Diet Chivda is a light, crunchy, and healthy alternative to the traditional namkeen chivda that we all have in Indian households.
Diet chivda is made using wholesome ingredients like patal poha, roasted peanuts, curry leaves, and mild spices.
Diet chivda is a type of Indian snack that can be found in every Indian household. This Indian snack option is a perfect choice for those who are looking for a tasty but a guilt-free option for weight loss.
If you are preparing a diet chivda recipe for weight loss or trying diet poha chivda or experimenting with diet oats chivda, then the important thing to note is to use minimal oil and nutrient-rich component. And that is what this blog post is all about.
This blog post is written by top dietitian in Mumbai, Dt. Foram Modi. In this blog post on diet chivda, we will talk about various nutritional facts about diet chivda, various recipes of various types of diet chivda. So let’s get started with a quick introduction of what is a diet chivda is all about.
What exactly is a Diet Chivda ?
Diet Chivda is a light, crispy, and a healthier version of our traditional Indian Chivda.
Diet Chivda is made using nutrient-rich ingredients, which includes poha, puffed rice, makhana, roasted nuts, seeds, and minimal oil. If you compare diet chivda with regular fried chivda, then diet chivda is either roasted or microwaved.
That is why the diet chivda is low in calories and fat. There are many forms of diet chivda, such as diet poha chivda, diet makkai chivda, diet oats chivda, and also a diet sugar-free chivda.
Diet chivda is very popular among health-conscious individuals as it provides a crunchy snack alternative to a traditional oily chivda. And if you prepare diet chivda with wholesome ingredients like peanuts, curry leaves, and spice, then it also provides you fiber, protein, and essential nutrients.
Nutritional Value of Diet Chivda in 100g
Diet chivda is a light, low-oil chivda which is made from puffed rice (murmura), roasted poha, or baked cereals.
In addition, Indian households also mixes various other ingredients in it such as roasted peanuts, chana dal, almonds, curry leaves, and mild spices. Diet chivda is a healthier alternative to deep-fried snacks, providing a balance of carbs, proteins, and healthy fats.
On an average, 100 g of diet chivda contains around 350–380 kcal, 8–10 g protein, 60–65 g carbohydrates, 5–8 g fat, and a good amount of dietary fiber based on the ingredients.
If you add roasted seeds (pumpkin, sunflower) then it increases healthy fats and minerals like magnesium and zinc.
You can also add some dry fruits which will help in boosting antioxidants and vitamins. Diet chivda has low oil content and due to which it makes it a guilt-free tea-time snack, especially for weight-watchers and fitness-conscious individuals.
| Nutrient (per 100 g of Diet Chivda) | Amount |
|---|---|
| Energy in 100g of Indian Diet Chivda(kcal) | 350–380 kcal |
| Protein in 100g of Indian Diet Chivda | 8–10 g |
| Total Carbohydrates in 100g of Indian Diet Chivda | 60–65 g |
| Dietary Fiber in 100g of Indian Diet Chivda | 6–8 g |
| Total Fat in 100g of Indian Diet Chivda | 5–8 g |
| Saturated Fat in 100g of Indian Diet Chivda | 1–2 g |
| Sugars in 100g of Indian Diet Chivda | 3–5 g |
| Sodium in 100g of Indian Diet Chivda | 250–350 mg |
| Potassium in 100g of Indian Diet Chivda | 250–350 mg |
| Iron in 100g of Indian Diet Chivda | 2–3 mg |
| Magnesium in 100g of Indian Diet Chivda | 70–100 mg |
| Zinc in 100g of Indian Diet Chivda | 1–2 mg |
| Vitamin E in 100g of Indian Diet Chivda | 1–3 mg |
| Folate (Vitamin B9) in 100g of Indian Diet Chivda | 40–70 µg |
Is Diet Chivda Healthy ?
So, now let us talk about whether diet chivda is healthy or not. The answer is yes and no both. Yes, diet chivda can be a healthy snack option, but only when it is prepared with right ingredients and consumed in moderate quantity.
If you make diet chivda with puffed rice, roasted poha, nuts, seeds, and minimal oil, then it will typically have low calories and fat compared to other type of regular Indian chivdas.
Diet chivda provides complex carbohydrates for energy, then you will also get protein from nuts and seeds. In addition, you will also get essential micronutrients such as iron, magnesium, and vitamin B as mentioned in above nutritional value table.
If you add curry leaves, turmeric, and spices, it will not only enhance the flavor of diet chivda, but also it will boost the antioxidant value of diet chivda. This way, if you prepare the diet chivda, then we call it as a healthy diet chivda.
What can make Diet Chivda unhealthy?
Excess oil usage – Increases calories and unhealthy fats, making it more like a fried snack.
Too much salt – Can contribute to high blood pressure and water retention.
Added sugar or jaggery – Raises calorie count and spikes blood sugar levels.
Use of refined or poor-quality oil – Reduces nutritional value and may add harmful trans fats.
Excess fried ingredients – Such as sev, boondi, or fried nuts, which increase fat and calorie content.
Low fiber content – If made without enough roasted poha, puffed rice, or seeds, it may lack satiety.
Artificial flavors or preservatives – Can reduce the “healthy” nature of the snack.
Various Types of Diet Chivda in India
In India, you can have diet chiwda available in many forms. Each of the type of diet chiwda is made using different base ingredients.
These base ingredients affects the taste and nutritional aspect of diet chiwda. Various types of diet chiwda are regularly cooked in Indian households.
This includes poha chiwda which is made with roasted flattened rice, puffed rice chiwda or kurmura chiwda which is made for light and crunchy texture, cornflakes chiwda which is made from baked or roasted cornflakes, and finally the oats chiwda for a fiber-rich option.
In addition, there is also a makhana chiwda which is known for its good amount of protein content. In addition, you can put more variation to the diet chiwda which includes mixed seeds and nuts chiwda for enhanced nutrients.
In this section, we will touch base on each of these types of diet chiwda available in India.
Diet Poha Chivda
Diet Poha Chivda is a light and healthy snack option which is made using thin or medium flattened rice i.e. Poha in Marathi. This is a dry roasted form of chivda instead of a deep fried chivda and due to that it makes it low in fat and easy to digest.
Diet Poha Chivda is usually prepared using minimal oil. Diet Poha Chivda’s main ingredients are roasted peanuts, curry leaves, green chilli, turmeric and a pinch of salt and some spices for flavor.
The method of dry roasting preserves the crispiness of diet chivda and also keeps its calorie count lower than traditional fried chivda.
If you talk about nutritional value of diet poha chivda then 100 gm of diet poha chivda can provide you 350-380 kcal of energy, 7-9 gm of protein, 70-75 gm of carbs, 5-7 gm of fat and various essential minerals like iron and magnesium.
If you add nuts, seeds, roasted pulses to diet poha chivda then it can boost its protein, fiber and healthy fat content.
Diet Basmati Chivda
Diet Basmati Chivda is a light and crunchy snack which is made using thin flakes of Basmati Rice. These thin flakes of Basmati Rice are roasted with minimal oil and then added with mild spices, nuts, and seeds and the result is a Diet Basmati Chivda.
Basmati Rice is naturally aromatic and it has a lower glycemic index than regular poha. Basmati Rice also consists of essential nutrients such as carbohydrates for energy and small amounts of protein. In addition, Basmati Rice is gluten-free and it is easy to digest, which makes it suitable for most of the diet plans.
A 100g of basmati diet chivda will provide you around 350–380 calories, 6–8g protein, 75–80g carbohydrates, and 2–4g fat, along with essential nutrients like iron, magnesium, and small amounts of B vitamins
Since the glycemic index of Basmati Rice is lower, it also causes slower sugar release into the bloodstream. And due to that, it helps in sustained energy and better satiety, which is beneficial for weight management.
If you compare Basmati Diet Chivda with Poha Diet Chivda, then Basmati Diet Chivda will help you keep you full for a longer time and also provide gentler impact on your blood sugar level. Due to all these facts, Basmati Diet Chivda is a smarter choice for those who want a balanced, diet-friendly snack.
Diet Corn Chivda
Diet makai chivda is another form of diet chivda which is made using roasted corn flecks that is makai poha in Marathi.
So instead of plain rice flecks we use corn flecks and it gives you a naturally sweeter taste if you talk about nutritional value of diet makai chivda then in 100 gram of diet makai chivda you will get around 350 to 370 of calories, 7 to 9 gram of protein, 70 to 75 gram of carbohydrates, and 3 to 5 gram of fat. In addition you will also get dietary fiber, vitamin B, and iron and magnesium.
Corn has a moderate glycemic index and is gluten-free and that is why diet makai chivda is a good option for those who want healthier alternative to fried chivda.
Is Microwave Necessary for preparing Diet Chivda?
Let’s talk about what happens if you prepare a diet chivda in a microwave. Diet chivda which is cooked in microwave is a healthier alternative to deep fried regular Indian chivda.
The microwave prepared diet chivda requires little to no oil and it also helps retaining more nutrients and thus helps in reducing overall calorie content.
The preparation of diet chivda using microwave is a quick, convenient, and best way which helps in preserving natural flavors of various ingredients of diet chivda i.e. poha, makai, and puffed rice.
However, the texture and taste might differ from the traditionally roasted or fried chivdas and that is why you need to take proper care to avoid overcooking.
If you do overcook then it may lead to dryness or burning of your chivda. Let’s talk about pros and cons of preparing the diet chivda in a microwave.
Is Diet Chivda good option for Weight loss in India ?
Diet Chivda is a very good snack option if you are in your weight loss journey. But it is only when if you prepare it with minimal oil and using roasted ingredients like flattened rice, puffed rice, makkai flakes, or basmati rice flakes.
You need to load the diet chivda with nuts, seeds, and mild spices so as to increase its nutritional value. Diet chivda is a good option for weight loss because it is lighter, less calorie dense, and provides you good amount of fiber to keep you fuller for longer.
It also helps you reduce your tendency to overeat because it is a high-calorie snack. However, you need to remember you need to eat it in the right portion.
If you eat larger quantities, then it can lead to excess calorie intake. Also, it is important to choose the right recipe with minimal sugar and salt. Avoid deep frying. If you follow these, then definitely a diet chivda is a good weight loss friendly snack option.
Diet Chivda Recipe by Dietitian Foram Modi
Diet chiwda is a light, crunchy, and healthy snack made using roasted poha, puffed rice, or corn flakes (makai flakes) with a mix of dry fruits, seeds, and mild spices.
Unlike traditional chiwda, it uses very little oil, making it a low-calorie alternative that can be enjoyed guilt-free during tea time or as a mid-meal snack. It’s not only tasty but also easy to digest, making it a perfect choice for those aiming for weight loss or a healthy lifestyle.
Ingredients of Diet Chivda Recipe
2 cups thin poha (flattened rice) or makai flakes
1 tbsp oil (or ghee for flavor)
2 tbsp roasted peanuts
1 tbsp roasted chana dal
8–10 cashews or almonds (optional)
1 tbsp pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds
2 green chilies, slit
1 sprig curry leaves
½ tsp turmeric powder
½ tsp cumin seeds
Salt to taste
A pinch of sugar (optional)
Method of Preparing Diet Chivda Recipe
Dry roast poha or makai flakes in a kadhai on low flame until crisp, then set aside.
In the same kadhai, heat oil, add cumin seeds, green chilies, curry leaves, and turmeric powder.
Add roasted peanuts, chana dal, and nuts; sauté for 1–2 minutes.
Add roasted poha/makai flakes, seeds, salt, and a pinch of sugar.
Mix well, roast for another 2–3 minutes on low flame, and cool before storing in an airtight jar.
Conclusion - The Diet Chivda Ultimate Guide
To conclude this article on Diet Chiwda, we say that diet chivda is a light, crunchy, and wholesome snack which can be used to perfectly balance taste with health.
You can make it with with puffed rice, basmati, or makai. It gives you a satisfying option for those looking to manage weight, reduce unhealthy snacking, or simply enjoy a guilt-free treat.
Dt. Foram Modi - Best Clinical Nutritionist in Mumbai
Dt. Foram Modi is the founder of Makes You Eat, one of the best dietician clinic in Mumbai. It is located in Borivali Mumbai.
Dietician Foram Modi has 12+ years of experience as a clinical dietician in Mumbai. She has done a specialization in Nutrition & Diet Planning. In addition, she is a certified child nutritionist in Mumbai. She is highly regarded as below –
- Best Dietician in Mumbai for Diabetes
Best Dietician in Mumbai for Pregnancy
PCOS Specialist in Mumbai
Thyroid specialist nutritionist in Mumbai
Dietician Foram Modi believes in educating her clients through nutrient-rich, non-restrictive diet consultation plans based on Indian homemade food. Her motto: “We Make You Eat – Not Starve!”
If you are looking for online dietician consultation anywhere in India or globe, she is available just a call away. You can contact her through phone call, WhatsApp or directly visiting her dietician clinic in Borivali, Mumbai.
She is a five star rated dietician in Mumbai on Google. Patient’s express a sense of achievement & success in their dietician reviews in Mumbai about Foram Modi. All these factors contributes to make her a best dietician in Mumbai India.
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