There’s something about the afternoon slump that makes nutritious food seem less appealing, and we might find ourselves reaching for sweet or salty snacks instead. Unfortunately, convenient snacks are often unhealthy, and what we reach for on our busiest days is not always best for our bodies.
It can be helpful to think of snacks as fuel. Nutrient-poor snacks, like candy bars, are a fuel that runs hot and flames out fast. Plus they have sugar that can feed cancer cells, which we don’t want! You’ll also get a quick jolt of energy followed by a crash that leaves you hungry, unable to concentrate and poorly nourished. Nutritious snacks, in contrast, are like a slow-burning fuel that power you through your day and keep you energized.
Smart snacks prevent overeating at your next meal, keep blood sugar levels steady and supply your body with good nutrition. To avoid unhealthy snacks, the solution is preparation. Planning healthy snacks ahead of time makes sure you have nutrient-filled choices conveniently ready when you need them.
These curry lime roasted almonds are both nutritious and tasty, a smart choice for a mid-afternoon bite. The protein from the almonds will give you an extra mental boost, and the lively flavors of curry and lime make this a satisfying snack. Watch the clock while roasting — these almonds crisp up even more after cooling, so be careful not to overcook.
Curry Lime Roasted Almonds
Serves 6-8 as a snack
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups raw almonds (Avoid the salted variety)
- 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 ½ tablespoons curry powder
- ¼ tablespoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 250º Fahrenheit.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Using a spoon, mix until the almonds are thoroughly coated. Transfer almonds onto the baking sheet.
- Bake for 40 minutes, tossing every 15 minutes or so to evenly roast.
- Let cool, then transfer to small, air-tight containers for storage.
