The Hundred’s heroes share their healthy go-to grab snacks

Published: 8 August 2023. Ever wondered what professional cricketers snack on in their spare time? Here are four healthy recipes for the ultimate refuel, no matter what time of day.  As many as 86% of UK adults admit to eating snacks at home. Research shows that snacking, if timed well and with the right food, can work for us - not against us.  If you’re stuck for throughout the day for a snack that’s quick, easy and healthy, why not try one of these tasty options from The Hundred cricket players? From Bryony's go-to smoothie to Abtaha’s cocoa banana bars, these four recipes will have you and the whole team fuelled and feeling good to go. 

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Paul Walter’s classic hummus – makes one large bowl 

Ingredients:  1 x 400g tin of chickpeas   3 x tbsp olive oil   3 x tbsp tahini  1 x garlic clove, roasted   1 x lemon, juiced  70ml water, more if needed   ½ tsp cumin, optional   Pinch of salt   Method: 

1. Place all ingredients into a food processor or NutriBullet and blend until smooth and creamy (this may take several minutes). Stop to scrape down the sides as needed; adjust seasoning to taste. 

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Abtaha Maqsood’s cocoa banana bars – makes 12 bars

Ingredients:  1 x ripe banana, mashed   150g porridge oats  80g ground almonds  100g your choice of nuts (optional) 2 x tbsp cocoa powder   2 x tbsp peanut butter (smooth), or almond butter   1 x tsp baking powder  1 x tbsp maple syrup   1 x tsp vanilla extract   Pinch of salt  Method: 

1. Preheat oven to 160°C, fan setting. 
2. In a large bowl, combine the mashed banana, oats, almonds, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt, and mix to combine – the mixture will be quite dry. 
3. Place the peanut, or almond butter, maple syrup and vanilla extract into a food processor and blend until combined and smooth. 
4. Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until everything becomes sticky. 
5. Spoon the mixture into a lined baking tray, making sure to press down so that the mixture is compact and bake for 20 minutes until golden. 
6. Once cooked, remove from the oven and leave to cool completely before cutting into bars. 

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Kirstie Gordon’s granola clusters  

Ingredients:   150g jumbo oats  3 x tbsp maple syrup   2 x tbsp coconut oil   120g pecans  120g flaked almonds  1 x tsp vanilla extract   Serve with your choice of fruit toppings and/or yoghurt Method:  

1. Preheat the oven to 140°C; line a large tray with baking parchment.
2. Slowly heat the maple syrup and coconut oil in pan over a low heat, remove once melted. 
3. Mix the rest of the ingredients in a large bowl and pour over the melted syrup and oil mixture until combined. 
4. Spread the mixture evenly over the lined tray and bake for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally until golden brown. 
5. Remove the tray from the oven and leave to cool before adding your own mix of dried fruits, such as raisins or sultanas. 

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Bryony Smith’s apple and berry smoothie 

Ingredients: 150ml almond milk or milk of choice  1 x apple, chopped  100g frozen raspberries  1 x banana  Handful of ice cubes  Method: 

1. Place all of the ingredients into a high-speed blender and blitz until smooth. Add more milk or ice if needed. Drink immediately. 

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Want to add some flavour into your diet? 

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