Weight loss can be a challenge for most people. Though a priority for many, it requires discipline and commitment. Whether it is losing 5 kgs or 10 kgs, the principle behind weight loss is the same. Bodyweight is a measure of how much food is consumed and the total energy spent in various activities. Eating the right food is crucial to this process, and with the right guidance, an Indian diet plan can help you achieve this goal.
An Indian diet plan for weight loss is simply one that is healthy and balanced. More importantly, it comprises foods that are easily available in India, unlike other diet plans. A typical Indian meal is loaded with carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and fiber in adequate proportions. Be it cereals, legumes, green vegetables, or even meat, and this helps deliver needed nutrition to your body.
To know more about a healthy Indian diet plan for weight loss and how it can help you achieve weight loss in the long term, read on.
Simply put, a balanced Indian diet plan for weight loss is one that prioritizes nutrition while still maintaining a healthy calorie deficient. Ideally, it should contain nutrient-dense foods while limiting foods that contain added sugars. According to sources, for healthy eating, diet plans should:
The recommended calorie intake for men is 2500 and for women is 2000 calories. [1] Calories intake plays a major role in losing weight. As a rule, you should be consuming low-calorie food to lose weight. Keep in mind that eating junk food will do you more harm than good while on a low-calorie diet. Instead of being very disciplined during the week and binging on weekends, you should follow a simple and sustainable plan. This works best when you follow a diet based on the calorie requirements for your body. In this regard, an Indian meal works wonders.
The ideal Indian diet plan for weight loss contains various food items that are both nutritious and keep boredom away. Eat rotis with vegetable curries, bread, milk, fruit, or dalia for breakfast. This should be your biggest meal. Eat a slightly smaller quantity for lunch, including dal, sabzi, rotis, brown rice, curd, etc. Dinner should be the lightest meal, including khichdi, curd rice, dal rice with palak soup, or tomato shorba.
Additional Read: Fat Burning Foods For Weight Loss
When it comes to traditional Indian foods and ingredients, you have several options for weight loss. Do keep in mind that besides the choice of food, pay close attention to portion control. Weight loss hinges on the principles of eating healthy and in a calorie deficit. While you can introduce a deficit by increasing your activity and burning calories, do not assume that portion control isn’t just as important. Even with healthy foods, you can still consume more calories than recommended for your weight loss objective.
Here are a few Indian foods, across major food groups, that are known to help with weight loss.
This isn’t an exhaustive list and there are several other options, including drinks such as buttermilk, which can help you reach your goal.
Indian meals provide you with carbs that are the main source of energy for the body. Consume fiber-rich complex carbs as they are digested slowly and are best for weight loss. Brown rice, ragi, and oats are good options.
Most Indian vegetarians struggle with protein intake. A high-protein diet helps you lose weight and build muscle. Proteins are found in a variety of Indian cuisines. Make dals, paneer, green veggies, milk, and sprouts a part of your daily diet.
Fiber-rich foods like oats, lentils, apples, and broccoli help in digestion and aid your heart. Such foods help you stay fuller. A healthy Indian diet plan should include at least 15 grams of fiber every day.
People who want to lose weight take a step back when it comes to food items with fats. However, fats are essential for your body, and experts suggest that 20% of your diet should contain healthy fats. Fatty yet healthy food includes oils like olive oil, soya bean, mustard oil, sunflower, and groundnut oil. Consume a controlled amount of pure ghee for your fat intake.
Vital vitamins including vitamin A, E, B12, D, calcium, and iron support metabolism, bone health, cell production. Nutritionists recommend eating 100 grams of green vegetables and 100 grams of fruits every day that contains these essential vitamins. Don’t miss out on oilseeds, nuts, and fruits. If you eat non-vegetarian food, ensure steamed fish or fish curry is also a part of your diet for omega-3 fatty acids.
There are several reasons why an Indian diet plan can help with weight loss. The simplest reason is that the average Indian diet plan will mainly consist of lentils and an assortment of vegetables. It isn’t very common to find many meat dishes in the typical diet and this can help keep calories in check, while ensuring proper intake of nutrients. For instance, a lot of the Indian diet plan food groups will have fruits, dairy, grains and lentils as the core ingredients. Combined, these cover the healthy fats, proteins, and carbohydrate intake requirements for a healthy diet.
What’s more, a lot of these plant-based diets are known to be beneficial for optimal bodily function. Some of these include better digestion, improved metabolism and reduced bloating. Adding to the upsides are the use of spices, which have their own set of healthy properties. So, if you are serious about weight loss, follow an Indian diet plan.
Well known for spices, flavours, and colours, Indian meals are full of benefits. Turmeric reduces heartburn, arthritis and prevents Alzheimer’s disease. Ginger, garlic, and chillies promote heart health and boost immunity. Spinach and tomatoes contain a high level of vitamins and antioxidants. Some common spices like cloves and cardamom also improve intestine and gut functioning. All dishes within Indian cuisine provide the necessary nutrition, minerals, and vitamins your body needs. Above all, Indian food offers a variety of dishes so that you never get bored.
Additional Read: Healthy Diet Plan to Maintaining Good Health
Cases of obesity and being overweight have increased rapidly in India in recent decades. [2] This can cause high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, respiratory problems, and more. In fact, this can even lower your quality of life [3].
The best diet plan for weight loss is one that has a healthy balance of all macro and micronutrients without depriving the body in any way. There are several diet plans online that claim to go this route or promise quick results, but many of these do not take the healthy route. These either neglect an entire macronutrient, like carb- or fat-free diets or have foods that do not combine well to ensure maximum nutrition. As such, there is no one best diet plan for weight loss as the foods required will differ with each individual.
The easiest way to get the best diet plan for weight loss is to speak with a doctor or a dietician. These professionals will assess your health markers, take note of your lifestyle choices, and consider your allergies before recommending foods that will work effectively for you.
To get a tailored diet plan for weight loss, consult a doctor or a dietician. These specialists will craft an Indian diet chart for weight loss that is perfect for you.
The average Indian fat loss diet will be plant-based, with a lot of vegetarian dishes and fresh fruits as core parts of the nutrition plan.
You must consume enough food during all meals, and this includes dinner. For weight loss, Indian foods and recipes generally include curry dishes, soups made of dal, or mixed vegetable salads to help keep the meal light.
Indian cuisine is diverse and there are several foods that are packed with nutrients and are low in calories. As such, there is no best Indian diet plan for weight loss. Almost all plant-based foods can work effectively, so long as you practice portion control.
A healthy Indian diet plan offers all the basic nutritional requirements. Making a conscious shift towards healthier eating options will aid weight loss tremendously. To make this journey a lot easier, book an appointment with a nutritionist on Bajaj Finserv Health. With professional help, achieving goals is easier!
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