Expert explains how to lose weight without feeling hungry

One of the toughest parts of trying to lose weight is dealing with the constant hunger that accompanies cutting calories. However, starving is not the way out.

On 27 March, Khushi Chhabra, a holistic health nutritionist and wellness content creator, shared via Instagram that the key lies in choosing foods that add volume and promote fullness while keeping calorie intake in check.

The hunger pangs of calorie deficit

“One of the biggest struggles during fat loss is hunger. The solution is not starving, it's choosing foods that give you more volume for fewer calories,” explains Khushi.

Foods rich in fibre and water tend to be lower in calories. “These foods are naturally high in water and fibre, which means you can eat a large bowl and still keep calories low, while your stomach feels satisfied.”

“Diet filler” food recommendations

The nutritionist recommends ten "diet fillers" to increase meal bulk or use as snacks:

• Cucumber and Bottle gourd (lauki)
• Zucchini and Cabbage
• Cauliflower and Leafy greens
• Tomatoes and Mushrooms
• Watermelon and Pumpkin

“You can eat these with your main meals to increase the bulk of the meal and improve satiety. For example, add grated lauki in cheela to add more fibre and delay hunger pangs, pumpkin in dals, a lettuce cucumber salad with meals…so on!”

Snack recommendations

When hunger strikes between meals, Khushi suggests options that digest slowly:

• Roasted makhana and Popcorn
• Sprouts chaat and Hung curd
• Egg whites, Paneer cubes or Buttermilk

Please Note: This information is for educational purposes only and does not count as medical advice. Readers should always consult a qualified doctor regarding any questions about their health or a medical condition.