Introduction
The snack I made has two main components that are kale chips and avocado smoothie. This snack consists of kale, vinegar, olive oil, sea salt, avocado, cucumber, spinach, milk, water. All these ingredients were selected due to their health characteristics and advantages in terms of nutrition. I tried to achieve a healthier snack option in combination with a good taste and easiness in preparation. Therefore, this smoothie is primarily made of vegetables and water that make it a lighter and healthier variant for a quick snack during the day. Despite its easiness, all ingredients are full of vitamins that may fill up the shortage of the particular beneficial elements in the organism and achieve a healthier balance of the body.
Vegetables that I chose for a healthy snack are the basic ingredients for green smoothies that are beneficial for the immune system. Cucumber and spinach are famous for their detoxication function that helps to improve health and get rid of harmful elements stored in the body. Avocado contains potassium that contributes to the better functioning of the heart, normalizes water-salt metabolism in the body, and increases resistance to stress. Copper, iron, and vitamin B2, which are parts of the mineral and vitamin composition of avocados, prevent anemia and improve the formation of red blood cells. Moreover, copper and iron, in combination with each other, are beneficially absorbed by the body. In addition, avocado is popular in vegetarian or vegan diets since it usually replaces meat due to the high level of proteins and healthy plant fats, which are even better than animal fats absorbed from traditional meat products.
Main body
Kale chips, as an alternative for potato chips, have a lower number of calories and a higher number of nutritious components. For instance, kale contains antioxidants that clean body from unpleasant toxins and improve the overall state of the immune system. In combination with sea sale, olive oil and vinegar kale chips make a positive alternative for traditional chips that tastes equally good but harm much less than fried and over-salted products.
I had a choice between table salt and sea salt that are equally used in day-to-day food preparation. The differences between these two types of salt are based on the way of production and nutritional elements. Manufacturers extract table salt from salt deposits and process it into a fine crystal, while sea salt is obtained from evaporated seawater. It is believed that sea salt is healthier than table salt because it is a natural source of sodium. Table salt does not contain nutrients such as magnesium, calcium, and potassium. The sodium found in sea salt is essential for good health. It helps to control blood pressure and, in addition, it is essential for nerve and muscle function. People need to eat salt for normal cell function and to maintain the acid balance of the blood.
It is believed that olive oil is a healthy option of vegetable oils which is full of vitamins and nutritional elements that create a good impact on the human organism and the work of specific organs. The main beneficial vitamin in olive oil is vitamin E that has a positive effect on the state of the cardiovascular system. Olive oil is characterized by elements which are valid for the body, protect the heart and blood vessels. Antioxidants and vitamin E help the absorption of vitamins K and A. As a result of this chain, the body rejuvenates, improves the condition of the skin, hair, and nails. Besides, the oil composition contains phenols, polyphenols, and vitamins E, A, D, K needed for good organism activity. Experts state that olive oil is better than sunflower oil because it has more percentage of omega-9, which helps to reduce cholesterol levels and prevent blood clots. The content of this element in olive oil is 77%, while in sunflower, it is only 16%.
Vinegar is endowed with anti-inflammatory properties that reduce the effects of diabetes on the body. Besides, the researchers showed that when a person consumes vinegar, the overall state of the cardiovascular system improves, and blood pressure decreases. It is one of the popular ingredients included in the diet programs due to the fact that vinegar reduces appetite, removes toxins from the body, perfectly quenches thirst, and helps to get naturally rid of excess weight.
To sum up, based on the nutritional characteristics and benefits provided by selected products, kale chips, and avocado smoothie have significant advantages in front of other snacks. The main reason for this assumption is a set of ingredients used in these snacks since they represent a greener option without additional calories or harmful fats and carbons included in fried or sugar/table salt-based products. I propose kale chips and avocado smoothie as a beneficial alternative for a healthier physical and psychological state of both body and mind.
Reflection
I did a test run, and it was crazy since the smoothie turned out well, but the kale chip was a mess. At first, I tried to make a maximum natural product without adding vinegar or olive oil. However, it was bitter, and at the same time, I added too much sea salt, which made it too salty. Therefore, my first try tasted not sufficiently good, and I considered that the experiment failed. For my second time, I included vinegar, olive oil, and decreased proportion of salt, which turned out nice. I would say it was not hard to prepare it because the ingredients are simple, and you do not add any artificial things to it. To sum up, it was a helpful experience which resulted in an excellent healthy snack that my brother and I both liked.
Basically, the ingredients included in the cooking identify whether the product is healthy or not. Vegetables or fruits make the snack more beneficial for health. However, seasoning and additional ingredients for a better taste feeling are also crucial. For example, traditional potato chips are made of vegetables, but the high presence of salt and chemical additives make them unhealthy or even harmful for the person who eats them. Therefore, it is necessary to pay attention to all ingredients included in the product or, moreover, cook by yourself and choose the best healthy options in the market.
Good nutritional habits depend on products and diet, which a person may follow on a day-to-day basis. The products that a person consumes identify the state of health based on the proportion of fats, proteins, and carbons in food. Good nutritional habits mean that a person mainly chooses a healthier nutritious option of dishes and snacks rather than fried, salted, or sweet products. Scientists say that a well-balanced diet helps to support an excellent physical state of the body as well as an individual’s psychological mood. In combination with an active lifestyle, it provides more energy and nutritional balance that results in a good fit and healthier appearance.