Healthy Indian Snacks for Weight Loss: Delicious Millet-Based Options

The usual obstacle to our weightloss journey is generally the in-between-the meals snacking we do. That one packet of chips before lunch, or the biscuits or the samosa we eat along with our evening tea, or the late night icecream cravings can add up in calories hindering us from hitting our weight loss goals. But this need not be the case if we are careful about what we eat. Healthy snacks like millet-based foods help in keeping you full for longer while also aiding your weight management. Let’s look at some millet-based foods to include in your diet.

 

Why Healthy Snacking is Key to Weight Loss

For snacking healthy, millet-based snacks are a good start. Millets are low in calories when compared to regular snacks made out of refined flour. Millets are rich in crude fibre which slows down digestion and keeps you full for longer. This helps in keeping hunger at bay thus helping with weight loss. It also offers protein and essential nutrients essential to provide stable levels of energy in the process of losing weight.

Top Healthy Indian Snacks for Weight Loss

 

Millet-Based Snacks

Millets are nutrient-dense and versatile, making them perfect for healthy snacking. Some of the millet base snacks to include in your routine include:

• Ragi Chips

• Jowar Puffed Snacks

• Bajra Khakra

• Foxtail Millet Energy Bars

• Barnyard Millet Laddoos

Check out our whole range of millet based delights here.

Traditional Low-Calorie Snacks

Traditional Indian snacks, when prepared mindfully, are both tasty and low in calories:

• Poha

• Upma

• Sprouts Chaat

• Roasted Chana

• Steamed Dhokla

Millet-Based Evening Snack Ideas

 

1. Millet Crackers with Homemade Hummus

Crisp and light, millet crackers paired with protein-rich hummus make a balanced and satisfying snack.

2. Ragi Dosa 

Ragi dosa, a popular twist to traditional dosa, is rich in calcium and can be eaten as an evening snack.

3. Bajra and Vegetable Soup

A soup made with bajra and seasonal vegetables is an ideal evening snack to keep you full and nourished.

Specialty South Indian Healthy Snacks

 

Here are some popular millet-inspired South Indian snacks:

1. Millet Idli and Dosa

• Replace your regular idli and dosa eating habits by switching them up with millet dosa and idli where millet is substituted for white rice in the batter.         

• Fermented for better digestion, these idli dosa options are light yet energy-boosting, making them ideal for breakfast or snacks.

2. Ragi Mudde (Finger Millet Balls)

• Karnataka’s beloved summer classic, ragi mudde is a must-try dish to  include in your must-try south Indian millet recipes.

• These soft millet balls are served with spicy sambar or green chili chutney, offering a filling and wholesome meal-like snack.

3. Millet-Based Kuzhi Paniyaram

• Bite-sized snacks made with fermented millet batter and tempered with curry leaves, mustard seeds, and vegetables.

• Perfect for tea-time or as a party appetizer.

Low-Calorie Vegetarian Snack Options

 For those looking for plant-based snacks that support weight loss, here are some healthy, vegetarian snack ideas featuring millets:

1. Millet Khichdi with Vegetables

• Made out of  millets such as foxtail or barnyard millet,  and combined with a mix of vegetables like carrots, beans, and peas.

 

2. Mixed Vegetable and Millet Cutlets

• A delicious blend of cooked millet, mashed potatoes, carrots, and spices, shaped into cutlets and lightly pan-fried or baked.

• They are perfect as a snack or appetizer, offering a good dose of fiber, vitamins, and plant-based protein.

3. Jowar Vegetable Stir-Fry

• A simple stir-fry made with puffed jowar or cooked jowar grains mixed with bell peppers, spinach, and spices.

• This dish is both crunchy and nutritious, ideal for an evening snack that satisfies without piling on calories.

Healthy Midnight Snack Ideas

 

1. Millet Porridge with Nuts and Fruits

• A warm and comforting bowl of porridge made with millets such as foxtail or barnyard millet, topped with a handful of nuts and fresh fruits.

• It's easy to digest and provides sustained energy without adding extra calories.

2. Foxtail Millet Energy Bars

• Convenient and ready-to-eat, these energy bars combine foxtail millet with dates, nuts, and seeds.

• Ideal for a quick and healthy midnight snack that curbs hunger without compromising on health.

3. Bajra Khichdi

• A light, simple khichdi prepared with bajra (pearl millet), moong dal, and minimal spices.

• This dish is not only low-calorie but also easy on the stomach, making it perfect for late-night consumption.

Benefits of Millet-Based Snacks for Weight Loss

1. High Fiber aiding weight loss

 As millets are high in fiber, they help with digestion and keep you full, thus avoiding overeating. This therefore contributes to weight loss by reducing our calorie intake.

2. Low Glycemic Index for Controlled Blood Sugar Levels

Most millets are low in glycemic index, which is a measure of how much a food increases your sugar levels. Lower the glycemic index, lower is its ability to rapidly increase the body sugar level. Mullet-based snack consumption prevents sugar spikes which are responsible for us overeating.

Also Read: Little Millet Health Benefits 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

What are healthy Indian snacks for weight loss?

Healthy Indian snacks for weight loss include options that are high in fiber and low in calories. Popular choices are roasted makhana, steamed dhokla, sprout salads with spices, masala buttermilk, and vegetable upma. These snacks provide essential nutrients while keeping you satiated without adding extra calories.

Are millet-based snacks good for weight loss?

Yes, millet-based snacks like bajra khakhra, ragi chips, and millet poha are excellent for weight loss. Millets are high in fiber, which helps with digestion and curbs hunger. They also have a low glycemic index, supporting stable blood sugar levels and sustained energy.

Which millet snacks are best for evening cravings?

For evening cravings, millet snacks such as ragi cookies, millet bhel, bajra crackers, foxtail millet chivda, and little millet idli are ideal. These snacks are light yet filling, providing a healthy alternative to processed options.

Can millet snacks replace a meal?

Yes, millet snacks can replace a meal if they are prepared with balanced ingredients. Dishes like millet khichdi, ragi dosa, or jowar roti wraps paired with vegetables and protein sources (paneer, lentils, or chicken) can serve as a complete and nourishing meal replacement.

 

If you’re looking to explore the world of millets, Millet Maagic Meal offers a range of high-quality millet products that you can easily incorporate into your daily meals. Whether you're making a nutritious breakfast or a hearty dinner, Millet Maagic Meal has got you covered.

Start your millet journey today with Millet Maagic Meal, and experience the magic of wholesome, nutritious food!

Found the blog helpful? Explore our other blogs on millet benefits and awesome healthy millet recipes!