This is a bit of an odd post from me but I had a question last week regarding the #fooddiary hashtag that I’m currently using on Twitter. I use it to basically remind myself of the meals I’m eating (and how many calories they contain) as I try to keep a tighter rein on the quantities (and types) of food that I shove down my throat.
Anyway, I was asked about the other foods that I’ve been eating, aside from the main meals and for me, it’s the snacks that are often my downfall. I don’t start working until after Leila goes to bed and as a family, we always eat our dinner earlier in the day which means that I’m ravenous by nine or ten o’ clock at night. This wouldn’t be a problem if I was able to send myself to bed but I generally work through till around two in the morning. So… here are some of the treats that I’ve been indulging in over the past few weeks…
1). Being naturally isotonic, coconut water is known as a real thirst-quencher and I don’t know about you but I often mistake thirst for hunger. This ZICO Coconut Water* which has just launched into the UK market hit the spot and had a natural sweetness that felt far naughtier than it was. 60kcal per bottle and priced at £2.50 each, it’s not a cheap option but I think it would work well as an after-gym reward.
2). I love my tea and while most people start the day with a coffee, I kick mine off with a cup of Oolong. I always think of Oolong as the half-way point between black and white tea… it’s naturally quite mellow in flavour and contains less caffeine than both of the other varieties. I buy the teabags simply because I can’t be faffed with infusers first thing in the morning. Oolong has been a bit of a media darling in terms of reported health benefits (one of which includes fat-burning!), I just like the taste… all the other stuff is an added bonus!
3). If I’m going to be out during the day, I grab a protein bar to take with me. It (usually) stops me from diving into McDonalds (I know, filth) or somewhere equally unhealthy. The Biggest Loser Bars are the ones that I have at the minute but I can’t say they’ve been my favourite!
4). I bought the Japanese Sencha to drink chilled but haven’t gotten around to doing so yet! I first tasted Sencha at Camellia Tea House and really liked the mild, sweet flavour. It’s very gentle and a little grassy-tasting. Full of anti-oxidants, I find this probably the most refreshing of the teas I drink.
5). Special K Mini Breaks are my sweet-tooth saviour! 99kcal a pack, they don’t do to much damage but really hit the spot late at night when I’m craving something naughty.
6). Every girl needs a hot chocolate once in a while and Cadbury Highlights Dark Chocolate (it has to be the dark one!) is the most chocolatey of the lot for the least calories. Trust me on this, I think I’ve tried them all! When made with hot water, 40kcal won’t break the calorie bank.
7). Don’t laugh at this one but I’ve been known to raid Leila’s snack cupboard for a late night indulgence and these Annabel Karmel Tasty Tomato Corn & Rice Snacks are so good that I’ve just picked up a couple of packets for myself! 78kcal a pack, they’re around 55p each in my local supermarket.
8). Twinings Pure Peppermint is my ‘relaxation’ tea. Is that weird to have different teas to suit different moods? I first discovered the wonders of peppermint tea after my c-section… some of you will know what I’m talking about! I have a few cups a week and both the smell and taste really chill me out. Yes, I think that probably is a bit weird upon reflection.
9). I haven’t tried any other varieties of Chinese Gunpowder Tea yet but picked this one up from our local Asian supermarket because Mr. L fell in love with the smooth but smoky flavour. Are you bored of my teas yet?
10). Another winner from AK! The Oaty Chewy bar comes in at under 100kcal and is another sweet-tooth buster. I do fierce battle with my daughter over these and whenever I steal one, I remind her of the numerous times I’ve turned round to find my last chocolate digestive missing from the plate.
11). Last but by no means least, satsumas! I don’t really like fruit but I can’t get enough of these at the minute… around 40kcal each and so lovely late at night. Take ages to eat too because I’m really fussy about picking all the pith off!
.
What healthier alternatives do you enjoy and are you a late night snacker?
* press sample
