Here’s a question: what’s the first thing you reach for when the munchies hit? After smoking a top-grade strain from your favorite Los Angeles dispensary, a lot of you will probably tear open a bag of potato chips. Others will make themselves a Nutella and peanut butter sandwich. A handful of folks will take it to the next level and build a tortilla pepperoni pizza. These options are all well and good. At this point of your impairment, many flavor combinations won’t make sense. As long as your palate is titillated, you can guarantee a pleasantly overwhelming experience. But caving into a munchie attack doesn’t always have to lead to a few extra pounds gained. We at Roots Los Angeles have a handful of healthier options for you that are as tasty and satisfying as a plate of bacon-wrapped mozzarella sticks.
The Science Behind the Munchies
Ever wondered where that urge to consume copious amounts of food after a smoke comes from? According to science, it all lies in a particular region of the brain called the nucleus accumbens. In a nutshell, it plays a role in regulating hunger, sexual desire, and our reward system.
And what do all of these three functions have in common? Dopamine: the chemical that makes us feel pleasure.
As studies have found, THC activates the nucleus accumbens causing a spike in the release of dopamine. The result? Food tastes much better. Many people also experience an increase in sex drive after consuming cannabis.
Now you know.
Our Healthy Munchie Recommendations
Let’s get to the topic you came here for. For those looking for healthier munchies after a night of smoking, we’ve got you covered. Some of these you can eat straight up, while others, you’ll need to do a bit of preparation.
Mangoes
Everyone who appreciates sweet, tangy fruits also loves mangoes. These heart-shaped delicacies are always a refreshing treat to have, whether you eat it on its own, consume it in juice form, or have it part of a smoothie bowl. They’re nutritious and they taste divine, so what’s not to love?
Also, legend has it that mangoes enhance the psychotropic sensations you’re feeling at the time. That, right there, is a nice bonus to have.
Popcorn
Your favorite go-to snack during family movie night is also a great option to satisfy your munchie cravings. Popcorn is actually a light and healthy snack that’s not only high in fiber but filled with antioxidants, as well.
It only takes a few minutes to whip up a bowl of your enjoyment. If you want to make it extra healthy, use coconut or olive oil in place of butter.
Frozen grapes
If you’re already a fan of grapes on their own, you can take things up a notch by freezing them. After washing, place them in a sealable plastic bag and put them in the freezer for an hour or two until they firm up. You can also leave them in there for longer, but be sure to thaw them out for 10-15 minutes before digging in.
Eating frozen grapes is like munching on pieces of candy that are packed with nutrients, so there’s zero guilt there.
Nuts
There’s a reason why a handful of nuts are part of the recommended diet options for those trying to lose weight. Almonds and walnuts especially are not only filling, but they also contain a ton of nutritional value.
A handful of nuts contain protein and Omega-3 fatty acids, which is key to a healthy heart. They can also help in getting rid of those unwanted pounds, which is a plus for many health nuts out there.
Crispy kale chips
Here’s where we exert a little effort, but what we get in return is a delectable but wholesome munchie treat to share with friends.
Simply take a bunch of raw, destemmed kale leaves and place them on a cookie sheet. Drizzle them with about a teaspoon of olive oil and a pinch of Kosher salt. Then place it in a 350°F oven for about ten minutes or until it crisps up.
You’ll feel like you’re chomping on some Doritos, but you’re really consuming little bits of Vitamins A, C, calcium, and potassium.
Baked sweet potato strips
They may be shaped like fries but since they’re baked, we won’t be calling them that. For this, you’ll need five peeled sweet potatoes which you’ll slice into strips that are about a fourth of an inch long.
Next, take a large enough bowl, toss these bad boys in, and coat them with a drizzle of olive oil. Lightly season them with salt and black pepper then transfer them onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Place the sheet into a preheated 450-degree oven and let it bake for up to 20 minutes. After that, proceed to stuff yourself with a Vitamin A-filled snack.
Your Trusted Los Angeles Dispensary
If you want to know more about Roots Los Angeles, you can check out our website. Apart from our munchie recommendations, we also offer a wide variety of edibles, smokables, concentrates, and accessories to fulfill your cannabis needs.
For inquiries, call us at (818) 210-0095 or email us at rootsla818@gmail.com.
