You pride yourself on being diligent about your diet through the week. Come the weekend, and that pride gives way to guilt because you have gorged on unhealthy snacks – salted peanuts, chips, cashew nuts, or French fries – when you hit the bar with your buddies or hosted a party at home.
If this happens weekend after weekend, we suggest you take charge and snack on healthier options. Low in calories and high in health benefits, they are the perfect sides to your drinks. And no, they’re not salads!
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Popcorn
Everyone loves popcorn, whatever the time of the day may be. Unbuttered popcorn, even if popped in oil, has about 60 calories a cup. It is a whole grain that’s high in fibre, makes you feel fuller, and you have to really chew so you get the satisfaction of having eaten. Enjoy it guilt-free.
Warning: Don’t top with butter
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Pistachio & Almonds
Pistas and almonds are low in calories, especially when it comes to dry fruits. Pista has good or unsaturated fat and 20 pieces give you about 80 calories. About 14 pieces of almonds have around 98 calories. Both these nuts are rich in protein and fibre.
Warning: Don’t add salt
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Hummus with Pita Bread
Hummus is made from chickpeas, so it has soluble fibre. Pita bread is part whole wheat and part wheat flour so not entirely unhealthy. It will also help you with your hangover since bread soaks alcohol. Fill up pita pockets with hummus to make it more interesting.
Warning: Don’t bring in meaty toppings
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Baked Tortilla Chips & Guacamole
Guacamole is yummy and made of avocado, which is good for health. Opt for baked tortilla chips to prevent extra fat in your diet. You’ll love this gourmet-like snack!
Warning: Don’t top the chips with cheese
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Sweet Potato Fries
If you really miss French Fries with your alcohol, opt for sweet potato fries instead. Sweet potatoes are non-starchy, high in Vitamin C, lower in calories than regular potatoes and they taste great. They will be healthier if you place an order for the baked variety.
Warning: Don’t dip into creamy saucesohol
Going overboard with the alcohol will bring your dieting efforts to a nought so restrict consumption. Be merry, for sure, but stay healthy!
Written by Alpa Momaya
You are what you eat, believes Alpa Momaya. So with the right diet, anyone can achieve optimal mental, physical and spiritual health.
Alpa has first-hand knowledge of this – she battled various issues with her own health and weight, but by incorporating good eating habits and regular exercise, she has reclaimed her fitness levels today. She offers the advice she took to HealthifyMe users — make the right lifestyle choices daily, sticking to a nutritious diet, regular exercise and adequate sleep. Don’t think of it as having to solve a problem, instead see it as a way to achieve long and happy life.
After a PG diploma in dietetics from Mumbai University, Alpa did a diploma in holistic nutrition in Canada and is a Certified Nutritional Practitioner today. Along with having worked in various weight-loss clinics and as a consultant for a natural pharmacy, she’s helped her family control ailments like diabetes and hypertension, and hopes to help her HealthifyMe clients do the same. “I can proudly say my daughter happily eats any vegetable or fruit without ever making a face,” Alpa claims, and she is determined that those who consult her will go back similarly impressed.
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