Low-calorie Indian food is the way to go if you enjoy desi food and want to lose weight. Richly flavored dishes abound in Indian cuisine, but this usually means they are high in calories. Food is typically cooked with a lot of oil; most dishes include butter. Want to try a low-carb Indian diet but aren’t sure what to eat? Your search for the best low-calorie Indian food options has ended.
India is well-known for its diverse culture and religious traditions. It’s a country with a food pyramid, Roti’s and curries as staples of the daily diet, and vegetarianism as a way of life. The beauty of Indian food is how approachable it is, especially if you are watching your weight. Even the most traditional dishes are low in calories, with the majority having a set number of calories per serving. Scroll down to learn more about low-calorie Indian cuisine for weight loss.
What is the Low-Carb Indian Diet?
Recently, the number of Indians who follow the keto diet has risen. A low-carb deficit diet plan, as the name suggests, is low in carbohydrates. The prime objective of this diet is to eliminate as many carbs as possible while replacing those carbs with proteins.
Benefits Of Low Carb Indian Diet
Low-carb Indian food helps with weight loss and fitness goals. The following are some of the effects of a low-carb Indian diet:
- Reduces blood glucose
- Increases HDL
- Improved insulin sensitivity
- Lowers blood pressure
- Improves skin health
- Increases energy
- Reduces cravings for sugary foods
- Improved cognitive functions
- Decreases joint and muscle pain
- Treats headaches
Low-Calorie Indian Foods You Must Include In Your Diet
There is no other cuisine in the globe that uses as many different food components as Indian cuisine, including vegetables, proteins, spices, herbs, and grains.
By substituting complex carbohydrates for high-carb foods and carefully selecting what you eat, you will have more options for choosing healthy, delicious dishes while on a low-calorie Indian diet.
Spices and herbs have anti-bacterial and antioxidant compounds that are healthy for your body, and some even help suppress hunger and burn calories due to their nutritional properties.
Here is a list of low-carb Indian foods that are high in protein and low in calories that you can integrate into your daily diet:
Cheela Moong Dal
It’s a quick and simple recipe to prepare. It’s also a healthy dish that will keep you satisfied for extended periods.
Khichdi Saabudana
Saabudana khichdi is typically made during the fasting season, but it can also be a low-calorie option for you. Furthermore, it is a quick-to-prepare dish high in fiber, protein, and healthy fats.
Idly with Oats
Idly is one of the most popular low-calorie south Indian breakfast foods. This is a unique healthy dish from southern India. It’s high in protein and fiber, which will keep you fuller for longer.
Grain it up!
Whole grains, such as oatmeal, quinoa, and millets, are not only low in calories, but also filling. That is, incorporating them into your diet will keep you full for a long time.
Carrots
Yes, carrots are low-calorie foods that you can eat without feeling guilty. A medium carrot may only have about 25 calories! Carrots are high in beta-carotene and fiber, in addition to being low in calories. After being consumed, beta-carotene is converted to vitamin A.
Salad With Sprouts
Salad with sprouts is extremely nutritious. Sprout salad is an excellent way to keep a healthy weight in your diet. It contains nutritious moong, onions, chilies, potatoes, cucumber, and carrot.
Grapefruit
Grapefruit is another low-calorie fruit on this list. Like its citrus fruit counterparts, Grape food is high in vitamin C.
While low in calories, it is high in nutrients such as vitamin A and C. Because of its low GI, this fruit is also suitable for people with diabetes.
Mushroom
Mushroom is a low-calorie food high in proteins and other essential nutrients and is an excellent choice for weight loss. Aside from being a good source of dietary fiber, mushrooms contain crucial minerals such as selenium, copper, niacin, potassium, and phosphorous.
1200 Calorie Low Carb Indian Diet
Before beginning your weight loss journey with this 1200-calorie diet plan, consult a nutritionist and get the go-ahead to avoid any health complications. It is also critical to incorporate healthy lifestyle habits and regular workouts into your daily routine if you want to lose weight safely.
The following is an Indian weekly meal plan for weight loss:
Before Breakfast
- A cup of warm water, tea, or skim milk
- One paratha, preferably fenugreek (methi) parantha.
Breakfast
- Include yogurt, either homemade or store-bought
- 1 no besan cheela or poha cereal
- A pair of eggs or paneer
Snacks for Before Lunch
- 1 medium apple, banana, or watermelon
Lunch
- 1 jowar roti
- 0.5 cup of kidney beans
- Salad with mixed vegetables or fruit
- Masala thick buttermilk
Dinner
- 2 slices of Indian bread + 1 cups of boiled chickpeas or chap + a bowl of
salad of fruits or vegetables
Before Going to Bed
- A glass of warm turmeric water
It is also critical to incorporate healthy lifestyle habits and regular workouts into your daily routine if you want to lose weight safely.
Our Take
If you’re serious about losing weight, you’ll need to eat low-calorie foods. Fortunately, we have compiled a list of low-calorie, healthy foods. Include this delicious low-calorie food in your diet for optimal health.