Holding the pangs of hunger at bay is one of the hardest aspects of dieting.
You can spend the day eating really well, but if your self-discipline starts to waver,
you could find yourself delving into the biscuit tin or crisp cupboard at 10 o’clock
in the evening.
Although food’s included in most diet menus are healthy, they aren’t always the most filling.
However, these five foods are packed full of nutrients and will ensure you are full and satisfied
after enjoying a thoroughly healthy meal.
Chickpeas
These brilliant little pulses can be found on the tinned shelf of any supermarket
or corner shop.
Chickpeas are very low in saturated fats and are a great source of natural protein.
They are also an incredibly versatile ingredient; perfect in curries, stews, blitzed into
dips and warm in salads.
Fry some chopped onion and garlic gently in some sunflower oil.
Drain a can of chickpeas and add to the pan with a sprinkle of ground cumin or
garam masala.
Cook for ten minutes, then add some chopped fresh tomatoes and a squirt of tomato
ketchup.
Finish off with some chopped parsley and some seasoning, and you have a delicious
alternative to baked beans.
Eggs
The humble egg is a vital ingredient in any dietary schedule, providing a quick meal
packed with protein and vitamins.
Frying or scrambling your eggs isn’t the healthiest option, so stick to boiled and poached.
Poaching an egg can be tricky business, so why not give this little hack a go.
Pull off a square of cling film – about the size of a piece of kitchen paper – drape it over a mug,
allowing the centre of the film to dip into the mug a little.
Lubricate the cling with a spray of low-calorie oil, season with salt and pepper, then crack
your egg into the middle.
Bring the corners of the cling film together and wind tightly so you have a lovely little parcel
of egg.
Drop into a pan of simmering water for around four-and-a-half minutes, then lift your parcel
out with a spoon, pull away the cling film and you have a perfect, hassle-free poached egg.
Takeaways
If you are smart about what you order, then there is no reason why takeaways can’t be part
of a healthy balanced diet.
Thai fish curries are packed with nutrients, steamed Chinese dumplings are filling and
delicious, and most fruity Indian dhansak’s are served with brown rice and salad.
Have a look at some of the menu options here and see what other healthy dishes you
can pick out.
Sweet Potatoes
Compared to your usual potatoes, sweet potatoes actually contain more fibre and
much more vitamins than the white alternatives.
You can use them in much the same way as regular potatoes, just make sure you give
the skin a good scrubbing.
Cut into thick wedges, toss in a little sunflower oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper, paprika
and dried oregano.
Place on a foiled baking tray and cook in a hot oven for at least 30 minutes, flipping them
over half way through, then bring them out and enjoy your crispy Cajun sweet potato wedges.
Greek Yoghurt
Fat-free Greek yoghurt is filled with protein and probiotics.
It’s also a much more versatile ingredient than most people think.
It’s great for topping your cereal in the morning, adding a healthy, creamy texture to sauces
and even stirred through your homemade coleslaw instead of mayonnaise.
For those of us with a sweet tooth, chop two ripe bananas into chunks, place in a freezer bag
and freeze for a few hours.
Chuck the frozen banana chunks into a food processor or blender, with a big spoonful of
Greek yoghurt and a dollop of natural honey.
After you’ve blitzed the mixture, spoon it into a tub and you have a healthy, frozen banana
yoghurt which will keep in the freezer for at least a month.
What are your favorite healthy foods that fill you up and keep you satisfied?
Share your thoughts and comments with us.
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