Fitness expert Paloma Gangopadhyay tells you how to beat your cravings with healthier alternatives.
1. Popcorn
Looking for a healthy snacking option but do not want to compromise on taste? Look no further!
Packed with high fiber, low fat, and good carbs, plain mildly salted popcorn (not cheese or caramel coated) -- is extremely nutritious for the body and is categorised under foods with a high GI.
Prepared within 5 minutes, it makes for the ideal binge-watching snack.
It is low on calories, healthy and tasty too.
2. Fruits
Fruits are the perfect alternative for when you are craving those sweet treats.
Unlike chocolates or candies, fruits provide your body with the right amount of natural raw vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that supplement great nutritional value.
You can opt for fruits like blueberries, pomegranate seeds, raspberries, apples, or oranges as a healthy replacement.
3. Makhana
Also known as fox nuts, makhana not only makes for a healthy binge-eating snack but also comes with a high nutritional value.
It is a great source of calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, and protein.
The good news is, it also promotes weight-loss.
You can find a variety of pre-flavored makhanas in the market today. Although, it is advisable to purchase the unflavoured ones and flavour them at home, just to take extra precaution and ensure that your snack is healthy and preservative-free.
4. Dry fruits and nuts
Dry fruits are categorised as ‘superfoods’ because of their high content of vitamins, minerals, and proteins. They can be the perfect snack considering how easy they are to eat.
Dried berries and nuts are the best form of antioxidants for your body and are also high in iron and protein.
A handful of non-flavoured, unsalted dry fruits and nuts are sufficient to cover most of your daily nutritional requirements.
5. Water, lemonade and buttermilk
Having a glass of water as opposed to soft drinks like colas is surely a better alternative to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
To start your day on a refreshing note, you can also have a nice warm cup of lemonade.
Filled with vitamin C, it cleanses your body, promotes hydration, and also initiates weight loss. Lemonade can be had either warm or cold depending on your preference.
Apart from that, another healthful beverage is buttermilk. It is an ideal evening drink.
Not only is it very cooling for the stomach but it also keeps you full for a long time.
