Nutritionist suggests foods you can eat in larger quantities without weight gain

When you’re in a calorie deficit, it can start to feel restrictive. Smaller ortions, cutting out extras, and frequently thinking about food can become exhausting. However, according to holistic nutritionist Khushi Chhabra, weight loss doesn’t always have to feel this way.

Post Published By: Sujata Biswal
Updated : 4 April 2026, 6:48 PM IST
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New Delhi: Losing weight may sound straightforward-eat less and move more-but the real challenge often lies in dealing with constant hunger. That lingering feeling of not being fully satisfied can make dieting difficult to sustain over time.

When you’re in a calorie deficit, it can start to feel restrictive. Smaller portions, cutting out extras, and frequently thinking about food can become exhausting. However, according to holistic nutritionist Khushi Chhabra, weight loss doesn’t always have to feel this way. In a recent Instagram post, she emphasized a smarter approach: focusing on what you eat rather than simply reducing how much you eat.

Why hunger increases during weight loss

One of the toughest parts of fat loss is managing appetite. Khushi highlights that the solution isn’t to starve yourself, but to choose foods that provide more volume with fewer calories. This shift in mindset can make a significant difference—allowing you to feel fuller without overeating.

Foods that fill you up without adding too many calories

Certain foods are naturally high in water and fibre, which helps them take up more space in your stomach while keeping calorie intake low. These foods act as “filling foods” that can reduce cravings and prevent overeating later in the day.

Instead of eating less overall, the idea is to adjust your plate by including more of these low-calorie, high-volume options.

Examples of filling, low-calorie foods

Khushi recommends incorporating the following into your daily meals:

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

These foods can increase meal size without significantly increasing calories, making them ideal for regular consumption.

Easy ways to include them in your meals

You don’t need to eat these foods separately all the time. Instead, mix them into your existing dishes. For example:

  • Add grated lauki to cheela for extra fibre
  • Include pumpkin in dals
  • Pair meals with a simple cucumber and lettuce salad

Small additions like these can make meals more satisfying and help you stay full for longer.

Smart snack choices to control hunger

Snacking can often derail a diet, but choosing the right foods can actually help manage hunger. Instead of processed snacks, opt for options that keep you satisfied:

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

These foods digest more slowly, helping to prevent sudden hunger spikes.

The key takeaway

The core idea is simple: focus on fibre-rich, water-dense foods along with adequate protein. When you build your meals this way, you naturally feel fuller, experience fewer cravings, and find it easier to maintain a calorie deficit—without feeling deprived.

Location :  New Delhi

Published :  4 April 2026, 6:48 PM IST

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