10 foods you can totally binge on without gaining any weight

Is overeating safe? Well, if you google this question, then there’s a 99.9 percent chance that the search results will discourage you. But what if we tell you that Google is lying? No, we aren’t kidding, because we have a list of foods that you can overeat without gaining any weight. Hard to believe, isn’t it? Then let’s prove it right here, right now. 

Do you know why you overeat? That’s because you skip meals, which makes you super hungry at a time which does not correspond to your natural hunger slot in a day. Due to this reason, you have more food than you usually eat. At this point, you don’t really think about the quality of nutrients you are getting from that dish. 

And this is one of the biggest reasons you tend to gain weight because when you are hungry you just eat anything that’s available. That’s why we sat down with clinical nutritionist Dr Lovneet Batra. She has curated a list of foods that will help you satiate your hunger.  

Here is a list of 10 foods that you can overeat without any guilt

1. Carrot and vegetable juice

Carrot is a winter superfood and is one of the best sources of vitamin A, beta-carotene, lycopene, alpha-carotene, and lutein.

High on fibre, this juice is gut-friendly and relieves constipation issues.
Carrot juice is a refreshing drink that boosts immunity and improves skin health, as it is loaded with vitamin C. It also protects the skin from oxidation due to free radicals.

Combine it with tomatoes, ginger, and beetroot for the best skin glow. and optimal iron absorption.

2. Spinach

This dark green winter superstar is a rich source of vitamins A, B2, C, K, folates, iron, magnesium, manganese and kaempferol. You can safely overeat foods with spinach in them, as you are gaining only goodness from them.

“Vitamin K strengthens your bones by optimising calcium absorption.
Iron and folates are needed for good skin, hair and brain health. Iron also helps to purify your blood better, and increases your hemoglobin.

Kaempferol lowers the risk of cancer and chronic disease, due to inflammation,” suggests Dr Batra.

However, if you have had a history of kidney stones or are on blood thinners, you must avoid having this veggie, or dishes that contain spinach.
The presence of vitamin K interferes with blood thinning medications.

Always add a dash of vitamin C-rich lemon juice for better absorption.

Not a big fan of palak? Then try out spinach dishes like palak paneer, palak bhurji, spinach soup, spinach rotis, spinach salads, and spinach mushroom curries.

3. Moong dal

Moong dal is an unassuming but super effective lentil that is just so good for the body. It is rich in folic acid, and helps to maintain cell health in the body.

Pregnant women find it particularly useful as regular intake of moong dal helps in their digestion, and the folic acid prevents defects in the baby’s brain and spinal cord. Moong dal is also very good for people, who are trying to lose weight and manage their hunger cravings. Although it is easily digested, moong dal is high in fibre and keeps you full for longer periods of time.

It has insoluble fibre, which multiplies the rate of digestion and softens the body’s waste. Moong dal is also known for being a fierce hair fall fighter. It is high in protein , and the combination of vitamins A and C with folic acid tackles hair fall and how!

You can also combine it with rice and moringa powder for the best natural post- workout meal, as it provides the best protein needed to repair muscles post a workout session.

4. Cucumber

You can binge on cucumber guilt-free, anytime of the day.

“Since cucumbers are 96% water, they are very hydrating, anti-inflammatory and aid in weight loss. The fibre keeps you satiated and the soluble fibre pectin helps regulate bowel movements,” says Dr Batra.

Cucumber salad without store-bought cheese spreads and cucumber juice , raita or cold soup (made with pudina and curd ) are some of the best ways you can have them.

5. Amaranth flour

Known as rajgira atta or chaulai ka atta, this gluten-free grain is a very popular source of protein and calcium. It is very good for heart health and lowering cholesterol in a gradual manner. It also helps to boost your body’s metabolism, thereby helping with healthy weight loss.

Make yummy rotis, pancakes, or use the grain to make a nourishing pulao.

6. Steel-cut oats

Organic steel cut oats are high in dietary fibre, which makes them essential for good gut health, especially in women who have pcos. Steel cut oats are a good source of soluble fibre made up of beta glucans- a unique gel like substance which is known to lower bad cholesterol, and regulates fluctuating blood sugar levels.

“Steel cut oats also contain insoluble fibre, which helps in bulking up the stool to boost movement within the large intestines for regular bowel movement,” says Dr Batra.

7. Coconut water

This delicious drink is a natural source of the electrolyte balance you seek for your body. You can drink it guilt-free, as it will only hydrate your body, maintain good gut health by reducing acidity, provide relief from stomach infections and will rebalance your electrolyte balance post-workout.

Combine one glass of coconut water with one tablespoon lemon juice , one teaspoon chia seeds and one teaspoon rose petals. Enjoy this refreshing drink!

8. Buttermilk

“Buttermilk is a natural probiotic that can help to keep our hunger hormones satisfied. This source of natural whey protein acts as an excellent post- workout drink that is strengthening and energizing,” recommends Dr Batra.

9. Pumpkin seeds

Pumpkin seeds are good sources of magnesium, which helps to repair and regulate sleep cycle, controls blood pressure and reduces the chances of developing chronic heart disease. It is also a key mineral used to strengthen bones.

10. Sweet potato

Last but definitely not the least, sweet potatoes are a wonderful guilt-free snack that you can eat whenever you feel hungry. They are one of the best sources of vitamin A, which stimulates fibroblasts—the cells responsible for developing tissue that keeps skin firm and healthy—in the deep layers of your skin.

Sweet potato chaat is a great snack to fulfill your body’s vitamin A requirements and keep skin healthy.

So clearly, overeating is no more a sin.