When it comes to weight loss, many people believe that snacking should be avoided altogether. However, at Fitness with Nidhi, with the right choices and portion control, snacks can actually aid in weight loss by curbing cravings and preventing overeating during main meals. Evening snacks, in particular, can be an important part of a balanced diet.
Healthy Indian Evening Snacks for Weight loss
Evening snacks don’t have to sabotage your weight loss efforts. By choosing healthy options that are low in calories but high in nutrients, you can satisfy your cravings while nourishing your body.
- Mixed Bean Salad: Mixed bean salad is a nutritious and delicious dish that typically combines various types of beans with fresh vegetables and a tangy dressing.
- Dal Veggie Idli: Dal veggie idli is a nutritious and tasty snack that combines the goodness of lentils and vegetables. Idli is a popular South India weight-loss snack option.
- Makhana Paneer Salad: Makhana is a low-calorie snacking option. One of the best on your weight loss journey and also on- the -go snack option for you. Makhana paneer salad is an amazing recipe for an evening snack.
- Chickpea Sprouts and Raw Mango Salad: This is one of the best summer salads that you can opt for. High in protein, a great snacking option for people looking for weight loss and weight gain.
- Oats Poha: Oats are complex carbohydrates and low in glycemic index. Oats poha is a very simple and quick recipe. Do give this one a try.
- Oats Tikki: Combining the goodness of oats and veggies, this oats tikki is just the right one for you to pick for your evening snacks.
- Roasted Chickpeas: Roasted chickpeas are a crunchy and protein-packed snack that is also rich in fiber. Drain and rinse a can of chickpeas, toss them with a little olive oil, salt, and your choice of spices (such as paprika or cumin), and roast them in the oven until crispy. Enjoy this guilt-free snack that provides satiety and essential nutrients.
- Veggie Sticks with Hummus: Slice up colorful vegetables like carrots, cucumbers, bell peppers, and celery into sticks and pair them with a serving of homemade hummus. Hummus is a nutritious dip made from chickpeas, tahini, garlic, and lemon juice. It’s high in protein and fibre, making it a satisfying and tasty option for weight loss.
- Greek Yogurt with Berries: Greek yogurt is an excellent source of protein and calcium, and it’s lower in sugar compared to regular yogurt. Top a small bowl of Greek yogurt with a handful of fresh berries, such as strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries. The natural sweetness of the berries adds flavour without excess calories, making it a refreshing and filling snack.
- Rice Cake with Nut Butter: Rice cakes are a low-calorie and gluten-free option that can be paired with a tablespoon of natural nut butter, such as almond or peanut butter. The combination of the rice cake’s crunch and the creamy nut butter creates a satisfying snack that is rich in healthy fats and protein.
- Hard-Boiled Eggs: Hard-boiled eggs are a portable and protein-rich snack that can keep you feeling full for longer. They are easy to prepare in advance and can be seasoned with a sprinkle of salt and pepper or a dash of hot sauce for added flavor. Enjoy one or two eggs as an evening snack to keep hunger at bay.
- Dark Chocolate and Almonds: Indulge in a small portion of dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher) alongside a handful of raw almonds. Dark chocolate contains antioxidants, while almonds offer healthy fats and protein. This combination can satisfy your sweet tooth and keep you feeling satisfied.
10 Tips for Mindful Snacking from Fitness with Nidhi
When it comes to consuming evening snacks for weight loss, it’s important to make mindful choices that are both satisfying and nutritious. Here are some tips to help you snack wisely:
- Choose Nutrient-Dense Snacks: Choose a snack that is rich in nutrients and low in empty calories. Include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats in your snack choices.
- Portion Control: Pay attention to portion sizes to avoid excessive calorie intake.
- Prioritize Protein: Including protein in your snacks can help you feel fuller for longer. Snacks such as Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, boiled eggs, nuts, seeds, or hummus with vegetables are good protein-rich options.
- Incorporate Fiber: Foods high in fiber promote feelings of fullness and help regulate digestion. Snack on fiber-rich options like fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grain crackers, or popcorn.
- Healthy Fat Choices: Include sources of healthy fats in your snacks, such as avocado, nuts, seeds, or nut butter. Healthy fats provide satiety and add flavor to your snacks.
- Plan and Prepare: Plan your snacks ahead of time and have them readily available. Prepare snack-sized portions of fruits, cut vegetables, or pre-portioned nuts to grab when hunger strikes.
- Hydrate: Sometimes thirst can be mistaken for hunger. Stay hydrated by drinking water throughout the day. If you feel hungry between meals, have a glass of water first and assess if you’re truly hungry or just thirsty.
- Mindful Snacking: Be present and mindful when snacking. Avoid eating while distracted, such as in front of the TV or computer, as it can lead to overeating. Take your time, savor the flavors, and listen to your body’s hunger and fullness cues.
- Avoid Unhealthy Snack Traps: Minimize or avoid highly processed snacks, sugary drinks, and foods high in added sugars. These provide little nutritional value and can lead to weight gain.
- Keep a Food Journal: Consider keeping a food journal to track your snacks and be aware of your eating patterns. This can help identify areas where you may need to make healthier choices.
How we can assist you in weight loss?
We, at Fitness with Nidhi, design customized meal plans for you. We take into consideration all the macros required for your body. Weight loss is a gradual process and can be easily achieved without healthy meal plans and workouts. Contact us for a weight loss meal plan.
Learn more about our 7 days diet plan for weight loss .