones –

First and foremost,Fruits. Yes! The humble banana or the juicy apple is the easiest and best to-go snack for your child. Dish out a colorful fruit chat with a pinch of chat masala or black salt. Since every colored fruit comes with unique nutritional value, it is good to include at least 2-3 different colors in your chat or salad. Also, opt for local and seasonal fruits rather than spending that extra effort and money buying exotic fruits. When in a hurry, just pack the whole fruit or hand over a bottle of Juice.

Dry-fruit Balls: Nuts are an excellent source of healthy fats, protein, and fiber. Create small laddoos or balls of popular dry fruits like Almonds, cashews, dates, and peanuts and offer them as an evening snack. You can add some dark chocolate chips or grated coconut for a delicious twist. Nut Balls are super easy to make and easy to carry just like a protein bar.

Lettuce Avocado Sandwich: Let your child make their own sandwich with a healthy yet delicious guacamole sauce or hummus. Hummus, made from chickpeas and sesame is loaded with Proteins and avocado is a rich source of antioxidants. Top it with fresh veggies of their choice such as lettuce, cucumber, olives, tomatoes, rocket leaves, etc.

Yogurt Dip with Baked Chips: Yogurt is an excellent source of protein and calcium, which are essential for a child’s growth and development. Make a simple dip with hung curd and coriander/ mint and serve with baked or air-fried chips. You can even substitute potato chips with apple chips, banana chips or fresh vegetable sticks (carrot/celery/capsicum).

Palak Idlis: Idlis are a popular breakfast food in India, but they also make a great snack option. They are made from fermented rice and lentil batter, which makes them a good source of protein and fiber. Add some fresh palak (chopped or pureed) to make them crunchy and healthier You can serve them with coconut chutney, Podi idli powder or white butter for added flavor. When palak is not in season, use beetroot for those bright red healthy bites.

Dal Dhokla: Steamed dhokla is a great source of protein and fiber and is also low in calories. Make them at home with soaked Moong , Urad or Chana dal for that extra dash of protein. You can serve dhokla with homemade tomato chutney , coriander chutney or even guava chutney for added flavor.

Popcorn: Popcorn is a healthy and low-calorie snack option that all kids love. You can make popcorn at home or buy pre-packaged bags that are free from added sugars and chemicals. Avoid caramel popcorn as they are loaded with sugar. Convenient to make and pack in a box for snack break.

Healthy Trail Mix – We all love to munch on a tasty trail mix or a namkeen. Trail mixes are easy to make and prepared upfront and a healthy trail mix can be a boon to working parents. Some of my favorite options are Oats Chivda Mixture , Roasted Chana Mixture, Roasted Makhana, Nutty trail Mix. You can make them at home or buy pre-packaged from the store. Just ensure they are roasted/air fried and not deep fried.

Millet Cookies – Millet cookies are a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional cookies. Millet is a gluten-free grain full of nutrition and health benefits. It is a great source of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, and has a mild, nutty flavor. You can keep a variety of them handy for the times when cooking a snack is not possible. I would recommend using the ones with jaggery rather than processed sugar.

As a parent, it can be challenging to find healthy snack options that your kids will enjoy. With so many processed and sugary snacks readily available, it’s important to offer your kids nutritious options that can help support their growth and development. We need to be aware that the preparations are done using the right oil (Cold pressed oils are a great choice), the right method (Roasted/Steamed/Air Fried), and the right ingredients(Unprocessed /Natural). With a little effort and careful planning, many healthy snack options can be explored that are not only delicious but also packed with essential nutrients.

By offering your child nutritious snacks, you can help support their growth and development while also teaching them healthy eating habits. Remember to offer a variety of foods and flavors to keep your child interested and engaged in healthy snacking.

Are Cold Pressed Oils healthy?

Leave a Comment / Healthy Meals / By Abhishek

Navigating Between Refined Oils and the Allure of Cold Pressed Oils

Among the myriad choices we face in cooking oils, cold pressed oils have emerged from the shadows to claim their throne. Gone are the days when cooking oil was a mere afterthought; it’s now a canvas for crafting culinary masterpieces and nurturing our bodies. So, join us as we embark on a flavorful exploration, delving deep into the intricacies of selecting the right cooking oil. In this edition, our spotlight shines on the timeless battle: Refined Oil vs. Cold Pressed Oil. Let’s unlock the mysteries and demystify the jargon to empower your culinary choices

Cold-pressed refers to the method of extraction used to obtain the oil from the source. Cold-pressed oils are made by mechanically pressing the oil out of the source, such as nuts or seeds, at a low temperature. This method preserves the oil’s natural flavor and nutritional value, resulting in a product free from chemicals and solvents. Cold-pressed oils are also known as extra-virgin or virgin oils.

On the other hand, normal oils are made by using heat and chemicals to extract the oil from the source. This process can strip the oil of its natural flavor and nutritional value. Normal oils are also known as refined or processed oils.

One of the main benefits of cold-pressed oils is that they retain their natural flavor, aroma, and nutritional value. Because they are not exposed to high temperatures or chemicals during the extraction process, cold-pressed oils are often considered to be of higher quality than normal oils. They are also often considered to be more pure and natural. Cold-pressed oils are also known to be higher in beneficial nutrients such as vitamins and minerals. Cold-pressed oils are also rich in antioxidants, which can help to protect the body from free radical damage and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

Another benefit of cold-pressed oils is that they have a higher smoke point than normal oils. This means that they can be heated to higher temperatures without breaking down and producing harmful smoke or chemicals. This makes them ideal for cooking and frying. Normal oils, on the other hand, have a lower smoke point and are often less stable at high temperatures. They can also be exposed to chemicals and solvents during the extraction process, which can affect their nutritional value and safety.

In terms of taste, cold-pressed oils often have a stronger, more distinct flavor than normal oils. This makes them perfect for use in salad dressings, marinades, and other recipes that require a strong flavor. Normal oils, on the other hand, often have a milder flavor, making them better suited for use in recipes that require a neutral oil. When it comes to price, cold-pressed oils can be more expensive than normal oils due to the more complex and time-consuming extraction process. However, many people believe that the higher quality and nutritional value of cold-pressed oils make them worth the extra cost.

SoPURE life brings together a blend of natural, home made and authentic for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. SoPURE Life cold-pressed oils are considered to be of higher quality and retain more of their natural nutrients, flavor and aroma. They are also more stable at high temperatures and are often considered to be more pure and natural.

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Unmasking the Truth: Refined vs. Cold-Pressed Oils

Ready to ditch the refined and embrace the cold-pressed? Here’s a quick comparison to get you started –

Immunity boosting Indian Herbs & Spices

Leave a Comment / Healthy Meals / By Deepshikha

Harnessing the Power of Ayurveda: Exploring India’s Top Immunity-Boosting Herbs

India has a rich history of using herbs and spices for medicinal purposes, and many of these herbs have been found to have immune-boosting properties. Here are the top 5 Indian herbs that can help boost your immune system:

Turmeric: This bright yellow spice is a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. It contains a compound called curcumin, which has been found to have immune-boosting properties and may help to reduce the risk of certain cancers. It can be consumed in powdered form or can be added to dishes as a spice.
Holy basil: Also known as tulsi, holy basil is a traditional Ayurvedic herb that is believed to have immune-boosting properties. It is rich in antioxidants and is known to help reduce stress, which can weaken the immune system. It can be consumed as a tea or as a supplement.
Ginger: This pungent root is a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. It has been found to help reduce the risk of certain cancers and may help to boost the immune system. It can be consumed in powdered form, as a supplement or added to dishes as a spice.
Amla: This small, sour fruit is a rich source of vitamin C, which is essential for a healthy immune system. It is also a powerful antioxidant and has been found to have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. It can be consumed as a supplement or as a fruit.
Neem: This bitter herb is a traditional Ayurvedic herb that is known for its immune-boosting properties. It is rich in antioxidants and has been found to have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. It can be consumed as a supplement or as an extract in oil or cream form.

It’s important to note that while these herbs may have immune-boosting properties, they should not be used as a substitute for medical treatment. It is always best to consult a healthcare professional before starting to use any herbs or supplements to boost your immune system. Additionally, it is important to use high-quality, organic herbs whenever possible and to use them in appropriate dosages.

oPURE life brings together a blend of natural, home made and authentic for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. These types of foods are rich in nutrients, lower in calories, and support a healthy gut. Eating a diet high in pure, whole foods can also have a positive impact on mental health.
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