9 Healthy Snacks To Fight Mid-Day Hunger

Your diet can play a crucial role in making or breaking your weight loss journey. Even if you work out vigorously daily, what you feed your body determines whether you lose fat or not.

While you read motivational quotes on the gym walls about “food is fuel” it is essential to crack the shell and come to the real world.

We all have food cravings when we starve during the day and try to reach out for a snack. 

When we talk about snacks, what comes first in our mind is chips, fried snacks, pastries, biscuits, chocolates and other high-calorie foods.

This food might give you pleasure rush, but they are high in fat and sugar which can add inches to your waistline.

Technically, snacking is not a sin. Snacks are mini-meals that satisfy your hunger and support the principle of frequent eating at short intervals to keep the digestion power active.

So how to get out of this dilemma? Snacks that satiate the cravings and has the right ratio of nutrients to make you feel full and energized. Here’s a list of healthy snacks you can indulge in guilt-free!

# Besan khandvi
# Fruit salad
# Dhokla
# Curd sandwich
# Idlis
# Dosa
# Makhana
# Popcorn
# Protein shake

Besan khandvi

This famous Gujarati snack is made of chickpea flour, yoghurt, sesame and mustard seeds.

A single serving of 100 grams of khandvi contains about 200 calories. This snack is not only delicious but is packed with nutrients.

High in protein, gluten-free and helps regulate blood pressure and hunger pangs.

Khandvi contains fibre, zinc, iron and calcium.

Fruit Salad

Fruit salads are the best alternative for water in your body. Mix a bowl full of your favorite fruits or vegetables.

They are a good source of fiber and micronutrients that balance your diet and satisfies your cravings along with maintaining health and fitness goals.

Dhokla

Dhokla is yet another popular Indian snack and is made from fermented chickpea and rice batter. Dhokla can also be consumed as a snack or for light breakfast.

A single serving of dhokla contains 283 calories, 11 grams of protein and zero cholesterol. Also, dhokla is a good source of iron, magnesium and calcium.

Curd Sandwich

Who doesn’t love sandwiches but the flex here is that it makes a perfect snack too! You can make a yogurt sandwich at home.

Make a curd sandwich with thick curd, whole wheat bread slices, grated carrots, cabbage, onions, bell peppers, black pepper and salt.

Idlis

Idlis are made of semolina, oatmeal, ragi, rice, etc. One single, medium-sized idli contains 36 calories, 2 grams of protein and 8 grams of carbohydrates. It the best snack to keep you full and maintain your blood sugar levels.

Dosa

Dosa is everyone’s favorite. Made with fermented rice and urad dal batter is prepared in many variations, for example, moong dal, oatmeal, ragi, semolina, etc. 

Dosas are also stuffed with potatoes, paneer, onions, to enhance the taste. A single plain dosa has 133 calories, iron, potassium and calcium making it an all-rounder snack.

Prepare dosas in less oil or olive oil to make it healthy.

Makhana 

Roasted makhana with nuts is a healthy diet snack that regulates insulin and satiety your cravings. They are a rich source of protein and contain less fat content.

Roast them in a dry pan with a bit of ghee and sprinkle some salt/ oregano/ red chilli flakes to make it a mouth-watering nutritious snack.

A bowl of makhana mixed with nuts contains 238 calories, 10 g protein, 15-gram carbs and 15-gram fat.

Popcorn

Popcorn is a high fiber snack that requires less preparation time and is the best snack to gobble when you are hungry.

100 grams of popcorn contain 6 grams of carbohydrates, 11 grams of protein, and 0 gram of fats.

Protein Shake

Blend one scoop of whey protein with 1 glass of chilled milk to enjoy an iced protein shake that satisfies all your cravings and nutrient needs.

This is the highest value protein that increases calorie burn and boosts metabolism and is perfect for fat- burning regime. 

One glass of protein shake contains 170 kcal calories, 28-gram protein, 9 grams carbs and 2 grams fat.

 Remember to eat healthy and cut back on sugary foods. Eat more vegetables and stick to your exercise routine to boost your health and lose weight even more.