I’d like to devote this month to healthy snacking.
One, because snacks are delicious.
And two, to show you that it’s easy to whip up snacks that are good for your bod and your mind, but don’t require a ton of work or skill.
Good snack choices offer you a steady supply of energy, prevent overeating, promote a healthy weight and most importantly, keep your blood sugar levels even. This helps you avoid the crash and burn that makes you grumpy and desperate to snarf the first sugary treat you can get your paws on!
The challenge we have as consumers lies in the proliferation of packaged junk foods marketed as ‘healthy’ snack options. The snack food industry is growing all over the world, and it’s estimated that the global market for these foods will reach $334.7 billion by 2015. Yeesh. Gawk. Egads!
(You can read more about Canadian snacking trends here, if you’re interested.)
As with many health trends, the problem isn’t the concept, it’s the execution. A candy bar disguised as a granola bar doesn’t build our health, but it’s hard to find fault with munching on an apple or noshing on some whole almonds.
That’s why I’ll be sharing healthful snack recipes with you throughout the month, starting with today’s goodie: creamy lentil dip.
This isn’t the most attractive looking dish, with its ghastly gray-ish hues. But I know your taste buds will love the luxurious and creamy texture, while your insides will adore the protein, fibre and minerals. Lentils are jam-packed with energy-boosting nutrients like iron, folate, Vitamin B1 and Vitamin B6, and many of its vitamins and minerals also nourish our nervous systems.
I use plain green lentils here, but you could also try this with any kind of lentil you have on hand.
Creamy Lentil Dip
2 cups cooked green lentils (this is about ½ cup dried)
½ cup water, or more as needed
¼ cup tahini
2 tbsp lemon juice
2 small cloves of garlic, minced or crushed
½ tsp Himalayan salt, or to taste
In a food processor or blender, combine the tahini, water and lemon juice. Blend until the mixture is smooth.
Add the cooked lentils, garlic and salt, then process again until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
