The moment all cricket fans were waiting for is finally here! ICC World Cup has begun and we can sense a lot of excitement, anxiety, and curiosity among cricket lovers. 10 teams will be competing with each other, but only one will lift the cup. The next 45 days are going to be crucial, and while cricketers are working hard on the pitch to win every match, cricket fanatics are hooked onto their screens to cheer for the favorite team. So, when you have taken the oath to not miss even a single ball, how are you going to take care of the hunger pangs? Let me tell you that the moment the tension during the game increases, you would be looking around for munchies to control the anxiety. While chips, nuggets, fries, juices, and soft drinks might make you feel better, your body isn’t gonna love them. You need to care of your body as much as you care about the World Cup.
Let me suggest some of my favorite game day snacks that are healthy and filling, and will keep you energetic throughout the match. Whether you are watching the match on screen or at the stadium, make sure to have these saviors next to you.
1. Dark Chocolate and Almonds
This filling and easy-to-carry snacks are delicious as well. Dark chocolate has flavanols that can help in reducing the risk of heart disease and lowering blood pressure. The reason being that it has at least 70 percent cocoa solids. Almonds are rich in mono-saturated fat and control blood sugar. A combination of dark chocolate and almonds could provide you up to 300 calories.
2. Mixed Nuts
If you want an ideal nutritious snack, get a pack of mixed nuts. They are said to reduce the risk of heart disease, depression, cancer, and other illness. Though mixed nuts have high-fat content, studies suggest that they can help in weight loss, if taken in moderation. Mixed nuts are rich in fiber, fat, and protein, and a serving of 28 grams has around 180 calories.
3. Roasted Cottage Cheese/Tofu and Flaxseeds
When you are munching on roasted cottage cheese/tofu with flaxseeds, you are consuming a good amount of Omega 3 fatty acids and vitamins. You will feel full after having this delicious game day snacks, and it’s going to strengthen your bones and heart and improve the digestion.
That’s not all. The benefits of flax seeds go beyond improving your body’s health. They are good for hair too. Read Why Include Flax Seeds in Your Hair Care Routine?
4. Hard Boiled Eggs
Boiled eggs already have the tag of being one of the healthiest and ideal foods for weight loss. They have plenty of vitamin K12 and B12, and protein. The best part of having boiled eggs is that you can have as many egg white as you want without worrying about calories.
5. Popcorns
Here comes the favorite snacks that are not just for the movies. Have a bowl of popcorns, season them with cinnamon, black pepper, or your favorite flavor, and they are great to share with friends or have alone. You can make this game day snack during an advertisement break in the match.
6. Greek Yoghurt with Berries
Greek yogurt with berries is a delicious combination to keep you full for a long time. This nutritious snack is also good for losing some fat. Greek yogurt has high protein content and berries are a fantastic source of antioxidants. Trust me, you would love to have this snack at every match.
7. Apple Slices with Peanut Butter
They taste amazing together. While apple is rich in fiber and polyphenol antioxidants that are good for gut health and reduce the risk of heart disease, peanut butter increases good cholesterol and reduce bad cholesterol and triglycerides. Mix a medium size apple with 1 tablespoon of peanut butter to cure hunger pangs while keeping calorie intake less than 200.
Now that you have ample healthy options to snack on during watching the next match, you can enjoy a cricket match without stressing about calorie intake and health issues.