Replace your regular snacks with these 7 healthy alternatives without giving up on taste

Snacking is one of our guilty pleasures, but it is one of the biggest reasons for weight gain. Now that doesn’t mean you have to give up on snacking. All you have to do is look out for some healthy options that can replace your regular munchies.

To be honest, we all feel the need to binge on something between meals. Where we go wrong is that we opt for the wrong snack, and we end up eating much more than we had planned. That’s why choosing the right snack is very important, because it will also help you control your appetite and prevent weight gain.   

If you really can’t think of anything healthy, then nutritionist, Manisha Chopra will help you pick some snacks that won’t just keep you full, but will also help you lose weight.

It’s time to replace unhealthy snacks with these seven healthy options:

1. Roasted chana instead of regular namkeen

If Amit ji loves Bikaji, it doesn’t mean it’s a healthy snack option. Roasted chana is definitely a healthier alternative to snack on, instead of regular namkeen. The namkeen has a lot of unhealthy fats, unlike roasted chana. Roasted chana contains a lot of nutrients, and has almost zero sodium.

2. Baked veggies instead of french fries

Baked veggies have the same crispness like french fries, but they are far healthier than the latter. Veggies are loaded with nutrients, and their fibre content can also help you lose weight. Opt for veggies like carrots, peppers, baked spinach, broccoli, etc.

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You can opt for fries on a cheat day.

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3. Fox nuts instead of popcorn

Without a doubt, fox nuts are the yummiest snacks available today. They are low in sodium and high in calcium. Plus, it’s a great alternative to popcorn, if you’re looking to lose weight.

If you don’t like your fox nuts bland and want to spice them up, then toss them into a pan, put some rock salt, black pepper, and cinnamon powder. Now, relish these munchies.

4. Sweet potato wedges instead of chips

Sweet potato wedges (baked) are way healthier and tastier than fried potato chips. Sweet potatoes have high levels of beta-carotene and vitamin B6, C and D, so enjoy them guilt-free.

5. Fruit smoothies instead of soda

“Soda has no nutritional value to offer. Instead, one can switch to fruit smoothies to add some nutrients to your diet. Smoothies are not only healthy but also keep you full for a long time. Hence, it helps you lose weight,” recommends Ms Chopra.

And FYI, they are really simple to make.

6. Jaggery or fruit instead of sweets

Sweets contain a high amount of sugar and fats. One can switch to jaggery or fruits, as they contain natural sugar and are low in fat, unlike sweets.

7. Dark chocolate instead of regular or white chocolate

Dark chocolate is much better for you than regular or milk chocolate. Interestingly, dark chocolate contains fibre, iron, magnesium, copper, zinc, potassium, and phosphorus. They are also full of antioxidants.

“The best time to eat snacks is one to two hours before dinner time i.e., between 4-6 pm. They keep your stomach a little full, which ultimately means no extra servings during dinner,” concludes nutritionist Manisha Chopra.

So in 2021, give snacking a makeover with these healthy options.