BINGE EAT THE HEALTHY WAY
When hunger strikes in the evening, go for healthier snacking options
Acouple of hours after lunch, someone around you often pops the question: “Should we order some samosas or pizza?” To satiate those 4pm hunger pangs, we often tend to give in to theh fallacy that this binging wowon’tn’t hurt. Additives in unhealthylthhhy snacks such as junk food items lead to more cravings.s. This leaves one tired and affects the ability to focus. The only way to avoid harmful snacking is to eat healthy at regular intervals or going for healthier options in the afternoon. Nutritionist Pooja Makhija says, “Having all three meals in aa day is important, otherwisee itit disrupts the whole cycle. But because the time gap between lunch and dinner is almost 8 hours, hunger attacks are normal. The sugar-level drops down during this period and the craving for high-fat or high-sugar food increases.”
To curb hunger, you can have a filler meal two hours post lunch and a substantial snack after four hours. However, picking the right snack is crucial. Filler meals: A bowl of veggies, nuts, sukha bhel, kurmuras are fillers that one must opt for. Sometimes, we confuse hunger with thirst, so Makhija recommends to “have water or chach (buttermilk) before you go for a substantial snack.” A substantial snack: A granola bar which is low-fat or sugar-free is a good pick. A bowl of fruits with low-fat yogurt, instant oatmeal, poha, low-oil dosa and idli or a wheat-based frankie are guilt-free snacks. However, if you are craving for some junk, then choose wisely. Pick dhokla over samosa and for pizzas choose wheat-based pizza with more vegetables and less cheese.
A substantial snack should have not more than 250 to 300 calories. Avoid junk food and go for a light snack.
Have all the three meals in a day to avoid unwanted hunger pangs.