New Delhi, Delhi
Feeling slightly hungry between breakfast and lunch or before dinner is completely normal. It can become even more common while working at the office or travelling. The problem arises when people repeatedly turn to chips, salty snacks, biscuits, sweets or fried foods to satisfy these hunger pangs.
Instead, snacks rich in protein and fibre can be a better choice. They can help keep you feeling full for longer and may reduce unnecessary snacking between meals.
1. Roasted Chickpeas
Roasted chickpeas are an affordable, easily available and nutritious snack. They contain protein and fibre and can be stored in an airtight container, making them convenient to carry to the office or while travelling.
2. Makhana
Lightly roasted makhana can make for a tasty and light snack. It is better to avoid adding excessive oil or salt while preparing it.
3. Boiled Egg
Eggs are a good source of protein. A boiled egg can help satisfy hunger between meals. However, it should be stored and handled safely, particularly when carried outside the home.
4. Apple or Guava
Fruits provide fibre along with various vitamins and minerals. Apples and guavas are also convenient to carry in an office bag or while travelling.
5. Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt can be a higher-protein option compared with regular yogurt. When purchasing it, choosing an option without added sugar is generally preferable.
6. Sprouts Chaat
A nutritious chaat can be prepared using sprouts along with cucumber, tomato, onion and lemon. This can provide a combination of protein and fibre while also adding variety to the diet.
7. Vegetable Soup
A light vegetable soup can be a good option for satisfying evening hunger. It is better to keep added cream, butter and excessive salt to a minimum.
8. Popcorn Without Butter
Homemade popcorn prepared with little oil can be a relatively light snack. Adding large amounts of butter and salt can significantly increase its calorie content.
Quantity Matters Too
Choosing a healthy snack does not mean it can be eaten in unlimited quantities. For weight management, overall calorie intake, food quality and physical activity all play an important role.
Therefore, when you feel slightly hungry between meals, having a small portion of a nutritious snack can be a better strategy than reaching for highly processed or fried foods.
