Packed snacking items are filled with high levels of trans fat, sugar, salt, and artificial food flavors. These all ingredients lead us to gain weight. But what if I told you some healthy snacks can help you lose weight?
In this article, you will discover 30 easy-to-make healthy snacks that you can eat. You can have them during your morning snack time or during your evening snack time. These yummy healthy snacks will surely make you help lose weight.
Strawberries And Dark Chocolate
We often use this tangy combination for confectionaries and cakes. But this combo does wonders for your gut health as well. Dark chocolates are considered the best alternative in the case of normal chocolates. Although they taste a bit bitter it has their advantages. This heart-healthy melted savory goes best with vitamin c filled strawberries.
This is an easy-to-prepare snack and takes less time to prepare. Choose some fresh strawberries and a whole chocolate bar of dark chocolate. Melt the dark chocolate and coat the strawberries with it. You can either refrigerate it or use dark chocolate as a dip for strawberries.
Roasted Chickpea
Roasted chickpeas are a delicious and healthy snack. They are usually used as a crunchy side dish. They are easy to make and you can add your choice of flavors like paprika or herbs to make it more delicious.
There are two ways by which you can roast the chickpeas. The first technique is to roast them in an oven or a microwave. Otherwise, you can roast them with a non-stick pan also.
Banana Smoothie
Banana is known for their high potassium, magnesium, Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, and other essential mineral content. It’s a smoothie with natural sweeteners like jaggery powder and honey and is a complete energy dose for your day.
A banana smoothie will take less than five minutes to prepare. Take a clean jar and add some yogurt, a whole banana with a spoonful of jaggery powder or honey. Blend it and you are ready to go. You can serve it either in a bowl garnished with some berries or dry fruits. Or else you can pour it into a glass and enjoy! Make sure that the consistency of the smoothie is thick.
Air-Popped Popcorn
Air-popped popcorn is a healthy snack that's low in calories and high in fiber. It's also a good source of whole grains and antioxidants. Finally, research suggests that consuming popcorn may help you feel fuller for longer, which can help with weight management.
You can add butter, salt, or cheese flavors to make it tasty. Popcorn is an ideal healthy snack that is recommended for volume diets. This means it will give a feeling of fullness. Additionally, it is also less in calories.
Sunflower Seeds
Sunflower seeds are a good source of nutrients, including vitamin E, magnesium, copper, selenium, phosphorus, thiamine, and folate. They are also a good source of healthy fats, protein, and fiber. Sunflower seeds help in managing heart health, blood sugar regulations, and bone health and also prevents cancer
You can find a packet of sunflower seeds in any grocery store. Or else, you can prepare it at home as well. Extract fresh sunflower seeds from sunflower flowers. Dehydrate it under the sun for about three days. Now store it. Add salt and chili powder to increase the flavor. You can also roast them to induce crunchiness.
Apple Slices Topped With Almond Butter
Almond butter provides healthy fats, protein, and fiber, while apples provide vitamins and minerals. Eating this snack can help keep you full for longer and provide you with a good source of energy. Additionally, the combination of apples and almond butter offers health benefits like heart health and blood sugar control.
Apple slices topped with almond butter are a healthy snack option for daytime snacks. Slice an apple into a pieces. Now take a spoonful of almond butter and apply it.
Idlis
Idli is a steamed cake made from a mixture of rice and lentils. It is a very nutritious food and provides essential vitamins and minerals. It is high in dietary fiber, protein, and complex carbohydrates. Idlis are made from the fermented batter which helps in promoting digestion. The fermentation process helps in breaking down carbohydrates, thus making them easier to digest. It also has a Low GI (glycaemic index).
The idli batter takes about a night to ferment. Scoop some fermented batter and place it on the greased idli steamer plates. One batch of idlis which has approximately 10 idlis takes about twenty-five to thirty minutes to prepare. You can eat the idlis with south Indian coconut chutney or sambhar.
In case you already have some idli leftovers from the previous day, you can fry it with cumin seeds, salt, turmeric powder, and red chili powder for a perfect evening healthy snack.
Baked Sweet Potato
Baked sweet potatoes are an excellent source of dietary fiber, which helps promote healthy digestion and supports heart health. They are low in calories, making them a great choice for weight loss.
Baked sweet potatoes are very easy to prepare. Boli some potatoes. Once boiled, you can either cut them into slices or you can smash them with a cooking spoon. Drizzle some salt or some oreganos on top and bake it in the oven. These are delicious super healthy snacks that will complement your tea time.
Makhanas
Makhana, also known as fox nuts or lotus seeds, is a crunchy and nutritious snack. They are loaded with essential nutrients and offer many health benefits. great source of protein and fiber, which can help with weight management. Makhana is a high-end snack because of its extraction process. Lotus seeds are roasted and poped to make this light fluffy healthy snack. To make your makhanas more crunchy, you can roast them at home with salt and peppers.
Puffed Rice
Puffed Rice is a popular breakfast cereal made from puffed grains of rice. It is a low-calorie, low-fat, and low-sodium food that is high in carbohydrates. It is also a good source of B vitamins and iron.
Puffed Wheat
It is a low-calorie, nutritious food that is high in fiber and contains no added sugar or salt. It is a good source of iron, zinc, magnesium, and B vitamins.
Avocado Toast
It is a great source of healthy fats, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It can help lower cholesterol levels, aid digestion, and boost energy levels. Avocado toast is also easy to prepare, making it a convenient snack for busy days. Take whole wheat bread and toast it. Now instead of butter spread some avocado pulp on it and there you have a healthy snack.
Chia Pudding
Chia pudding can help support a healthy weight, provide energy, and improve digestive health. It is also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which may help reduce inflammation and improve heart health. Additionally, chia pudding may help lower cholesterol, regulate blood sugar levels, and even improve sleep quality.
Chia pudding can be prepared in several ways. You can alter the layerings according to your taste. The first thing you have to do is prepare chia seeds. This can be simply done by soaking the chia seeds overnight in the water until they develop a slimy coating around them.
You can garnish your chia pudding with soft fruits like banana and mango. Also, use a low-fat cream.
Hard-boiled Egg
Hard-boiled eggs are an excellent source of protein and other essential nutrients including iron, zinc, and vitamins A, and B vitamins. They are also low in calories and fat, making them a healthy and nutritious snack or meal addition. Eating hard-boiled eggs can help promote healthy weight loss, improve digestion, and boost your immune system.
A simple hard-boiled egg can be cut into pieces and served with some seasoning. You can also stir-fry it to add more flavor.
Oatmeal with Fruit
Oatmeal with fruits is an incredibly nutritious and delicious breakfast that can provide a variety of health benefits. The combination of oatmeal and fruit can provide a balance of carbohydrates, proteins, healthy fats, and fiber.
Readymade packs of flavored oatmeal are available in the market. But that is not a healthy option for you. Because it contains trans fat and saturated sugar. Instead, you can prepare a healthy oatmeal snack at home. You can either use milk or water to prepare it.
Almonds
Almonds are a nutrient-dense, high-fiber food that can offer a range of health benefits. Eating almonds can help lower cholesterol, reduce inflammation, regulate blood sugar levels, and provide antioxidants. They are also a great source of protein, fiber, healthy fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals.
You can also roast your almonds and mix them with some salt to add flavor.
Celery Sticks with Hummus
Celery sticks are a good source of dietary fiber, which helps to keep your digestive system healthy and regular. Hummus is a nutritious dip made from chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, and spices. It is a good source of protein, fiber, and healthy fats, making it a great choice as a snack or part of a meal.
You can either prepare hummus at home or buy a can of it from the stores. Celery is a crunchy and leafy green vegetable. Chop the celery leaves and the stem you have is the celery stick. You can even bake the sticks if you want.
Quinoa Bowl
Quinoa is naturally gluten-free, making it an ideal choice for people with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. Quinoa is a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids that our bodies are unable to produce on their own. This makes it a great source of protein for vegetarians and vegans.
Quinoa bowl also contains healthy vegetables like shredded cabbage and carrots, leafy vegetables like celery, spinach, peppers, and baby tomatoes. Chop all the ingredients and place them in a bowl with some quinoa mixture. And now you have a perfect healthy snack of Quinoa. Many people also eat it for starters and salads.
Fruit and Nut Bars
The combination of nuts and dried fruit provide a great energy boost. This energy boost can help you get through the day and can be especially beneficial when you're feeling tired and sluggish. It is the most convenient snack coming in different varieties and is portable.
To be honest, it's difficult to find the most appropriate fruit and nut bar and the ones available in the supermarket may contain trans fat and saturated sugars. But you can prepare a fruit and nutbar at home also.
Sprouts Chaat
Sprouts are also low in calories and fat, making them a great snack choice if you're trying to lose weight. Sprouts are a great source of plant-based proteins, which can help reduce your risk of developing certain chronic diseases.
This healthy snack is easy to prepare. Soak a handful of pulses like green moong for two nights. Remember that you have to change the water every night. Your sprouts will be ready when you see small roots emerging from each seed. Now simply mix some raw vegetables like beetroot, tomatoes, green chilies, and some seasoning.
Boiled Sweet Corn
Boiled sweet corn is a nutritious and delicious snack that can be enjoyed by everyone. It is rich in vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin A, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E. You can also use it as a side ingredient for a variety of dishes.
Boiled sweet corn is the easiest healthy snack to prepare. Take whole maize, remove its cover, and corn hair. Next, heat some water and boil the corn for about 20 minutes. Once the corn is boiled, you can either cut it with the help of a corn cutter or you can eat it directly. The corn kernels can also be used in salads and curries.
Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds are a good source of many vitamins and minerals, including magnesium, zinc, and iron. They are also high in antioxidants and fiber, which can help protect against disease and promote good digestive health. The healthy pumpkin seed snack is prepared the same way the other seeds are dried and roasted. Again, you can add seasoning to it to suit your taste buds. Or else you can also use it for garnishing purposes on deserts.
Cottage Cheese Cucumber Carrot Salad
An easy-to-prepare snack for summers, it is a mix of light sautéed cottage cheese (paneer) and raw cucumber and carrot pieces. You can also add other salad vegetables and dressings of your choice. Cottage cheese is a source of protein, whereas cucumber and carrot give you all essential vitamins and minerals.
This snack is very easy to prepare. Buy a pack of fresh cottage cheese and cut it into small pieces. You can also sautee it with virgin olive oil to gain extra health benefits. Now cut the raw vegetables of your choice. Mix them well and add a dressing.
Dried Blueberries
They provide a concentrated source of vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber, and antioxidants. Dried blueberries are also a great source of energy and can be used as a snack throughout the day. Easy to store and transport and are a great addition to both sweet and savory recipes.
Dried blueberries can also be added to cookies, cupcakes, and other desserts. You can even make the blueberry sauce and use it as a bread spread.
Gram Flour Pancakes
Gram flour pancakes are a healthier alternative to traditional pancakes. Gram flour is also a source of essential vitamins and minerals like iron and zinc, which are important for energy production and immune system health. The high fiber content also helps to regulate digestion, improving blood sugar levels and cholesterol. Gram-flour pancakes are also low in fat, making them a great choice for people trying to lose weight.
Gram-flour pancakes are very easy to make. The batter can be made by mixing an ample amount of water with gram flour powder. Make sure that the consistency of the barter is that of a cake mix. Spread some barter in a nonstick pan and heat it till the liquid solidifies. You can top it with some vegetables. You can eat it with dippings like salsa and hummus.
Blue-pea Flower Herbal Tea
blue pea flower tea contains several antioxidants that can help protect the body from oxidative damage caused by free radicals. Blue pea flower tea has been used traditionally to help reduce stress and tension. It can help promote digestion and reduce gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating and cramping.
Extract some dried blue-pea flowers and brew them for five minutes in hot water. Once the water acquires the color of the flower, strain the tea into a fresh cup and add some honey because it is a natural sweetener. You can also squeeze some lemon and your blue pea flower tea is ready. This is also a perfectly healthy substitute for evening teas and coffees.
Carrot Ginger Turmeric Smoothie
Carrots are high in Vitamin A, which is an important nutrient for immunity. Ginger and turmeric are both powerful antioxidants that can help fight off infection and disease. Carrots are a great source of natural sugar, so they can help give you a boost of energy. Ginger and turmeric can help to provide sustained energy throughout the day. Carrots are high in beta-carotene, which can help to improve skin health. Ginger and turmeric can help to reduce inflammation and protect the skin from environmental pollutants.
The smoothie can be prepared very easily. You have to simply chop the vegetables and put them in a blender. Add some water and a spoonful of turmeric powder. Also, add some yogurt and then blend the mixture.
Dragon Fruit Pop Sickle
Dragon fruit is low in calories and high in fiber, making it a great snack for those trying to lose weight. Dragon fruit is packed with Vitamin A, which helps to keep your skin healthy and youthful. Scoop dragon fruit pulp from the fruit and place it in the popsicle maker. Next, you have to freeze it overnight and your yummy healthy pop-sickle snacks are ready. You can also squeeze some lemon juice on top of it to add extra taste.
Yam Chips
Yam chips are a healthy snack option to replace traditional potato chips. They are high in dietary fiber, which can help keep you feeling full longer, aid in digestion, and help to manage blood sugar levels. They are also a good source of vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin C and Manganese. Additionally, they are low in calories and contain no trans fats, making them a healthier choice than regular potato chips.
Yam chips can be made very conveniently, just like potato chips. You can either buy an entire yam that weighs around 1-2 kilograms, or you can buy a part of it according to your need. Wash it properly and cut it into small slices. Drain it in salt water and then you can either bake it or fry it. If you want to fry it then opt for healthy vegetable oils like sunflower oils and extra-virgin olive oils. Now you simply need to add some seasoning like paprika or oregano and your healthy yam chip snack is done.
Greek Yogurt With Berries
Yogurt is a great source of protein, which helps to build and repair muscle after exercise. Berries are high in antioxidants, which can help protect the body from cellular damage. Yogurt with berries can help boost your immune system and provide a healthy dose of probiotics, which can help support digestive health. It is also the best alternative for ice creams.
