Are you craving something crunchy to satisfy your mid-afternoon hunger, but are you also determined to stick to your healthy weight goals? If so, it's time to try the goodness of Makhana recipes for weight loss, also known as fox nuts or lotus seeds. This superfood is naturally low in calories, high in protein, and offers healthy counts of magnesium, phosphorus, and fibre. Unlike deep-fried snacks with artificial flavours, Makhana is actually made with light spices and low-fat milk, offering taste and health benefits.
But how do you make them? In this blog, explore five delicious Makhana recipes for weight loss. Each recipe uses light spices to enhance flavour without adding unnecessary calories and includes low-fat milk for a creamy texture without excess fat. So, let’s get started with these guilt-free weight loss Makhana recipes!
Table Of Contents
1. How To Make Indian-Style Makhana For Weight Loss? 5 Recipes
2. Can I Lose Weight Eating Makhana? 5 Benefits
3. The Final Say
4. FAQs
5. References
How To Make Indian-Style Makhana For Weight Loss? 5 Recipes
These easy makhana recipes are perfect for weight loss. They give the right balance of nutrition, flavour, and crunch without any unhealthy ingredients. Try these Makhana recipes for weight loss and enjoy guilt-free snacking while being on track with your diet. You can also visit Toneop Eats for more such delicious and nutritious low-calorie recipes!
1. Almond Milk Makhana Kheer
Makhana kheer is a nutritious dessert that meets sweet needs while avoiding fats and sugars. As a protein source, almond milk provides plant-based nutrition, together with the fibre-rich makhana, which controls daily cravings. The kheer acquires its sweetness from natural sources, eliminating the need for refined sugar.
Ingredients:
- Makhana (Fox Nuts) - 1 cup
- Unsweetened almond milk - 2 cups
- Chopped almonds - 1 tbsp
- Chopped dates - 2 tbsp
- Cardamom powder - ½ tsp
- Chia seeds - 1 tsp (optional, for extra fibre)
Steps to Make:
1. Heat the Makhana in a skillet for 5 minutes to achieve crispness before cooling down. Later, blend half of them into small pieces, keeping the other half whole.
2. Pour almond milk into a saucepan to heat it up, then mix in the whole Makhana as well as the powdered versions. Heat the Makhana while stirring for 10 minutes to soften it at a low temperature.
3. Stir together the dates and cardamom powder thoroughly until it's combined properly.
4. Stir the mixture continuously for 5 minutes more until the creamy state develops properly.
5. Serve the dish hot by topping it with chopped almonds and chia seeds.
2. Roasted Makhana With Light Spices
Makhana healthy Indian snacks provide a health-conscious alternative to fried potato chips, which are otherwise unhealthy snacks. Makhana contains both protein and fibre components that help regulate food cravings. The spices enhance digestion while promoting metabolism, yet they contain no additional calories. The recipe's mixture of curry leaves and cumin brings antioxidants that help control bloating.
Ingredients:
- Makhana (Fox Nuts) - 2 cups
- Olive oil or ghee - 1 tsp
- Black pepper powder - ½ tsp
- Cumin powder - ½ tsp
- Curry leaves - 6-7 leaves
- Himalayan pink salt - as per taste
Steps to Make:
1. Set a pan over a low flame and place the Makhana into it. Heat the Makhana in the dry pan for 5 to 7 minutes while they become crispy.
2. Put one teaspoon of olive oil or ghee into the pan before tossing the Makhana.
3. Stir the mixture continuously to distribute the cumin powder, black pepper, and salt that you sprinkled into the pan evenly.
4. Continue roasting the curry leaves with the pan for one more minute to release aromatic scents.
5. Allow the Makhana to cool down before placing them into an airtight storage container. This wholesome snack maintains its crunch when served.
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3. Lemony Phool Makhana Bhel
A tangy and crunchily prepared bhel is an enjoyable snack promoting weight loss. Mixing makhana with lemon juice and hydrating vegetables provides a fibrous snack. These satisfying low-calorie recipes give you few calories but deliver high levels of antioxidants. The combination of nuts and seeds gives fats together with protein which creates a nutritious yet light energy-filled meal.
Ingredients:
- Makhana (Fox Nuts) - 1.5 cups
- Finely chopped cucumber - ½ cup
- Finely chopped tomatoes - ½ cup
- Pomegranate seeds - ¼ cup
- Roasted peanuts - 1 tbsp
- Pumpkin seeds - 1 tbsp
- Lemon juice - 1 tbsp
- Chaat masala - ½ tsp
- Black salt - as per taste
- Fresh coriander leaves - 1 tbsp, chopped
Steps to Make:
1. Spread Makhana across a dry skillet and roast for 5 minutes until they achieve crispness. Then, allow cooling.
2. Combine the roasted Makhana, cucumber tomatoes, and pomegranate seeds in a large bowl.
3. Combine peanuts with pumpkin seeds and chaat masala with black salt while gently tossing all ingredients.
4. Mix all ingredients together while drizzling with lemon juice.
5. Present the bhel immediately after topping it with fresh coriander leaves to maintain its crunchy texture and refreshing taste.
4. Low-Fat Yoghurt Makhana Raita
This cooling raita is one of the perfect good foods for gut health that keeps digestion smooth while supporting weight loss. Greek yoghurt's probiotics improve gut health, while Makhana adds fibre for better satiety. Cumin and mint provide digestive benefits for a light yet nutritious meal.
Ingredients:
- Makhana (Fox Nuts) - 1 cup
- Low-fat yoghurt - 1 cup
- Cumin powder - ½ tsp
- Black salt - as per taste
- Finely chopped cucumber - ¼ cup
- Finely chopped mint leaves - 1 tbsp
Steps to Make:
1. Roast makhana in a dry pan for 5-7 minutes until completely dried before breaking them into small pieces through crushing.
2. Mix low-fat yoghurt in a bowl until it becomes smooth in consistency.
3. Mix cumin powder with black salt and chopped cucumber into the mixture until all ingredients combine well.
4. After roasting the Makhana, add them to the mixture while gently combining all ingredients.
5. Serve the chilled dish garnished with fresh mint leaves.
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5. Roasted Makhana & Sprout Salad
This nutritious salad combines protein-rich makhana and sprouts for a weight-loss meal option. The fibre in these healthy salad recipes keeps your hunger in check. The fresh veggies give must-have vitamins, while lemon juice enhances flavour and aids detoxification.
Ingredients:
- Makhana (Fox Nuts) - 1 cup
- Mixed sprouts (moong, chickpeas, etc.) - ½ cup
- Finely chopped onion - ¼ cup
- Finely chopped tomato - ¼ cup
- Grated carrot - ¼ cup
- Roasted peanuts - 1 tbsp
- Lemon juice - 1 tbsp
- Black salt - as per taste
- Fresh coriander leaves - 1 tbsp, chopped
Steps to Make:
1. Place the makhana in a pan to roast until they turn crisp before setting them aside until they reach room temperature.
2. Mix all the prepared ingredients, including sprouts and onion with tomato alongside grated carrots in a single bowl.
3. To achieve crunch, add roasted makhana with peanuts.
4. Squeeze lemon juice and spread black salt throughout the salad while thoroughly mixing everything together.
5. Present the salad with fresh coriander leaves and serve it right away to enjoy a nutritious, fresh meal.
Also Read: Wholesome Recipe For Dal Khichdi to Nourish Your Body
Can I Lose Weight Eating Makhana? 5 Benefits
Absolutely! These crunchy little treats can really help you lose excess weight faster. So, let's understand the Makhana benefits for weight loss:
1. Reduces Excessive Calorie Intake
Makhana has a natural composition of minimal calories. Makhana provides you with a low-calorie snack that brings enjoyment without filling you with excessive calories. Since Makhana is much healthier than processed snacks you should replace your in-between meal snacks with roasted Makhana.
2. Improves Metabolism & Digestion
Makhana is a good source of fibre, which keeps a healthy digestive system. fibre helps regulate your bowel movements. A healthy gut gives a faster metabolism. This way, your body is better able to process nutrients and burn calories. Plus, the antioxidants present in makhana can further support your metabolic health.
3. Keeps You Full & Prevents Overeating
People feel full for longer periods when they eat makhana because it combines both protein and fibre. Your reduced desire to consume unhealthy snacks and excessive meals comes after feeling satisfied. The sense of being full helps you portion your food while following your diet regimen. Makhana as an afternoon snack stops you from feeling hungry, preventing you from selecting unhealthy options.
4. Maintains Muscle Mass During Weight Loss
To lose weight, you should not experience muscle deterioration. Makhana, when used in Indian recipes for weight loss, provides a sufficient protein content that preserves muscle tissue. You should eliminate fat as your main weight loss priority rather than targeting your muscles. The presence of protein protects your muscle tissue structure so that your metabolic rate stays powerful while you maintain effective calorie expenditure.
5. Offers Very Low Saturated Fat Portion
The presence of naturally low saturated fats in Makhana turns it into a beneficial snack choice. Having Makhana snacks instead of selecting foods high in saturated fats will help you reach your weight loss targets. Your body receives nutrients alongside all the health advantages of skipping unhealthy fats. The heart and weight achieve good health thanks to Makhana’s goodness.
Also Read: 5 Simple And Healthy Chia Seed Recipes For Weight Loss
The Final Say
So, there you have it! Five delicious and easy makhana recipes for weight loss that prove healthy eating doesn't have to be boring. While makhana is a good weight-loss snack, it's all about balance. Check portion sizes and choose your spices and milk wisely to keep the calorie count in check. Also, try flavours you love, and enjoy the goodness of makhana as a satisfying weight-loss snack.
FAQs
1. What's the best time to eat makhana for weight loss?
Use Makhana as your adaptable snack choice. Enjoy Makhana anytime you experience a modest hunger sensation. The tasty Makhana satisfies cravings during morning and evening hours to control hunger. Consuming Makhana between regular meals stops excessive eating in late meals.
2. How much makhana can we eat in a day?
A small handful, about 30-50 grams or roughly 1 to 1.5 cups, is a good daily amount for most. This keeps your calorie intake in check while still letting you enjoy the crunchy goodness. Remember, even healthy snacks should be enjoyed in moderation!
3. What to add to your makhana diet for weight loss?
Keep it simple and healthy! Cumin, turmeric, and pepper enhance the taste while remaining low in calories. The snack gets its savoury flavour from a small amount of milk or light salt instead of fat. You may enhance the dish by integrating chopped vegetables such as onions or tomatoes.
References
- https://www.indianveggiedelight.com/makhana-recipes-indian-phool-makhana-recipes/
- https://food.ndtv.com/weight-loss/5-delicious-and-healthy-ways-to-add-makhana-to-your-weight-loss-diet-4316122
- https://cookpad.com/in/search/healthy%20makhane
- https://www.fitterfly.com/blog/is-makhana-good-for-weight-loss/
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