The Ultimate Guide: How to Build a Healthy, Craving-Busting Platter
Welcome to the art of building a platter that's not just a treat for your taste buds but also a boon for your health.
I'm not aiming to take the fun out of a summer platter...but rather amp up your inspiration to make it better than ever. I want to prove you CAN enjoy a decadent platter with friends without kicking your health goals out the window.
Ever wondered why you can't stop reaching for those processed snacks?
Why do you JUST keep going back for more and more and more?
It's all in the science! Let’s dive into how you can create a platter that's bursting with flavour, nutrients, and that oh-so-important satiety factor.
So, how to: The Ultimate Guide: How to Build a Healthy, Craving-Busting Platter
How To Make The Ultimate Healthy Platter
Avoiding the Processed Pitfalls
Processed snacks, especially those high in refined carbohydrates and sugars (yes, we're looking at you, beige crisps and chocolate), are designed to be almost irresistibly moreish. They often lack fibre and are high in calories, leading to rapid spikes in blood sugar and subsequent crashes, which only fuel your hunger. By keeping these off your platter, you're sidestepping a cycle of overeating and energy slumps.
Protein and Fat: Your Hunger Regulators
Incorporating proteins and healthy fats into your platter is like hitting the hunger-control jackpot. These macronutrients play a crucial role in regulating hunger and satiety hormones. For example, protein increases the production of hormones like PYY and GLP-1, both of which signal fullness to the brain.
Healthy fats, on the other hand, slow down digestion, keeping you fuller for longer. So, when you add items like salmon, cheese, and nuts to your platter, you're not just adding flavour; you're strategically keeping hunger at bay.
Fiber-Filled Veggies, Fruits, Nuts, and Seeds
Vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds are not only colourful and crunchy; they're also packed with dietary fibre. This is key for a feeling of fullness. Fibre adds bulk to your diet without adding extra calories and slows down digestion, which helps to regulate blood sugar levels and keep hunger in check. So, when you munch on cucumber slices or savour a grape, you're not just enjoying a tasty snack – you're actively contributing to your satiety.
Building Your Ultimate Healthy Platter
Now that you know the why, let's get back to the how of building your healthy platter:
Colourful Veggies: Your crunchy base – think cucumber, courgettes, and capsicum for fibre and minimal calorie intake. My top tip: I use courgette instead of crackers. You'd be surprised how many of my friends are converts!
Protein: Add salami, prosciutto slices, chorizo and smoked salmon for their hunger-regulating prowess. Make them a key component of this platter is more than just a pre-dinner appetizer.
Healthy Fats: Include olives, cheese, nuts, and seed crackers for long-lasting satiety. Alongside dips like homemade sweet chilli phili (ask me if you want the recipe...)
Fruits: Fruit adds natural sweetness and crunch and pair amazingly with cheese. They contain polyphenols and fibre, unlike chunks of chocolate or other sweet treats you often find thrown on a platter.
A Platter That Pleases Every Sense
With this approach, your platter becomes more than just a collection of snacks.
It's a carefully crafted combination of flavours and nutrients, designed to satisfy your hunger and keep you feeling full, without the urge to overindulge.
So go ahead, create your platter, and enjoy the science of healthy, satisfying snacking.
Here's to a platter that's as good for your body as it is for your taste buds! 🥒🍇🧀🥖🔬🎉
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