Low-calorie Indian snacks under 150 kcals: smart options for busy days.

Rushing throughout the day, but still want to eat smart? You’re in luck, Indian snacks offer a plenty of tasty yet low calorie options that fit right into a hectic schedule. Staying healthy on busy days doesn’t have to mean giving up on great flavour, Indian culture has a lot of low-calorie option that keeps one geared up throughout the day. Going for options like roasted chana, sprouts chaat, or a comforting cup of rasam, can keep one energized without weighing down. Grabing a snack that fuels not just fills is extremely important. One should remember that having low calorie light food can supply the body with important nutrients and help boost energy levels. One can consume fewer calories and still fuel himself in a smarter, uncompromised way.

Why low-calorie snacking matters?

Consuming low calorie snacks helps in weight management, most people don’t understand how much “hidden” calorie intake comes from random munching. Consuming snacks, which are high in calories can lead to unhealthy weight gain and several other health issues. In addition, low-calorie snacking may keep you energized throughout the day as it keeps the stomach light and helps you avoid feeling lazy or sluggish. Moreover, it helps reduce cravings as it avoids sudden hunger spikes, which means one is less likely to munch on random snacks. Low-calorie snacks are easy to digest and light on the stomach, which avoids any discomfort. Once munching on low-calorie snacks becomes a part of the lifestyle it can help one achieve his fitness and wellness goals. Low-calorie snacking helps in mindful eating as well as portion control. Consuming low-calorie snacks like Sprouts, yogurt can help in providing the body with essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals and fibres without extra calories.

What makes a snack low-calorie yet filling?

A snack is considered to be low-calorie yet filling when it contains the right balance of nutrients, volume and fibre, so one feels satisfied after consuming it and not taking in too many calories. Snacks which are high in fibre keeps one full for a longer period of time and avoiding sudden hunger cravings, example sprouts, fruits and roasted chana. Consuming snacks which are rich in protein can help control hunger hormones and helps one stay satiated. Example- Yogurt, boiled chana and paneer cubes. Snacks which are low in fat should be consumed to avoid unnecessary calorie intake and feel light on the stomach. Foods with higher water content makes one feel full yet energized. Example- cucumber, watermelon and rasam. Low-calorie snacks usually give you a generous portion which tricks the brain into feeling full. To conclude these qualities help you snack in a smarter way but light on calories and big in satisfaction.

Best Low-calorie Indian snacks under 150 kcal

Amid the everyday hustle and bustle, people tend to grab the most convenient or quick snack, overlooking the calories it carries. Whether you’re managing a hectic schedule or just craving a snack between meals, these smart picks under 150 kcal got you covered. A perfect blend of taste, nutrition and guilt-free satisfaction. These options below will satisfy your taste buds as well as go light on your stomach, easy to digest and filled with nutrients. By keeping portion sizes in mind, these snacks can be incredibly beneficial for the body.

1) Roasted Makhana (Fox Nuts)

Makhana is easy to prepare and is a low calorie snack, which benefits the body in myriads of ways. Makhana is rich in protein and fibre and satisfies the taste buds too. It is crunchy in nature but low in fats and calories.

2) Sprouted moong chaat

Sprouts are fibre dense, which makes one feel full. They improve the digestive health as well as provides the body with essential vitamins and minerals. They contain anti-oxidants and micronutrients which support overall health. One can also prepare quick blends of sprouts along with onions, tomatoes, and lemon. This is all under 150 kcal and still keeps one feel filled and energized.

3) Butter milk (1 glass)

Buttermilk improves the digestive health as well as makes one feel full. One can reduce their hunger by consuming a glass of buttermilk avoiding sudden hunger strikes and providing the body with the essential probiotic nutrients. Buttermilk keeps one hydrated, cool from within and refreshes the body instantly, making it the perfect light sip for busy days.

4) Boiled eggs

Boiled eggs are extremely rich in protein, it also provides the body with several vitamins and minerals that too under 150kcal. It can also be paired with some masala for the taste buds. It contains no carbohydrates as well as helps in maintaining the blood sugar levels.

5) Unsweetened yogurt

Yogurt is said to be rich in protein and provides the body with several probiotics. It also improves gut health and makes digestion easier. It cools down the stomach and is lower in calories and sugar.

Smart tips for guilt-free snacking

Here are some smart and easy tips for guilt-free snacking.

1) Eat in measured portions

One should keep in mind the portion size consumed while snacking. Controlling portions is extremely important as over-eating on healthy foods can also add up to unnecessary calories.  By keeping the portion size in mind one can snack smartly and freely.

2) Opt for fibre rich foods

Fibre not only aids digestive health but also makes one feel fuller for a longer period of time. It fuels as well as avoids sudden hunger spikes. It also reduces overeating in meals and balances blood sugar levels.

3) Cut down on processed foods

Processed foods like chips, biscuits are often extremely high in fats and carbohydrates. They also are high in calories and sugar making it an unhealthy option for snacking.

4) Stay topped up on water

Keep sipping water in order to stay hydrated. Thirst may feel like hunger sometimes, leading to unhealthy snacking and unnecessary calories.

5) Don’t binge eat

Avoid scrolling or watching Tv while snacking as it can lead to over-eating. Chew properly and focus while eating. Eating mindfully may help avoid calories and lead to weight management.

6) Eat meals on time

Delaying meals may lead to unnecessary snacking to feel full, leading to extra calories. One should consume meals on time in order to avoid sudden hunger spikes.

The bottom line

Low-calorie snacking isn’t about restrictions, its about making smarter and healthier choices to nourish the body and improve overall health. Going for light and nutrient dense foods helps in making snacking healthier. One can satisfy his cravings and taste buds as well as feel fuelled by smartly making the right choices. Snacking mindfully helps keeps control of calories and helps manage weight. Making these small changes a part of the lifestyle can lead to uncountable benefits. By making the right choices one can snack freely and reduce the calorie intake simultaneously.

 Author : Sidra Patel