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8 Must-Know Tips For An Indian Diet For Weight Loss

There are several means and method that help promote weight loss. From exercises to supplements to foods, the list is never-ending. While most of us have the idea of losing weight in our mind, it seems to be the easy-said-than-done thing for. But there is no need to be stressing yourself with the thought of crash diets or rigorous workouts, all you need to do is to have a closer watch on what to eat and what not to eat.

Tips For Indian Diet For Weight Loss

The Indian cuisine provides a variety of nutrients that can be both a treat to your taste buds and act as a gateway to a healthy body. Here are some tips to help you follow an Indian diet for weight loss.

Tips For Following An Indian Diet

Tips For Following An Indian Diet

In order for you to achieve a healthy weight loss journey, you should consider the following:

1. Consume Enough Carbohydrate

1. Consume Enough Carbohydrate

Our body cells need energy, and carbohydrate is the best source to provide that energy. It should comprise half of your total diet of the day. To keep yourself high on energy but less on calories, opt for complex carbohydrates, such as brown rice, millets, and wheat flour over simple carbohydrates, such as white rice and fine wheat flour [1]. Potato and sweet potato are also carbohydrate-rich vegetables that you can include in your diet [2].

Healthy Foods That Help Control Hunger PangsHealthy Foods That Help Control Hunger Pangs

2. Increase Your Protein Intake

2. Increase Your Protein Intake

Protein helps in building muscles, cartilage, and skin. It repairs the body tissues and maintains the blood flow throughout the body. Generally, Indians miss out on consuming enough protein throughout the day which results in ruptured muscle cells and fatigue [3].

At least 30 per cent of the daily diet must include protein [4]. Foods that can fulfil the requirement of protein are most of the whole lentils, tofu, legumes, dairy products, nuts, and seeds [5].

44 Vegetarian Foods With Highest Protein For Everyday Diet44 Vegetarian Foods With Highest Protein For Everyday Diet

3. Fibre To Keep You Full For Long

3. Fibre To Keep You Full For Long

Apples, broccoli, flax seeds, oats, and lentils are some of the good sources of fibre that you can easily include in your daily diet. You can start your day with oatmeal or multigrain cereals, such as barley, rye, and triticale which are high in fibre [6]. On average, 15 grams of fibre is required by the human body (adult) every day.

Top 10 Vegetables To Relieve ConstipationTop 10 Vegetables To Relieve Constipation

Fibre takes time to get digested and this keeps you feeling full for long keeping you away from frequent cravings and indulgence in high-calorie snacks [7].

4. Opt For Healthy Fats

4. Opt For Healthy Fats

When it comes to losing weight, fat is often labelled as the enemy. However, the fact is that good fat is also essential for the body because it absorbs vitamins and synthesises hormones in the body [8]. Only one-fifth of your total diet is all that your body needs. While cooking your food, use the combination of these oils: soya bean oil, sunflower oil, sesame oil, olive oil, mustard oil, and groundnut oil. These oils contain the polyunsaturated fats, monosaturated fats and Omega 3 fatty acids that help in body metabolism and burning calories [9].

5. Eat Fresh Fruits And Vegetables

5. Eat Fresh Fruits And Vegetables

Fresh fruits and vegetables are good sources of vitamins and minerals. Nutritionists often advise to starting your day with fruits. Include apple, banana, melon, papaya, guava, lychee, berries, and other seasonal fruits [10]. However, do not eat fruits right after the meal or along with the meal. Similarly, include vegetables such as spinach, eggplant, bitter melon, okra, and mushroom in your lunch and dinner [11]. You can also take salads made of cucumber, cabbage, carrot, and tomatoes to replace your heavy evening snacks [12].

6. Use Herbs And Spices In Your Cooking

6. Use Herbs And Spices In Your Cooking

Plan your meal throughout the day so that you neither starve nor indulge in overeating. Indian people use lots of herbs and spices while cooking their food [13]. Use spices such as garlic, ginger, coriander, cumin, cardamom, black pepper, turmeric, fenugreek, and basil. All these not only add taste to your food but also make your food healthy and help in losing weight [14].

7. Monitor Your Water Intake

7. Monitor Your Water Intake

There is nothing like water when it comes to health and well being. It is the natural and easily available resource that we should not only drink when thirsty but also for good health. Water flushes out the toxins from the body, being the natural detoxifying agent [15]. Drinking a minimum of 1.5 litres of water can help in weight loss because it is a metabolism stimulator and helps in burning more calories [16].

8. Plan Your Meals

8. Plan Your Meals

Try to have the same mealtime every day. Have some small meals in between the main meals. Do not skip breakfast which is the most important meal of the day because this starts the digestive system from its break after sleep [17]. A bowl of yoghurt is also a good option as it starts the digestive system slowly and gradually. Always keep a gap of at least 2 hours between your bedtime and dinner [18].

On A Final Note…

On A Final Note…

Apart from the aforementioned tips, changing your habits by getting up when your alarm goes off, drinking more water, eating a well-balanced breakfast, getting some sunlight and regular exercise can help make a huge difference in your weight loss journey.

Story first published: Sunday, May 17, 2020, 1:55 [IST]
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