Hey there! Have you been craving chips and biscuits (or any other unhealthy snack) in the evening lately? While it's totally normal to crave these types of treats, it's important to remember that they may not always be the healthiest choice. It's okay to indulge in a treat once in a while but bingeing on them might not be a good choice. It's important to maintain a balanced diet overall and to live a healthy lifestyle.
If you're looking for ways to satisfy your 4 pm cravings in a healthier way, there are plenty of options! If you're finding it hard to resist the temptation to reach for unhealthy snacks, have you tried planning out your meals and snacks in advance to help you make healthier choices and avoid reaching for unhealthy snacks out of habit or boredom?
Here are 5 simple snacks for those 4-pm cravings:
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Spiced Popcorn
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup popcorn kernels
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the popcorn kernels to the pot and cover with a lid.
- Once the kernels start to pop, shake the pot gently to help distribute the kernels and prevent burning.
- When the popping slows down, remove the pot from the heat and let it sit for a few more seconds to let any remaining kernels pop.
- In a small bowl, mix the chili powder, garlic powder, paprika, cumin, and salt.
- Drizzle the melted butter over the popcorn and sprinkle the spice mixture over the top.
- Toss the popcorn to evenly coat it with the spices and butter.
- Serve the spiced popcorn immediately or transfer it to an airtight container to store for later & Enjoy
Granola is a delicious and nutritious snack that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It is made from a mixture of oats, nuts, seeds, and dried fruit, which provides a satisfying crunch and a wholesome flavor. The high fiber and protein content of granola makes it a good option for evening cravings as it can help keep you full and satisfied until bedtime.
Additionally, granola can be easily customized to suit individual taste preferences, making it a universally liked snack. Whether enjoyed on its own, sprinkled over yogurt, or paired with milk, granola is a tasty and convenient choice for satisfying those evening hunger pangs.
Hachi’s Granola is made with nuts, seeds, organic Jaggery along with fresh fruits, fresh cocoa and fresh coffee.
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No Bake Oat Energy Bites:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup smooth peanut butter
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/2 cup ground flaxseed
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup Granola (optional)
Instructions:
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the oats, peanut butter, honey, flaxseed, chocolate chips, and vanilla extract. Stir until everything is well combined.
- Roll the mixture into small balls, about the size of a golf ball. You can use a small cookie scoop or a spoon to help measure out the right amount of mixture for each ball.
- Place the balls on a plate or tray and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
- Once chilled, the energy bites are ready to eat and help satisfy your 4pm cravings!
- Store any leftover energy bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Tip: For additional boost of energy, mix Mocha Hazelnut Granola by Hachi or Double Chocolate Granola by Hachi for that chocolatey kick.
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Avocado Toast
This is a perfect combination of protein and carbs, to help you with your cravings.
Ingredients:
- 1 slice of bread
- 1/2 avocado
- 1/4 teaspoon lemon juice
- salt, to taste
- pepper, to taste
- optional toppings: cherry tomatoes, sliced radishes, chopped herbs (such as cilantro or basil)
Instructions:
- Toast the slice of bread to your desired level of toasty-ness.
- In a small bowl, mash the avocado with a fork. Squeeze in the lemon juice and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Spread the avocado mixture onto the toasted bread.
- Top with any desired toppings, such as cherry tomatoes, sliced radishes, or chopped herbs.
- Serve immediately and satisfy your 4 pm cravings!
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Dark Chocolate Granola Bark
This recipe totally elevates eating a normal dark chocolate which still has sugar in it. Mixing dark chocolate compound with granola made with fresh fruits, nuts, seeds, ensures a healthy but totally yummy and chocolatey treat. You can enjoy this anytime in your day or night.
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces dark chocolate, chopped
- 1 cup granola
Instructions:
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Melt the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until the chocolate is smooth.
- Stir in the granola until well combined.
- Pour the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and spread it into an even layer.
- Refrigerate the bark until it is firm, about 1 hour.
- Break the bark into pieces and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
- You can customize this recipe by using different types of chocolate (dark, milk, white) or adding other mix-ins like Pineapple Coconut Granola, Orange Hazelnut & Dark Chocolate Granola and Rose Almond Granola.
The Bottom Line
When you have that 4 pm craving, its instant and you tend to eat anything infront of you. Having these options available can help to ensure you get the right nutrition to continue the evening in the right manner. While these recipes might sound fancy, they are easily made with minimal effort. You can store the Oat Energy Bites and Dark Chocolate Granola Bark in the refrigerator up to 1 week.
Enjoy Snacking!