Nostalgia is the feeling of a perfect rainy day. While nature breathes a sigh of relief after the sweltering heatwave, rain paints the world in a myriad of colours, making even the most mundane looks fresh and different. And just as the sky goes grey and the smell of petrichor begins to entice you, there will absolutely be some pretty strong and irresistible food cravings, especially for something hot, crunchy, and probably spicy! And all you can think about is digging into a plate of piping hot samosas or pakoras alongside a perfect cup of tea.
Why do we get rainy-day cravings?
Indulging in hot snacks can be so comforting when it is pouring outside. That is because, when there is a drop in temperature, it is a natural tendency to crave for foods that provide warmth. More importantly, the reduction in sunlight during rain can lower your serotonin levels. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter and nature’s own appetite suppressant. It is a brain chemical that can curb food cravings and shut off appetite. It is so powerful in controlling appetite that it can make you feel satiated even when you haven’t eaten. And a sudden drop in serotonin level during the weather change, when it rains, could make you feel hungry and experience food cravings.
Fatty foods contain tryptophan which is used by your brain to produce serotonin. So, to balance the drop in serotonin levels during weather changes, our brain wants fried, fatty foods! In other words, you can absolutely blame the rain for making you crave for that samosa!
Now that you have all the legitimate reasons to satisfy your monsoon food cravings, nothing should stop you from indulging in your favourite munchies. In most parts of the country, monsoon is celebrated with a long queue at shops selling hot tea and fried foods. However, it’s not a great idea to eat outside as the damp weather raises concerns of infections. In addition, with the on-going pandemic, it makes more sense to make healthier food choices. And therefore, we have the perfect solution for you. Here are 6 Rainy Day Snacks that are both tasty and healthy:
#1: BAKED SAMOSA
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#2: BAKED KATORI CHAAT
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#3: IDLI CHAAT
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#4: KULCHA PIZZA
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#5: WHOLE WHEAT EGG ROLL
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#6: MASALA CHAI
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The beautiful weather demands some healthy home-made treats. Listen to the pitter-patter of raindrops, enjoy the chilly breeze, and make the most out of the rainy day with a cup of piping hot tea and these healthy and easy-to-make snacks.