Introduction
Indian cuisine is one of the most sought out food in the world. It is a comfort food for many millions. An Indian diet is always wholesome and tasty. The cherry on top is that it is also very well balanced and nutritious. So it should be a blessing if you get to lose weight while following the rich tapestry of Flavors that Indian diet has to offer.
Turmeric
Add a pinch of turmeric to your morning smoothie, sprinkle it on roasted vegetables, or include it in a warming cup of turmeric tea.
Health Importance: Turmeric contains curcumin, a powerful antioxidant known for its anti-inflammatory and weight loss properties.
Weight Loss Benefit: Curcumin may help reduce inflammation and improve metabolism, aiding in weight loss.
Lentils (Dal)
Dal is essentially a primary food choice for any household. Prepare a delicious lentil soup, use them as a base for a healthy salad, or just prepare one big bowl of Dal tadka.
Health Importance: Lentils are a rich source of plant-based protein and fiber, They offer satiety (a feeling of fullness) and essential nutrients.
Weight Loss Benefit: Protein and fiber in lentils promote fullness and reduce overall calorie intake.
Cumin Seeds (Jeera)
It is hard to imagine a curry without jeera. The adaptability of this spice is seen in every kitchen in india. You can fry or toast cumin seeds while adding them to salads or yogurt, use them as a seasoning for soups, or brew cumin tea.
Health Importance: Cumin has great digestive properties and rich in iron, vitamins, and antioxidants.
Weight Loss Benefit: Cumin can boost metabolism and digestion, aiding in weight management.
Fenugreek (Methi)
One of the most used seed even in the ayurvedic medicine is fenugreek. You can just soak fenugreek seeds overnight and consume them as part of your morning routine or how does methi paratha sound for a good breakfast.
Health Importance: Fenugreek seeds are packed with dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Weight Loss Benefit: The soluble fiber in fenugreek helps control appetite and improve insulin sensitivity.
Spinach (Palak)
Who wouldn’t want to have palak paneer in diet. Use spinach as a base for salads or you can also blend it into smoothie with milk or water.
Health Importance: Spinach is a low-calorie leafy green vegetable rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Weight Loss Benefit: It has a high fiber content promotes fullness and supports weight loss
Bottle Gourd (Lauki)
This might not be the crowd favourite at the moment. But it is very helpful when on diet. A traditional lauki dal or a nutritious lauki sabzi has its own benefits
Health Importance: Bottle gourd is low in calories and a good source of hydration and dietary fiber.
Weight Loss Benefit: Its high water content keeps you hydrated and satiety, aiding in weight loss.
Curry Leaves
I can remember my grandmother making a fuss if I pick out my curry leaves from poha. Always make a point to add curry leaves when you are seasoning a food. Also consume them don’t be a picky eater. You can even blend them into chutneys.
Health Importance: Curry leaves are rich in antioxidants, it has Viatmin B, Calcium and Iron
Weight Loss Benefit: They may help improve digestion and reduce fat accumulation in the body while also maintaining the nutritional needs during weight loss.
Mustard Oil
This tip can save you a lot of unwanted fat. Next time, how about we substitute you regular cooking oil to mustard oil. It will take some time to get used to, but it has great benefits of health
Health Importance: Mustard oil is a source of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins. It has a high content of good polyphenols
Weight Loss Benefit: The healthy fats in mustard oil can aid in weight management and improve heart health.
Brown Rice
Indian cuisine is never complete without rice. Rice in undeniably the part of most of the Indian meals. This time lets consider switching white rice to brown rice in all the recipes.
Health Importance: Brown rice is a whole grain with more fiber and nutrients compared to white rice.
Weight Loss Benefit: Its high fiber content helps control appetite and stabilize blood sugar levels.
Almonds
Again my grandmother pops in while she used to give me almond as a toffee with every good deed. As sweet, as that was you can also add handful of almonds in your diet. Try using them as a topping for yogurt, or blend them into smoothies for a creamy texture
Health Importance: Almonds are nutrient-dense, packed with healthy fats, protein, and antioxidants.
Weight Loss Benefit: Consumed in moderation, almonds can promote satiety and provide essential nutrients.
Conclusion
An Indian diet for weight loss can be both nutritious and tasty, remember that these ae some examples for good foods for weight loss, but always get your diet plan after consulting a Dietician. This way you can tailor a weight loss plan that suits your unique needs.
References
- Aggarwal, B. B., & Harikumar, K. B. (2009). “Potential Therapeutic Effects of Curcumin, the Anti-inflammatory Agent, Against Neurodegenerative, Cardiovascular, Pulmonary, Metabolic, Autoimmune and Neoplastic Diseases.” The International Journal of Biochemistry & Cell Biology, 41(1), 40-59.
- Anderson, J. W., & Major, A. W. (2002). “Pulses and Lipaemia, Short- and Long-Term Effect: Potential in the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease.” The British Journal of Nutrition, 88(3), S263-S271.
- Verma, N., & Shukla, S. (2014). “Impact of Cumin Powder on Body Composition and Lipid Profile in Obese Women.” Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, 3(2), 22-25.
- Sur P, Bhattacharyya D, & Pandit S. (2015). “The Role of the Antioxidant Properties of Methi Seeds (Trigonella Foenum Graecum) in Experimental Gastrointestinal Carcinogenesis.” Cancer Biology & Therapy, 2(6), 618-623.
- Ramakrishna, V., Srinivas, C., Shyamala, P., Sreeramulu, D., & Raghunath, M. (2016). “Acute Effect of Spinach, a High Dietary Nitrate Source, on Arterial Stiffness.” Nitric Oxide, 53, 46-52.
