Dates And Their Health Benefits
Dates are a wonderfully nutritious fruit that grows on palm trees. This sweet delicacy offers high amounts of fiber, minerals, vitamins, and free radical-fighting antioxidants.
Although they are a popular food in the Middle East, dates have gained worldwide popularity for their versatile uses. They can be used as a substitute for artificial sweeteners and sugar or as a gluten-free binder.
Why Dates Are The Perfect On-The-Go Snack
Fortunately, dates are an excellent choice. They’re naturally high in fiber and low in fat, and their natural sugars provide an immediate energy boost. The rich fiber content helps to slow down sugar absorption, promoting a continuous release of energy that keeps you going.
Healthy Breakfast Ideas for School Mornings: Kid-Friendly Date Recipes
Children can be picky eaters, and to them, presentation can mean everything. We’ve put together a recipe for little ones to kick-start their day with a healthy smoothie.
Peanut Butter Cup Smoothie:
1 1/2 cups milk.
1 tablespoon peanut butter.
¾ teaspoon of vanilla powder ( other options: ¾ teaspoon of honey or maple syrup).
4 Natural Ajwa Dates.
3 tablespoons cacao powder.
1 tablespoon hemp seed (optional).
1 banana.
6-8 ice cubes.
How to prepare:
Place all ingredients into a blender, starting with liquids, and blend for 3 to 5 minutes until you achieve a smooth consistency.
This recipe offers a comprehensive nutritional boost. The healthy fats from peanut butter and hemp seeds support brain development, while the sustained energy from natural glucose and milk fuels active play all day long. It promotes growth, helps build muscle, and supports a happy gut.
Quick Date Recipes: Healthy Office Snacks for Busy Professionals
In the business world, time is money, and a nourishing meal is often a luxury professionals can’t afford to miss out on. A reasonable and hearty snack that satisfies and provides a mental boost is crucial for peak performance. Here’s What You Need to Make Chocolate-Covered Dates:
Dates: Premium Kholas Dates.
Roasted almonds.
Chocolate, we recommend semisweet chocolate.
Extra virgin olive oil.
Ground cinnamon.
Crushed almonds and pistachios.
How to prepare:
Line a large sheet tray with parchment paper.
Toss together 1 tablespoon of crushed almonds and pistachios and set aside.
Melt the chocolate by placing it in a heat-safe bowl over simmering water.
Add 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips, 1 teaspoon olive oil, and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon to the bowl.
Stir the mixture regularly until the chocolate is completely melted.
Wait for the chocolate to cool slightly, then dip the dates in the mixture until they are evenly coated. Set them on the sheet tray.
Sprinkle the ground nuts on the dates and chill in the freezer for 1 hour, or until the chocolate hardens.
The Athlete’s Secret Weapon: Using Dates for Morning Energy
Dates are incredibly popular among athletes because of their high glycemic index. The sugars in dates are absorbed quickly and easily, providing a rapid energy boost. This energy doesn’t crash suddenly, though, thanks to their high fiber content, which slows the absorption of the sugars and prevents a sharp sugar spike. Our recipe of choice is Date Energy Balls. You’ll need:
Handful of Pecans.
10-12 Dates.
Coconut flakes.
Optional spices: (nutmeg, ginger, or cinnamon).
How to prepare:
Blitz dates and pecans in a blender.
Blend until you have a sticky dough-like mixture.
Scoop out mixture and roll into an energy ball ( 2 tablespoons is a serving size).
Sprinkle coconut flakes.
Set in the fridge for 20 to 30 minutes until they’re ready for consumption.
If you find this meal prep too time-consuming, you can always opt for two convenient products from our stores: the Ready-to-Eat Khidri dates with caramelized pecan or Kholas Dates With Caramelized Pecan.
Effortless On-the-Go Packing Guide
Packing date-based snacks should be fairly easy. For date-based snacks like energy balls or bars, simply use reusable containers. If you’re preparing a larger batch, a lunchbox with designated compartments is a great option.
For smoothies, a travel cup or insulated thermos will keep them cool and ready to drink. The key to healthy snacking is to prepare ahead, so a nutritious option is always within reach.
How To Be Mindful of Your Eating
Eating at your desk or in front of the TV can make you less aware of how much you’re consuming. To combat this, take a moment to pause and focus on your snack. Savor its flavors and textures, which will help you feel full, aid digestion, and leave you satisfied with a smaller amount.
