Check out the list of the god-sent yummy snacks which will keep your calorie count in check and ward that hunger right off.
Having mid-meal cravings is quite natural for all of us. The trouble with this kind of snacking is the extra calories it comes with. More often than not, our snacks add to our excess calorie intake on a daily basis resulting in accumulated calories in our body. The next time you are hungry in between your meals and find yourself gravitating towards a bar of chocolate or a bag of chips, STOP RIGHT THERE! And remember the line 'a moment on the lips, forever on the hips!'
Don't worry, wipe out those worry lines off your forehead because we have the perfect solution to your mid-meal hunger pangs. All we need to know is not how to fight that hunger but how to satiate it with a healthy decision. The right food choices will not only make you lose those unnecessary calories but also make your body fitter. So, check out the list of the god-sent yummy snacks which will keep your calorie count in check and ward that hunger off.
1. Yogurt and fruits
Photograph: Michael Ocampo/Creative Commons
Fresh fruits provide carbohydrates for quick energy. Pineapple, orange, apple, pear and kiwi fruit are packed with vitamin C, a powerful nutrient for joints and connective tissue that also boasts antioxidant properties which boost immunity. Yogurt and almonds add protein and healthy fat to make this fruit salad super satisfying.
Enjoy for a mid-day snack a few hours before your afternoon workout. You can go for packaged one but choose plain instead of flavoured yogurt as it comes with added sugar and flavouring substances which are not healthy.
2. Almonds (1 Almond =7kCal)
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Almonds make a perfect snacking option as they're packed with protein and healthy fat to ward off hunger. Studies have shown that eating them may help prevent diabetes, heart disease and more. 5-6 almonds can be eaten as a healthy snack to overcome cravings between the meals.
Also, there is very little calorific difference between roasted- salted, plain or soaked almonds but the healthiest way to have them is soaked with skin as it retains all of its nutrients which roasting might take away.
3. Roasted chick peas (1 bowl/katori/150gms=246kCal)
Photograph: Lynda Giddens/Creative Commons
Roasted chickpeas also make a great evening snack when you are craving for something salty. They are a good combination of proteins, fibre, calcium and magnesium. A handful of roasted chickpeas can keep you full for a longer period while being packed with the essential nutrients, which help in keeping you active throughout the day.
4. Puff rice chaat aka bhel puri
Photograph: Mark H. Anbinder/Creative Commons
This Indian wonder is probably the healthiest Indian snack out there. It has nothing fried in it and when mixed with the right sauces it will keep your calorie count in check while fulfilling that chaat craving.
Just add chopped tomatoes, cucumber and onion with a dash of mint chutney and a few drops of lemon juice.
You can make a variety of bhels by simply adding or replacing some of the ingredients like roasted chana, almonds, and walnuts to make it more nutrition packed and tastier. One bowl of puffed rice chaat give approximately 100 kcal which is very less if compared to your packet of chips.
5. Air-popped corn
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One cup of air-popped popcorn without any fat contains approximately 31 calories. Once popped, sprinkle any of your favourite low-calorie toppings like a dash of chilli pepper flakes or dried spices; they add lots of flavour without extra calories.
It is quite simple to make as well. All you need is a microwave, a paper bag and plain corn kernels. Just pour 3 to 4 tablespoons of plain kernels into the paper bag, fold over the top twice to seal the mouth properly and microwave for two minutes or until the popping slows down to a few seconds in between pops.
