This is the best snack for weight loss
Have you (once again) let yourself go? And have you decided that now is the time to take it down a notch? Good news: you can keep snacking. No, not on crisps and chocolate, sorry. But on roasted chickpeas. They turn out to be the best snack for weight loss. Bonus: they’re incredibly tasty too.
So you don’t have to follow a wine-and-egg diet or lion diet to lose a few kilos. You probably already understood that these aren’t particularly healthy diets from the word ‘wine’. Getting enough exercise and eating a healthy diet, that does the magic according to Het Voedingscentrum. And a bowl of roasted chickpeas fits perfectly into that.
Healthy snack
What makes roasted chickpeas such a healthy snack, one that can even help you lose weight? Chickpeas are packed with protein and fibre. Both help you feel nicely satisfied. In other words, your feeling of hunger disappears—and for quite a while. That feeling of fullness comes from the fact that your digestion slows down. Snacks packed with refined, processed carbohydrates, on the other hand, quickly trigger hunger again. As a result, you’re more likely to reach for more snacks. And you know: more food = more calories = more weight.
Good nutrients
On top of that, chickpeas contain many more beneficial nutrients. They also contain iron, calcium and magnesium. Together with protein and fibre, they do a lot of good for your body. They support healthy muscle development, strong bones and a healthy energy metabolism. Chickpeas really are little golden balls.
Sweet or savoury
Thinking: boring, a can of chickpeas? Nah, think twice! Roasted chickpeas become wonderfully crunchy in the oven. To me, they’re like a cross between crisps and popcorn. Plus, you can flavour them however you like. Are you a real sweet tooth? Sprinkle them with cinnamon or biscuit and speculaas spices. Prefer savoury? Go wild with paprika, Italian herbs or ground cumin. Experiment until you’ve truly created your new favourite snack.
How to make roasted chickpeas
Making a batch of roasted chickpeas quickly is easy peasy. And yes: all you really need is a can of chickpeas and your favourite spices. It’s budget-friendly too. Here’s how to get started:
- Preheat your oven to 200 °C.
- Rinse a can of chickpeas and let them dry thoroughly.
- Put them in a bowl with some olive oil and your favourite spices. If you’re making a savoury version, add a pinch of salt as well.
- Spread the chickpeas evenly over a baking tray lined with baking paper.
- Roast them in the oven for 20 to 30 minutes. Shake the chickpeas regularly so they roast evenly.
- They’re ready when golden brown and crunchy. Let them cool thoroughly before eating.
Apparently, you can also have a gin and tonic with them if you really want to turn it into a tasty drink and snack occasion. But whether Het Voedingscentrum would recommend that too… We’ll leave that open to debate.
Also read:
- Diet failed? The supermarket gets the blame
- Eat more and still lose weight? According to dietitians, there are 3 ways to do it—here they are
- Recipe: yellow cauliflower curry with roasted chickpeas
Source: Eat This
