how many calories does poha have - #24742
I am really curious about poha. I started eating it for breakfast a couple weeks ago after reading about its benefits, but now I'm kinda freaking out about my calorie intake. You know, I'm trying to eat healthier but not really tracking everything I consume. Last week, I had this delicious poha at this little café, and I can’t shake the feeling that I might've overindulged. I mean, how many calories does poha have, really?? Like, I see so many variations, with peanuts and veggies, and I don’t know if that changes the numbers. I tried looking it up, but I keep finding different answers. I love poha, but if it’s super high in calories, I guess I might have to rethink it. Has anyone else struggled with this? Want to know if there are any tips or tricks to make poha a bit lighter or how many calories does poha have in various forms? Maybe just a simple recipe that won’t blow my diet? Any insights would be super helpful!
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Doctors’ responses
Ah, the classic poha dilemma! You’re not alone in wondering about the calorie count in poha, especially when you start enjoying it more frequently. Poha, a flattened rice dish, usually has around 250 to 300 calories per serving (about one cup), plain and simple. However, the calorie count can indeed change based on the ingredients you add. Peanuts, for example, add a lovely crunch and a handful can bump the numbers up by about 80 calories, while veggies like peas and carrots don’t add much more than vitamins and fiber, they’re pretty light.
To make poha lighter – and keep it’s scrumptiousness – it’s all about balance. Downscale the peanuts if you’re concerned, and load up on seasonal veggies. Try tempering mustards seeds and curry leaves in a bit of oil; ½ tablespoon is usually sufficient. Squeeze some fresh lemon juice for tang without any extra calories.
As per, Ayurvedic principles, consider your body’s prakriti and dosha. Poha is quite suitable for vata types due to its grounding nature. You might prefer to have it warm in the morning to awaken agni, the digestive fire, effectively. For kaphas, a spicier version might help in reducing lethargy.
Portion size is another key factor: it’s okay to indulge a little, especially if your body responds well to it, but keep mindfulness at the table.
Remember, while calories do matter, quality and mindfulness in your meals are essential throughout. Each individual metabolizes differently, it’s good to observe how your energy levels respond. You may not need to worry too much about every little calorie, enjoying your answers is also part of a healthy lifestyle.

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