Are you craving snacks but worried about your calorie intake? Indian cuisine has a treasure trove of low-calorie, delicious snacks that can easily fit into your weight loss plan. These snacks are a blend of wholesome ingredients like vegetables, spices, lentils, and nuts, offering taste and health in every bite.
Can You Snack While Losing Weight?
Absolutely, snacking can be a part of your weight-loss journey if you pick nutritious options. Munching on healthy foods can keep you satiated, enhance your energy, and prevent overeating during meals. Here are some wholesome snack alternatives:
Fruits and Vegetables: Handy fruits like apples, pears, grapes, grapefruit, and oranges are convenient to consume. A small tub of mixed berries is another excellent option.
Nuts: A nourishing treat, even though they are naturally rich in fats.
21 Indian Evening Snacks For Weight Loss
1. Roasted Chana (Chickpeas)
Description: High in protein and fiber, roasted chana is a crunchy and satisfying snack. It keeps you full longer and curbs unhealthy cravings.
Why It’s Great: Easy to prepare, portable, and perfect for snacking on the go.
How to Prepare: Dry roast chickpeas with a sprinkle of salt, turmeric, and chili powder.
2. Roasted Makhana (Fox Nuts)
Description: Light, airy, and packed with antioxidants, makhanas are ideal for guilt-free munching.
Health Benefits: Low in calories, rich in protein, and helps improve digestion.
Preparation Tip: Toss makhanas with olive oil, black pepper, and chaat masala for a flavorful twist.
3. Baked Samosa
Description: A healthier alternative to the traditional deep-fried samosa. These are baked to golden perfection and filled with spiced potatoes and peas.
Nutritional Highlight: Only 35 calories per piece when baked.
Serving Idea: Pair with green chutney for added flavor.
4. Paneer Aloo Samosas
Description: These samosas are filled with a delicious mix of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) and spiced potatoes, offering a creamy texture.
Why It’s Special: A protein-packed snack perfect for tea-time cravings.
5. Katori Chaat (Cup Chaat)
Description: Crispy edible cups made from baked flour, filled with tangy chutneys, spiced yogurt, and chickpeas.
Health Benefits: Loaded with fiber and protein, this chaat is both filling and flavorful.
6. Dahi Vada (Lentil Dumplings in Yogurt)
Description: Soft lentil dumplings soaked in creamy yogurt, topped with tamarind and mint chutneys.
Nutritional Value: High in protein and probiotics, making it great for digestion.
Tip: Use low-fat yogurt to reduce calorie content.
7. Vegan Pakoras (Fritters)
Description: These baked or air-fried fritters are made with vegetables like cabbage and onions, mixed with chickpea flour.
Why It’s Healthy: A light, crunchy snack that’s low in oil and calories.
8. Mangalore Buns (Banana Buns)
Description: Sweet and soft banana buns, a traditional delicacy from Karnataka, are made with ripe bananas and whole wheat flour.
When to Enjoy: Perfect for a breakfast treat or mid-day snack.
9. Egg-Free Breakfast Muffins
Description: Savory muffins made with vegetables and whole grains, free from processed flour and sugar.
Health Benefits: Wholesome and rich in fiber, ideal for a quick, healthy breakfast.
10. Bengali Vegetable Chop
Description: A popular street food from Kolkata, these croquettes are loaded with winter vegetables and spices, coated with breadcrumbs, and baked or air-fried.
Why It’s Great: Nutritious and flavorful, perfect for evening snacks.
11. Aloo Tikki (Potato Patties)
Description: Crispy potato patties made with boiled potatoes, peas, and spices.
Health Tip: Bake them instead of frying them for a healthier option.
12. Date Rolls
Description: Bite-sized rolls made from dates, nuts, and desiccated coconut.
Why It’s Healthy: Naturally sweet and packed with energy, perfect for pre-workout snacking.
13. Onion Bhaji (Onion Fritters)
Description: Thinly sliced onions coated in a spiced chickpea flour batter and air-fried or baked until crispy.
Health Benefits: A vegan and gluten-free snack that satisfies your craving for something crunchy.
14. Baked Okra
Description: Fresh okra baked with olive oil, paprika, and a pinch of cayenne for a spicy twist.
Why It’s Great: Low in calories and high in fiber, ideal for weight management.
15. Healthy Paneer Tikka
Description: Marinated cottage cheese cubes grilled with bell peppers, onions, and Indian spices.
Why It’s Special: High in protein and low in carbs, it’s a great snack for fitness enthusiasts.
16. Power Balls
Description: Energy-packed balls made with dry fruits, seeds, oats, and a hint of honey.
Perfect For: Midday hunger pangs or as a quick energy boost.
17. Vegetable Pakoras
Description: A mix of spinach, cauliflower, and chickpea flour baked into aromatic fritters.
Why It’s Healthy: Vegan, gluten-free, and low in calories.
18. Crispy Potato Samosa Pastry
Description: A baked version of the classic potato samosa with a crispy crust and flavorful filling.
Health Tip: Use whole wheat flour for added fiber.
19. Easy Sev Puri
Description: A no-cook chaat recipe made with papdis, chopped vegetables, tangy chutneys, and a sprinkle of sev.
Why It’s Amazing: Quick, flavorful, and light on calories.
20. Masala Papad
Description: Roasted papad topped with chopped vegetables, coriander, and a tangy spice mix.
Why It’s Great: A crunchy, low-calorie snack that’s easy to prepare.
21. Vegetable Stuffed Idlis
Description: Traditional idlis stuffed with spiced vegetables and steamed to perfection.
Why It’s Healthy: A low-calorie, fiber-rich snack that’s perfect for any time of the day.
Final Word
These 21 low-calorie Indian snacks are a blend of taste, health, and convenience. Whether you’re looking for something savory, sweet, or crunchy, there’s an option for every craving. Incorporate these into your daily routine, and enjoy guilt-free snacking that supports your health and fitness goals!
Frequently asked questions
Indian Evening Snacks For Weight Loss
Baked Samosas with Whole Wheat Flour.
Roasted Chana (Chickpeas)
Sprouted Moong Salad.
Moong Dal Chilla.
Steamed Vegetable Idli.
Khaman Dhokla.
Grilled Paneer Tikka.
Cucumber and Carrot Sticks with Yogurt Dip.
Examples of nutritious low-calorie snacks that keep you fuller for longer include edamame, apple slices with peanut butter, and veggie sticks dipped in hummus.
10 Low-Calorie Foods That Will Help You Feel Full
Greek Yogurt.
Cottage Cheese.
Fish.
Meat and Poultry.
Eggs.
Legumes.
Oats.
Vegetables.
A low-calorie diet means including foods that are naturally lower in calories. Most types of higher-quality rice are low-calorie foods
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