March 29, 2024
Madhura Mohan
Best Nutritious Indian Snacks For Weight Loss
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nacking is often maligned, particularly concerning weight loss, but this is untrue. Snacking is not always bad! Snacking ought to be associated with empowerment rather than indulgence or deprivation.
When it comes to weight loss, snacking has two drawbacks. Mindlessly consuming unhealthy snacks might result in indulgence, and denying yourself of their pleasure could be interpreted as deprivation, both of which can undermine your efforts.
Strategic snacking, on the other hand, supports your weight loss efforts by regulating appetite, increasing metabolism, and preventing overeating during meals. Selecting snacks that are calorie-efficient, pleasant, nutritional, and fulfilling is crucial.
Come, we’ll take you into the realm of guilt-free, smart and healthy Indian snack options tailored to modern-day dieters. Incorporating these snacks into your weight loss plan can help you stay on track towards your goals while enjoying delicious and nourishing foods…
MASALA OATS – delicious and satisfying snack
Oats are a very good source of fibre, protein, carbs, lipids, minerals, unsaturated fatty acids and phytochemicals. The well-balanced nutritional composition of oats makes it the best healthy snack for those who want to lose weight. Oats have low GI, which means they release energy slowly and help keep the blood sugar levels stable. The high fibre content in oats helps regulate blood sugar levels and promote feelings of fullness. The quick and easy-to-prepare Masala oats can be customized with various vegetables and spices without significantly increasing calories.
SPROUT CHAT – miniature yet big in nutrition
The germinated seeds are nutritional powerhouses rich in protein, fibre, minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants. Sprouts are the simplest snack option that packs a significant nutritional punch. Sprouts (green gram, horse gram, chickpea, mung beans) can be mixed with onions, tomato, cucumber, coriander, lemon, salt, and pepper powder. Sprout chat is low in calories, low GI, requires no baking and is easy to prepare. Sprout chat provides a feeling of fullness and reduces calorie intake.
PROTEIN ENERGY BALLS/PROTEIN BAR – no-bake, super-convenient snack
Protein is known to control appetite, promote satiety and reduce hunger cravings, which can prevent overeating. Protein balls or bars typically made up of Whey Protein, nut butter, and seeds, contain complex carbs, protein, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help provide sustained energy levels and keep you feeling fuller for longer, reducing the likelihood of snacking on unhealthy food. A portable, convenient, nutritious, and ideal snack, is an excellent addition to a balanced diet for weight loss.
CARROT STICKS & CUCUMBER SLICES – hydrating, low-calorie veggies
Carrots and cucumbers are convenient snack options that require minimal preparation. Carrot sticks and cucumber slices are low in calories, help keep you hydrated, and provide satisfying crunch and volume without adding excessive calories to your diet. Carrots and cucumbers are good sources of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fibre. Carrots and cucumbers promote satiety and aid in weight management by keeping you fuller.
POPCORN – crunchy burst of wholegrain goodness
Popcorn is a low-calorie, whole-grain snack prepared by the popping of kernels of maize. The texture of popcorn satisfies cravings for crunchy snacks without excess calories. It is healthier especially when it’s stove-topped without any additional seasonings. Loaded with dietary fibre, protein, vitamins and minerals, popcorn is low in fat. Unlike sugary treats, popcorn doesn’t spike blood sugar levels, fibre content in popcorn helps promote feelings of fullness which can control appetite, help you feel satisfied and stick to a calorie-controlled diet for weight loss.
APPLE WITH PEANUT BUTTER – classic, gluten-free, vegan snack
Apple with peanut butter is a dairy-free, gluten-free, delicious, nutritious, and ideal snack. Combining apples with peanut butter provides a balance of carbohydrates, protein, fibre and healthy fats. This balance prevents rapid sugar spikes and crashes in blood sugar levels (which can contribute to overeating). The complex carbs and fibre in them help promote feelings of fullness, which can reduce overall calorie intake and support weight loss efforts.
VEGETABLE UPMA – easy to prepare, satisfying snack
Upma is typically made from sooji or semolina (whole grains rich in dietary fibre). Vegetable upma is relatively low in calories compared to many other snack options. Adding vegetables like carrots, peas, bell peppers increases the fibre content, provides sustained energy, promotes satiety, reduces hunger cravings, and aids in weight loss by keeping you full for longer periods. Upma provides a satisfying volume of food without excessive calories, making it a suitable choice for weight loss when consumed in moderation.
ROASTED CHICKPEAS - crunchy, plant-based tasty snack
Chickpeas are a good source of plant-based protein, dietary fibre, minerals and antioxidants.
Roasted chickpeas are a low-calorie snack option compared to many other processed snacks like chips or cookies. Chickpeas can satisfy your cravings for something crunchy and savoury without offering excessive calories, making it easier to stay within your daily calorie goals for weight loss. Chickpeas help curb appetite and reduce overall calorie intake contributing to weight loss goals.
SPINACH SOUP – hydrating, low-calorie snack
Spinach soup contributes to overall hydration and provides large volumes of food for relatively few calories (especially when prepared without heavy creams). Spinach is packed with essential minerals, fibre and antioxidants. Spinach soup promotes fullness and satiety and prevents overeating and snacking on high-calorie foods throughout the day.
MASALA PUFFED RICE – gluten-free, tasty snack
Puffed rice is naturally low in fat and calories, it provides volume without adding a significant amount of calories. You can add chopped onions, tomatoes, grated carrots, coriander, salt, turmeric, and chilli powder to puffed rice to enhance the taste and nutrients of puffed rice. The convenient snack option requires minimal preparation, makes you feel satisfied and improves satiety.
SWEET POTATO FRIES - crunchy, nutritious snack
Sweet potatoes are healthier alternatives to traditional potato fries. Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamins, minerals, fibre, and antioxidants, and contain fewer calories, when baked or air fried with minimal oil. Sweet potatoes reduce your calorie intake while still letting you enjoy the flavour and texture of sweet potato fries. Sweet potatoes contain complex carbs which take longer to digest, provide sustained energy, and regulate appetite. This can prevent feelings of hunger and cravings for unhealthy snacks.
STEAMED DHOKLA – a fermented, fluffy nutritious snack
Steamed dhokla, a traditional Indian snack made from a fermented gram flour batter is relatively low in calories, compared to many fried snacks. It keeps you satisfied without adding excessive calories to your diet, making it easier to maintain calorie deficit for weight loss. Gram flour contains good dietary fibre, promotes feelings of fullness, and can control appetite, making it easier to stick to a calorie-controlled diet.
In the end, remember to practice mindfulness and moderation while snacking…
Snack smartly, savour fully and witness how small changes in your snacking habits can lead to significant transformations in your weight loss goals…
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