Sprouts vs Boiled Chana: Which Is Better For Weight Loss?
Sanjeev Kumar | December 29, 2025 10:23 PM CST
When it comes to healthy eating and weight management, protein and fibre-rich foods often come to the fore, and for good reason. Two popular options in Indian diets are sprouts and boiled chana.
Both are nutrient-dense, provide plant-based protein and are versatile in salads, chaats and everyday meals. Yet they differ when it comes to digestion and satiety, which can influence how effective they feel when you are trying to lose weight. Rather than declaring one the undisputed winner, it helps to understand how each works in the body, especially if your goal is sustainable weight loss combined with overall gut comfort. Here's a simple breakdown for you if you are trying to lose weight without much hassle.
Sprouts For Weight Loss | Are Sprouts Good For Weight Loss?
Sprouts are young, germinated legumes or pulses that are low in calories but high in fibre, vitamins and enzymes. Nutritionist Sheela Sehrawat from the Diet Clinic in New Delhi explains, "Sprouting increases the nutritive value of the ingredients and provides better digestion. Further, it provides antioxidants and increases the activity of chlorophyll, which helps in detoxifying your body by boosting the oxygen levels in the body."
Sprouts give a sense of fullness with fewer calories, which can naturally help reduce overall food intake.
Tip: As per nutritionist Amita Gadre, raw sprouts may seem like the obvious choice but think again. Nutritionist Amita Gadre recommends steaming or lightly cooking them. Raw sprouts can cause bloating in most people, so cooking is a safe bet to enjoy their benefits without the discomfort.
Best Time To Eat Sprouts
Boiled chana (chickpeas) is a whole legume cooked until soft. It offers a balance of protein, fibre and slow-digesting carbohydrates, which helps keep hunger at bay for longer periods. Because chana digests slowly, it provides a sustained release of energy that can reduce snacking between meals, which is a key factor in weight control.
Tip: Soaking and boiling chana thoroughly makes it gentler on digestion and easier to pair with or tikkis for a balanced meal.
Best Time To Eat Boiled Chana
Although you can make a number of recipes using sprouts, the best way to enjoy them is in chaat form. Here is how you can make a delicious sprouts chaat at home:
Ingredients: Mixed sprouts (moong, chana), chopped onion, tomato, cucumber, green chilli, coriander, lemon juice, salt, chaat masala.
Method:
If you are looking for a fuss-free way to add boiled chana to your diet, here's an easy chaat recipe to try at home:
Ingredients: Boiled chana, onion, tomato, green chilli, coriander, lemon juice, salt, roasted cumin powder, chaat masala.
Method:
Sprouts are young, germinated legumes or pulses that are low in calories but high in fibre, vitamins and enzymes. Nutritionist Sheela Sehrawat from the Diet Clinic in New Delhi explains, "Sprouting increases the nutritive value of the ingredients and provides better digestion. Further, it provides antioxidants and increases the activity of chlorophyll, which helps in detoxifying your body by boosting the oxygen levels in the body."
Sprouts give a sense of fullness with fewer calories, which can naturally help reduce overall food intake.
- Lower Calories
- High Fibre
- Protein And Enzymes
Tip: As per nutritionist Amita Gadre, raw sprouts may seem like the obvious choice but think again. Nutritionist Amita Gadre recommends steaming or lightly cooking them. Raw sprouts can cause bloating in most people, so cooking is a safe bet to enjoy their benefits without the discomfort.
Best Time To Eat Sprouts
- Morning: Ideal for breakfast or mid-morning snack; boosts metabolism and provides energy for the day.
- Pre-Workout: Light, protein-rich option that fuels exercise without feeling heavy.
- Avoid Late Night: Raw sprouts can cause bloating; better earlier in the day.
Boiled chana (chickpeas) is a whole legume cooked until soft. It offers a balance of protein, fibre and slow-digesting carbohydrates, which helps keep hunger at bay for longer periods. Because chana digests slowly, it provides a sustained release of energy that can reduce snacking between meals, which is a key factor in weight control.
- High In Protein
- Fibre keeps you full
- Low glycaemic effect
Tip: Soaking and boiling chana thoroughly makes it gentler on digestion and easier to pair with or tikkis for a balanced meal.
Best Time To Eat Boiled Chana
- Midday or Lunch: Great as part of a meal for sustained energy and satiety.
- Evening Snack: Helps curb cravings and prevents overeating at dinner.
- Post-Workout: High protein makes it suitable for muscle recovery.
Although you can make a number of recipes using sprouts, the best way to enjoy them is in chaat form. Here is how you can make a delicious sprouts chaat at home:
Ingredients: Mixed sprouts (moong, chana), chopped onion, tomato, cucumber, green chilli, coriander, lemon juice, salt, chaat masala.
Method:
- Rinse and boil sprouts lightly (optional for easier digestion).
- Mix with chopped veggies.
- Add lemon juice, salt, and chaat masala.
- Garnish with coriander and serve fresh.
If you are looking for a fuss-free way to add boiled chana to your diet, here's an easy chaat recipe to try at home:
Ingredients: Boiled chana, onion, tomato, green chilli, coriander, lemon juice, salt, roasted cumin powder, chaat masala.
Method:
- Boil soaked chana until soft.
- Mix with chopped onion, tomato, and chilli.
- Add lemon juice, salt, cumin powder, and chaat masala.
- Garnish with coriander; serve warm or at room temperature.
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