Healthy Substitutes For Not-So-Healthy Craving!

While you may be controlling your portions and ensuring that your meals are healthy, the snacks in between the big meals may still be harming your body. The packets of chips that you may open will add not only calories but also other harmful chemicals. There are other healthier options out there which you can use to replace it and still satisfy your cravings.

1. Kurmura or puffed rice - A staple snack in many parts of India, kurmura comes in many varieties and mixtures that are quite popular. Some examples are jhalmuri, bhelpuri and others. While mixing it with other things such as farsan, nuts and chana are good. Excessive use of oil or sweet spices may increase its calorific value. Thus, you must refrain from these additions.

2. Khakra - A great Indian snack that comes from Gujarat, this is a form of flatbread which can be consumed on its own or with chutneys. This is very low in fats and oil and is one of the tastiest snack alternatives around.

3. Masala corn - Corn is considered to be a very healthy and nutritious snack on its own. However, you can add various types of masala or have a roast corn cob with salt and lime dressing, which is an already favoured snack all over India.

4. Nuts - Assorted nuts such as almonds, peanuts, pistachios can be a very filling snack without the need for large quantities of it. However, don't consume too much of it as certain varieties do contain considerable amounts of fat and thus moderation is the key here.

5. Soya sticks - A new entrant into the Indian market, soya sticks are baked and then laced with spices. Soya tends to have protein while not much fat and thus it can be healthy as well as a tasty snack. Soya sticks are usually laced with various kinds of masala.

6. Chickpeas or chana - This is another snack which can come in many forms such as roasted, boiled or even as a paste in the form of hummus. It contains a lot of protein but very little fat. Chickpeas can be had either on their own or mixed with nuts or other forms of a mixture.

7. Baked snacks - Various forms of snacks which are baked instead of fried can be a good alternative as well. Baked versions of potato chips and other snacks are increasingly available in stores across India.

These food items can satisfy your food cravings without adversely affecting your health.