Popcorn#
You can find silicone containers made specifically for popcorn, but they are not necessary. You can use put 1/4 cup of dried corn in the microwave for 3 minutes with a cover that allows water to evaporate, but prevents the popcorn from flying out of the container. BY themselves or with salt are great, however you may try adding some spices and other ingredients for other taste profiles:
Cheesy#
- Nutritional yeast
- Soy sauce
- Nut/seed butter
- Water
- Paprika
- Coriander
- Garlic
- Onion
Sweet#
- Date syrup
- Some of Pumpkins Spice (Cinnamon, cloves, ginger, allspice, nutmeg)
- Tahini or any nut/seed butter
Tangy#
- Lemon Zest
You can also add or swap toasted legumes in your popcorn.
Toasted Legumes (Garbanzo/Chickpea/Lentils/Beans/Peas/Soy)#
Instructions#
- Cook the legume and leave to dry
- Prepare the sauce or spices to coat the legumes
-
High fat like nut/seed butter and oil or high carb like date syrup will improve the texture of the final product.
- You could add sesame seeds or grain flakes for additional texture and presentation
- Before adding to the oven, you may accelerate drying by heating in a large pan and stiring constantly
- Add to a convection oven or air fryer and cook until toasted
Examples#
Hummus With Bread#
Hummus and bread is a very nutritions combination that is easy to make. Toast the bread and spread the hummus, that's it. Add kimchi for a very complete and balanced meal with grains, legumes, seeds and fermented vegetables.
Fruits#
By themselves or with nut/seed butter, bread/cake/crepe, granola or yogurt. Freeze and add to a food processor for making ice cream. Work great with banana, mango, grapes and berries.
Energy/Protein Bars/Balls#
Usually based on nuts, seeds or their butters, dried fruits, spices and protein from legumes such as soy, chickpeas or protein powders. You can also use oats, grains for more carbohydrates and less fat. Another useful ingredient is powdered peanut butter which contains an improved protein to calorie ratio. Can be toasted such a granola or freezed.
- Pumpkin Seeds
- Hemp/Chia Seeds
- Peanuts/Almonds/Hazelnut
- Protein Powder
- Dried Dates, Plums, berries
- Dark Chocolate
- Oats
If needed, pulse ingredient in a food processor and grind seeds such as chia or flax to use them as binders.
Drinks, Shakes and Smoothies#
In some cases, just a drink can blunt hunger. If you what to cut calories, opt for an infusion, tea, coffee or spiced drink with low calories. However, shakes and smoothies can also be great way to consume a lot of calories and nutrients very fast, which may be specially important if you exercise.