Monsoon Munchies

Six healthy takeaway treats packed with nutrients to try this season

It’s finally a whole lot cooler since the rains have set in and temperatures have dropped. But of course, all things nice also have their fair share of trouble. While the monsoon season brings with it food cravings; water-borne diseases and infections such as jaundice, typhoid, and stomach disorders are also part of the package. The trick is to eat sensibly, avoid raw foods, drink safe potable water at all times, and stay away from street food. Here are the top monsoon treats and fusion foods that use a variety of vegetables, coarse grain nuts, seeds, dried food and sweeteners to help you build immunity and stay healthy.

Sweet potato and almond medallions with tamarind maple chutney

This is a great monsoon filler and replacement for high calorie bhajjias if you want to keep a check on your waistline. Sweet potatoes are a nutritional powerhouse. Packed with vitamin A and carotenoids, these are lower in calories than potato, but have a high glycemic index. Because of that, the glucose in them does not get converted to fat easily in the body especially if you are active. Combining them with almonds, another nutritional star packed with healthy fat, makes these golden medallions a go-to snack.

Delivers Approximately 360 calories for five medallions, about 50 calories per medallion

Baked apple with melted nut butter of choice

Both the skin and flesh of apple contain the soluble fibre pectin which has a calming effect on the stomach and aids digestion. Mix a tablespoon coarse butter— almond, peanut or cashew— with a pinch of cinnamon and stuff it in the core of the apple bake for 15 minutes for a delicious monsoon snack.

Delivers One serving is 180 calories of high fibre snack with healthy omega fats

Brown vegetable poha

Replace your regular white poha with brown poha, have it roasted and cooled. Make it healthy and nutritious by adding purple cabbage and garnish with toasted almonds and coriander. This variant of brown poha is packed with protein and is a one-dish meal.

Delivers 2-3 servings contain 135 calories to 200 calories

Hot vegetable tea

If you feel the need to stay warm this season, a vegetable tea which is a thinner lighter version of a soup is an interesting way to soothe an irritated throat. Add fresh vegetables like mushroom, cabbage, red pumpkin or a mix of beetroot, carrot and celery, besides herbs like mint leaves or basil. This is a healthy low calorie, nutritious accompaniment to any meal.

Delivers 50 calories a cup

Lightly fried egg on mini oilfree khakhra with yoghurt

A high energy protein rich low calorie meal, it is a good replacement for Eggs Benedict and can replace your breakfast or can be a good post-workout snack.

Delivers 220 calories

Kiwi and cherry salad with feta cheese and chilly maple dressing

Pure maple syrup is a rich source of minerals like manganese and is a healthier sweetener to use. The salad is a nice pre or post workout snack; take low fat feta cheese if you need to lose weight.

Delivers 400 calories for 2 servings