At 5 pm, hunger strikes with a vengeance – and before you know it you have eaten a quick nibble that was the calorie equivalent of a full-blown meal. Don’t let these hunger pangs derail your diet. Instead try these 13 flavourful, low-calorie healthy snack ideas from ToBeHealthy that will fill you up without weighing you down.
1. Okra Chips
Why they are good: Okra is an excellent source of calcium and also has a good amount of protein that will keep you full. These Okra chips are crisp, dry and seal in all the nutrition.
2. Almond Buckwheat Cookies
Why they are good: Buckwheat improves heart health by lowering cholesterol and blood pressure levels. In addition, it is loaded with fibre that will fill you up quickly.
3. Hazelnuts
Why they are good: Hazelnuts contain unsaturated fats and is good for your skin, bones and joints. You can have them straight out of the box or quickly prepare a butter-toasted hazelnut snack by following this recipe.
4. Quinoa
Why it is good: Quinoa contains almost twice as much fibre as any other grain and is one of the most protein-rich snacks you can have. Boil and strain half cup quinoa and mix it with onion, tomato, cucumbers, coriander, green chillies, salt and lemon juice. Drizzle some olive oil and toss well. Your healthy quinoa salad is ready. Full recipe here.
5. Sweet Potato Chips
Why they are good: Keep your hair healthy and shiny with a dose of vacuum fried sweet potato chips. Its beta-carotene is a nectar for your long, lustrous mane. Also, the high vitamin-C content helps keep cold and cough at bay.
6. Granola
Why it is good: Who says granola is only for breakfast? The rolled oats, packed with almonds and different seeds can give you a nutrient boost whenever you need it. Have it with yoghurt in the evening to aid digestion.
7. Whey Protein Bar
Why it is good: This is a perfect pre-gymming snack for an instant protein boost. The whey protein bar will also keep the hunger pangs at bay until dinner time.
8. Almond Milk
Why it is good: Almond milk has only half as many calories as cow’s milk, so if you are trying to lose weight, make the switch. Also if you feel bloated in the evenings, then almond milk is a great snack as it is easy on the stomach and acts as a diuretic.
9. Banana Rum Jam
Why it is good: Upgrade your evening butter toast with a spread of banana jam. This chemical-free handmade jam is naturally sweetened and almost feels like having a dessert with the goodness of fibre rich bananas.
10. Dried Blueberries
Why they are good: Blueberries are very low in calories and are full of anti-oxidants that contribute immensely towards fighting diseases. Eat them raw, in a juice or a smoothie or sprinkle them on your cereal.
11. Omega Seeds
Why they are good: This super snack is a powerful blend of sunflower, buckwheat, pumpkin and flax seeds. It’s a perfect treat by the handful or as a topping for hummus, soup and salads. See how you can creatively use them in trail mixes.
12. Beetroot Chips
Why they are good: Beetroot helps you maintain a healthy weight and is a good source of iron and folic acid. These chips are low in fat, retain all nutrients, colour, flavour and texture of the vegetable and turn out to be a great mid-meal snack.
13. Pecan Nuts
Why they are good: Anti-oxidant rich Pecan Nuts fight free radicals, boost your immunity and guard against infection. Loaded with ‘good fat’, these nuts also keep your heart healthy and tummy full.
