List of the Best Low-Calorie Indian snacks to Satisfy Hunger

Most of us are not widely aware of low-Calorie Indian snacks because when hunger and cravings kick in, it is extremely easy to pick junk-laden fried Indian foods and sugar to snack on. Midday and midnight cravings make us automatically reach out for snacks like chips, fried peanuts, samosas, cakes, chocolates, etc. instead of fruits, vegetables, different types of nuts, dry fruits, and others. However, these foods are not only high in fat and sugar but are also extremely low on nutrients while being loaded with calories. 

While high sugar and fried foods give us immediate pleasure rushes, they are only a temporary fix. This is because fried, sweet and processed foods make you crave them even more, eventually worsening your overall health parameters and work performance. Hence, the need for high protein low-calorie foods has become an important factor today for the long run.

There is a way out of this poor food cycle. It is important to establish a diet that not only ensures to satisfies hunger and food cravings but also provides your body with a good amount of nutrients too. Whether you are looking to improve your regular diet or change your weight scale, here is a list of some of the best low-Calorie Indian snacks that are not only ideal to satiate food cravings, but also are easily accessible and full of flavour.

Benefits of High protein low-calorie foods

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics encourages nutritious snacking as a part of an everyday healthy eating schedule. According to them, it is recommended to choose snacks before time to ensure healthy snacking. Some benefits of consuming healthy snacks and high protein low-calorie foods include:

1. Improves focus and productivity in daily routines

High protein low-calorie foods can boost an individual's energy levels and improve overall performance in their everyday routines. In contrast, high-calorie foods are capable of being overeaten which can impact overall health and work performance. 

2. Effective Weight Control

Having small meals and snacks throughout the day can help avoid over binging on unhealthy foods and curb extreme fits of hunger. There are various healthy Indian snacks for weight loss  to pick from as well as quick recipes for snacks available over the internet in order to indulge in healthy snacking. 

3. Helps Curb Cravings

Hunger can increase fatigue in the body and decrease overall metabolism. Reaching out to unhealthy foods will only affect your health negatively. Whether you consume healthy snacks made at home or grab something as simple as fruits, nuts, dry fruits or whole grains, you can ensure to curb your food cravings while satisfying your hunger pangs.

While thinking of Indian snacks, hot samosas, onion kachoris, and greasy food come to mind. However, there are many wholesome options of low-Calorie Indian snacks packed with nutritive benefits to pick from.

Top 8 Low-Calorie Indian snacks for guilt-free indulgence

1. Makhana

2. Nuts

Nuts are some of the most accessible and nutritious foods on the market. Right from pistachios, cashews, walnuts, peanuts, and more, there is a nut to suit every tastebud. Nuts are high in protein and full of good fats, making them ideal to consume nuts for weight loss. Several studies show that eating small amounts of nuts can help lose weight as the fiber and protein in nuts help dieters feel full longer. Grabbing a handful between meals will not only curb your hunger but can serve as a fun snack.  

3. Dry Fruits 

There are many benefits of eating dry fruits as they serve as a great source of proteins, vitamins, minerals and dietary fibres. Being one of the many high protein low-calorie foods, they are an ideal substitute for unhealthy snacks. There are a variety of dry fruits available in the market today, including apricots, walnuts, pistachios, hazelnuts, raisins, almonds, dates and more. Many dieters consume dry fruits for weight loss as they can help reduce overall hunger as well as lower bad cholesterol. Scared about the sugar content in dry fruits? Check out this article on Dried Fruits: Debunking the Sugar Myth.

4. Trail Mixes

Trail mixes are a combination of dried fruits and nuts combined together. They are not only easily accessible and full of flavour, but are also packed with health benefits and nutrients of granola, nuts, seeds, and dried fruits. The many nutritional benefits of trail mixes make it one of the best healthy snacks for weight loss. Prepackaged trail mixes are readily and widely available at many grocery stores and online markets today. Some packaged mixes may also contain spices, seasoning and sweeteners to amp up the tastebuds. They can also be a quick snack to make at home based on the nuts, dried fruits and other food items available at home. 

5. Poha 

Poha is one of the best low-Calorie Indian snacks that can be consumed at home. Not only is it rich in iron content, but also is extremely light on the digestive system. Poha is one of the many healthy snacks that can be made at home and can be easily cooked as per taste preference. A cooked bowl of poha contains only 250 calories making it the perfect evening snack. Lemon juice, veggies and other tastemakers can help make this a healthy Indian snack for weight loss.

6. Fresh Fruits & Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables are easily accessible and are capable of being quick snacks to make at home. Combining your favourite fruits and vegetables in a bowl with some seasoning or chat masala will not only refresh your taste buds but will also provide your body with large amounts of fiber and micronutrients that can balance your diet and keep you satiated in the long run. 

7. Sprouts

Sprouts are one of the many high nutritious foods today. They are grown locally in India year-round and are a very good source of protein and vitamin C. They can be consumed raw, cooked or made into a quick snack salad with other vegetables, chat masala and spices. Incorporating sprouts into your snack routines can have health benefits as they are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, phosphorus, magnesium, and manganese.

8. Baked Snacks

If you enjoy fried foods, you can also explore the same by switching to the baked version of snacks. This includes baked chips, baked samosas, baked eggs, and others. There are various quick recipes for snacks that can be baked at home. This way, you can enjoy their flavours while still being healthy.

Healthy Eating Tips To Follow While Snacking

There are plenty of quick snacks to make at home and many other healthy Indian snacks for weight loss that you can also purchase. These will help you satisfy your hunger, keep you energetic while helping you maintain your metabolism. Following are some healthy eating tips you can follow to ensure you get the most nutritious benefits from snacking.

• Avoid products with high sugar or sodium content and select low-Calorie Indian snacks packed with high fiber
• Try and stick to the portion size recommended on the nutrition facts label of products
• Avoid drinks with added sugar, like soft drinks, aerated drinks or tetra packed juices. Natural or fresh fruit juices are tastier and are full of nutrients.
• Explore dry fruit recipes or quick recipes for snacks at home to avoid processed foods
• You can try and pair complex carbs and proteins together. High protein low calorie foods when paired with complex carbs can help you in feeling full for longer time durations. For example, wheat crackers with peanut butter, cheese and apple, fresh fruit and yoghurt, etc.
• Dry fruits for weight loss are ideal if that is your goal. Combine nuts, dry fruits and seeds to amp up the taste levels
• It is ideal to consume snacks every 2-3 hours, after your main meals, and even better if their intake is through the day as that is when body metabolism is high. You can learn more about the importance of snacking healthy in between meals and meets
• If you are struggling with late-night hunger pangs, you can opt for low-Calorie Indian snacks post dinners like dry fruits or nuts. 

When we of Indian snacks, thoughts of hot samosas, kachoris, pani puri or chaats come to mind. However, there are so many low-Calorie Indian snacks with various wholesome options that are packed with nutritive benefits. It is, at the end of the day, what you decide to pick for yourself.