Hey, everyone!🌼

I never realised the importance of eating healthy until it started to show its effect on my body. Now, just to clarify, I am, thankfully, only 18 years old and no, I don't, again thankfully, have any chronic diseases. I am however having irregular periods (which is an aftermath of a messed-up lifestyle), moderate obesity, hair loss and rough skin.

This year, I finally made up my mind that I was no more going to crib about the little health obstacles I have and will start having a better and healthier lifestyle. Now, breakfast, lunch and dinner is all on my mom's hands. I rarely eat from outside for those three important meals. However, when it's snacks time or just midnight cravings, I gorge on the most unhealthiest snacks you can EVER imagine.

I am a huge believer of 'What goes inside shows outside'. If you eat clean and healthy, it will surely show it on your body. So, after hours and hours of looking up for healthy snacks options which are easy to make, because, let's face it, no one wants to follow a two-hour long recipe to satisfy these little devilish snacks cravings.

So, below are the best snack options I could find. I've mentioned those which require no cooking or very little cooking. They can easily be made in a few minutes. So, let's get started!🥰

1. FRUITS, OBVIOUSLY.

This is the most popular and obvious option. Fruits are the best things available to us. However, my advice is to not juice it. Fruit juices contain more sugar and less fibre than the fruit itself. Take a few minutes to cut the fruit and then eat. Try to consume your fruits before sunset to reap maximum benefits. If you are feeling a little fancy, chop up a few different fruits, drizzle some honey and enjoy!

2. NUTS AND SEEDS.

Yes, yes. I know nuts and seeds come in small servings, but best things come in small packages, don't they? Whenever you need something to munch on, these are one of the best options. You can also coarsely chop them, add them to your regular cereal-milk mixture, fruit salads or your smoothies.

3. VEGETABLES WITH HUMMUS.

Now, not gonna lie, I've never tried this out. But I have been meaning to make my own hummus at home and try it out. Actually, my chickpeas are already cooking and after writing this, I will be making my hummus for the first time. Yay!
Anyways, after my intensive research, vegetables with hummus is a very popular snack option. Now, I know hummus needs a bit of your time to cook. But you can cook a moderate amount of it and store it for over a week or just buy hummus from the store. Cucumbers, carrots, capsicums, tomatoes, cauliflowers, radishes go well with hummus. If nothing else, enjoy your hummus with whole wheat bread.

4. SPROUTS.

This requires a bit of preparation. Take your favourite sprouting seeds and soak them in water and let them sprout. Sprouts are super nutritious. You can add some chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, onions and green chillies(if you want) or just enjoy it with a dash of salt and pepper. Easy-peasy and delicious!

5. DARK CHOCOLATE.

I know a lot of you might think that this is not healthy but dark chocolate is such a hidden surprise. It's loaded with some amazing nutrients and anti-oxidants. It's all you need for a burst of energy and to lift your mood, while staying healthy.

6. BANANA BITES.

I just found this on the Internet and it was so interesting that I had to add this, here. It requires a bit of effort and it seems worth the effort!
Chop some bananas into discs. Spread a little peanut butter on one side of it and cover it with another banana disc. Dip it into melted dark chocolate and then freeze it. Ta-da! Your delicious banana coins are ready.

7. PUFFED RICE.

This is one of my favourite midnight snacks. I take a small bowl full of puffed rice, sprinkle a bit of salt, add some roasted peanuts, chickpeas and that's it. Puffed rice is easily customisable. You can add cucumbers, onions, tomatoes, aloo bhujia and some pickle for the wholesome Bhel Puri experience.

8. SMOOTHIES.

Smoothies are so versatile! Add your favourite fruits, handfuls of nuts, a cup of yoghurt and blend it. Pour it into a glass and add honey for sweetness. For extra protein boost, add a scoop of protein powder and mix. Ta-da. Super easy and delicious!

9. SANDWICH.

Sandwiches come in different flavours, shapes and sizes. However, when you're hungry, nothing matters. I've got you covered! Toast two slices of multi-grain or whole wheat bread. Take a bowl and add some chopped onions, cucumber, carrot, capsicum and cabbage. Add curd and sprinkle salt and pepper. Mix it well and spread it on the bread slice. Your quick and delicious sandwich is ready in minutes!

10. CHAAT.

If you're an Indian, you know Chaat very well. For this, take some boiled chickpeas, bengal gram, white pea beans in a bowl. Add some chopped vegetables like onions, cucumber, carrot, green chillies. Sprinkle some salt, chaat masala and squeeze a lemon. Quite delicious and popular snack option!

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Before you leave,

Thank you for reading this. Before you think I'm already the most healthiest person alive, I am not. I would like to think that all the little health issues that I have are just means to make me a better and healthier person. There's a quote in Nischerin Buddhism which I've come to love.

This is just the beginning. Today, as I write this, I have made up my mind that I'll take care of this body that's given to me. I went to the store in the evening and bought everything I'd need to eat clean. This post is me telling myself that this is the beginning, that I'm not alone, that I'll work hard enough to give myself a body I'm comfortable inside.

If this helped you rethink your food choices and made you eat a bit healthier and cleaner, I'll be grateful. ❤️🌼

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Just a few questions.

🔴 Did you enjoy this chapter? Would you like to see more such chapters on health and lifestyle and food in the future?

🔴 Any suggestions on what topics I should write about? I'm a bit low on ideas so I really appreciate your suggestions.

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🌻Thankful for each and every one of you.🌻

This book isn't just for me. It's for you guys, too. Even if it is one of you whom I can help with my words, that's more than enough for me. There's a lot of efforts that goes into making every post of this book enjoyable. From formatting the text to choosing quality pictures to make it a treat to the eye to editing the title text, I'm putting in a lot of love and time. So, if you are reading this, I want to thank you for sticking with me. It means a lot. 🌸🍂

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Stay tuned for the Wednesday update!

Signing off,
Sam.❤️