Summer Snacks!

This coming summer, the heat is meant to set in. Keeping cool is definitely one of the struggles, particularly living in the north-western suburbs of Sydney. I am going to create a list of foods that will assist you in keeping cool and staying healthy (for the most part.)

Fruit:

Mangoes – These fabulous fruits are surprisingly coming into season nice and early. They have been available at Woolworths and Coles for weeks already and its only spring! They are in season, fresh and are guaranteed to keep you nice and cool while maintaining a healthy diet. They are available for approximately $2.90 each.

Nectarines & Peaches – These are both summer fruits that are taking a little longer to ripen and be more available and accessible on local supermarket shelves. However, when these fruits are in season they are a perfect addition to your summer diet. 

Some other options of fruit that have a high water content which are guaranteed  to keep you cool include: Watermelon, Cucumber, Apples, Grapefruits and strawberries - all of which contain a 90% water content. http://www.onegreenplanet.org/natural-health/stay-hydrated-this-summer-by-eating-these-foods/

To further the fruit theme, smoothies can be made from fresh fruit by adding either:

Milk, water and/or ice. It is a great, healthy way to cool down.

Ice blocks: 

Whether they be homemade or store bought, ice blocks are a perfect way to cool down in the hot summer heat. I would recommend water based ice blocks like ‘Super dupers” that take 24hrs to freeze but are a quick and easy snack. They can be bought at Coles for $5.79 for a pack of 24.

Salads:

Fresh salads are a great meal accompaniment that can keep you cool and maintain a healthy diet. You can be premade salads from Coles with options such as;

- Caesar Salad

- Asian Salad

- Garden Salad

Alternatively you can collect fresh ingredients to create your own.

There are many other options to keep cool, however these are just a few suggestions.

Recipe: Honey Joys!

Prepare: 10 mins 

Cook: 10 mins

Makes: 20 approx.

Although eating healthy should be the main focus of most young adults. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle however can be difficult, particularly with a busy schedule. Everyone deserves to have something sweet to create a balance in a diet. Here is an easy recipe that will take you back to your childhood. 

Ingredients:

• 4 and a 1/2 cups of cornflakes

• 1 Tablespoon of Honey (some extra can be added depending on sweetness preference)

• 1/3 of a cup of Castor Sugar

• 90g of Butter/Margarine

• Cupcake patties

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 150 degrees Celsius (fan forced).

2. Combine the butter, sugar and honey in a saucepan on medium until combined, melted and frothy.

3. Add the cornflakes and reduce heat slightly

4. Using a wooden spoon stir the cornflakes with the butter mixture until the cornflakes are covered. Remove saucepan from stove immediately after combined. 

5. Place the patty cakes in a cupcake tray. Fill these patty cakes with the cornflake mixture so it is evenly spread among all patty cakes.

6. Place in the oven (middle shelf) for 10 minutes.

7. Put on cooling tray for 10 minutes. Once cooled, Serve.

Enjoy!

What to eat when procrastination sets in!

When students are studying, procrastination may kick in and tell your brain your hungry. It’s a proven fact that engaging in strenuous mental activity increases hunger and calorie intake. Most people turn to unhealthy snacks such as chocolate and lollies to get the instant sugar buzz, however, these snacks decrease concentration at a rapid rate after the 20-minute buzz. Here is a list of snacks that can assist in improving brain power of which are easily accessible and easy on the wallet. 

Fruits and Vegetables: Apples, bananas and oranges are all cheap fruits that can be purchased at the local supermarket. (Coles, Woolworths, Aldi, IGA). These fruits contain multiple vitamins and carbs that assist with brainpower. Although these fruits can contain high amounts of sugar, they are balanced out with the fiber, calcium, potassium and protein that they provide.

Blueberries (Super food) are one of the best options to consume while studying. They are a little more expensive in terms of fruit (approximately $5-$8 per punnet depending on the season) However they are full of antioxidants as well as increasing learning capacity. 

Carrots are also a good option to snack on as you can combine it with other things to increase the variety of flavour. A good mix is Carrot and Hummus. Hummus is cheap ($4 per tub) and can be added to biscuits, celery, carrot and even corn chips. 

Nuts are common and beneficial snacks to eat as there are so many different types, each containing their own health benefits. The best ones for study are: Almonds and Peanuts. To create a variation of flavour, A Trail mix is also a good option as you can combine these nuts with dried fruit in a small bag and eat it on the go!

Some others good snacks include: Eggs, Dark Chocolate, Avocado, Peanut butter, Pretzels and Greek Yoghurt.

All of these foods can be bought from Coles, Woolworths, IGA, ALDI or a local fruit shop.

Vegemite and Cheese Twists; Snacks on a budget.

Recipe: Vegemite & Cheese Twists

Prep: 10 mins 
Cook: 10 mins

For those who are looking for a nice, easy and best of all cheap snack to get you through your day, this recipe was created for you! 

The amount of vegemite you use can be varied depending on personal taste.

Ingredients: (Serves 4)
- 1 tbs Vegemite
- 1 cup of (pre) grated Cheese
- 2 sheets of puff pastry 

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 180 degrees Celsius (fan forced)
2. Remove puff pastry from freezer. Separate 2 sheets of the pastry, returning the leftovers to the freezer. Allow these sheets to thaw for 5-10 minutes. 
3. Once thawed, lay on of the sheets on a breadboard, spread the pastry with vegemite (amount depending on taste). Sprinkle with cheese. (Make sure the vegemite and cheese is evenly spread for best results).
4. Brush some water on the second sheet. Place this sheet down, on top of the cheese and vegemite.
5. Cut the pastry into long strips of equal width and height. Press down on the edges of the strips to seal contents in pastry.
6. Line an oven tray with baking paper. Place the strips onto the baking paper. Grab each end of the strip and twist on end in a complete circle so the edges don’t split open. If they do split, pinch together again until stuck. Complete this for all strips.
7. Place tray in oven and cook for 10-15 minutes. Remove when puffed and golden brown and serve.