Which Indian snack is best for weight loss?

Roasted makhana, chana or sprouts chaat and buttermilk are filling, light and easy to prepare.

Is makhana good for weight loss?

Makhana is light, crunchy and filling when roasted with little oil, making it a good swap for fried snacks.

What can I eat at night when hungry on a diet?

A small bowl of curd, a glass of warm milk, cucumber sticks or a few roasted chana are light options.

Low calorie Indian snacks: makhana, chana chaat, sprouts and fruit chaat for evening hunger

The 5 pm hunger pang is where many weight-loss plans slip — biscuits, namkeen and samosas add up fast. These low calorie Indian snacks keep you full and satisfied: roasted makhana, chana chaat, sprouts salad, fruit chaat with chaat masala, a glass of buttermilk and cucumber or carrot sticks with curd dip.

What makes a good weight-loss snack

A good snack has protein or fibre to keep you full, is not fried and has little added sugar. Portion matters too — even healthy nuts are calorie-dense. Planning snacks ahead stops you reaching for packets when hungry.

Many classic Indian foods — makhana, roasted chana, sprouts, chaas — are naturally light and filling, and fit well into an Ayurveda-style routine of fixed meal times.

Ingredients

A handful (about 1 cup) of makhana roasted in half a teaspoon of ghee
Boiled chana or sprouts with onion, tomato, lemon and chaat masala
Seasonal fruit, cucumber, carrot, buttermilk

How to prepare

Roast makhana on low heat in a little ghee till crisp; sprinkle salt and pepper.
Mix boiled chana or sprouts with chopped vegetables, lemon and chaat masala.

How to use

Pick one snack between lunch and dinner, around 150–200 calories.
Pair fruit with a protein, like curd or a few nuts, to stay full longer.
Drink a glass of water or buttermilk with the snack.

Helpful habits

Pre-portion snacks into small boxes.
Keep packaged namkeen and biscuits out of sight.
If you're hungry every evening, add more protein to lunch.

Precautions

Limit salt and chaat masala if you have high BP.
People with diabetes should choose lower-sugar fruits and pair them with protein.
Makhana and nuts are healthy but still need portion control.

Frequently asked questions

Which Indian snack is best for weight loss?: Roasted makhana, chana or sprouts chaat and buttermilk are filling, light and easy to prepare.
Is makhana good for weight loss?: Makhana is light, crunchy and filling when roasted with little oil, making it a good swap for fried snacks.
What can I eat at night when hungry on a diet?: A small bowl of curd, a glass of warm milk, cucumber sticks or a few roasted chana are light options.