If you’re searching for the right diet plan to facilitate your weight loss journey, you may have heard about the Indian diet plan for weight loss. This diet plan focuses on eating traditional Indian meals with an emphasis on fresh, nutritional foods. Here, we’ve highlighted top few things to remember when creating an Indian diet plan for weight loss.
Table of Contents
Understand the Basics of Indian Cuisine
Indian cuisine is adaptable to vegetarian and vegan diets, making for an excellent choice for weight loss plans. Understanding the basics of Indian cuisine will help you to create balanced meals and choose the right ingredients. Traditional Indian dishes are full of fresh vegetables, herbs, and proteins like legumes, tofu, and dairy. Spices like turmeric, cardamom, and fenugreek contribute to flavour, aroma, and texture.
Educate Yourself on Portion Control
With any diet plan, understanding how the size of portions can play a role in your diet is key. In traditional Indian cuisine, portions are typically smaller than Western portion sizes. Consulting a dietitian can help you to better understand how portion control will affect your weight loss plan.
Consider Your BMR
It’s important to understand your basal metabolic rate (BMR) when creating an Indian diet plan for weight loss. BMR refers to the total number of calories your body needs while at rest. Knowing the BMR will help you to better calculate the calories you consume each day, helping to ensure that you don’t overeat.
Identify Your Dieting Goals
Before starting your Indian diet plan for weight loss, it’s important to identify your end goals. Are you hoping to lose a certain number of kilograms? Intend to lower your body fat index by a certain percentage? Knowing your dieting goals will allow you to track your progress throughout your weight loss journey.
Incorporate Traditional, Balanced Dishes
Choosing traditional Indian cuisine for your diet plan ensures that each meal or snack will be balanced and nutritious. Traditional Indian dishes involve both proteins and carbohydrates, with plenty of vegetables. Popular choices like chana masala and kadhi pakora are low-calorie, yet they contain all the essential nutrients needed to get through the day.
Eat Protein-Rich Foods
Proteins are essential to any diet plan, as they help keep you feeling full and energized. For your Indian diet plan, choose protein-rich sources like paneer, legumes, tofu, lentils, and yoghurt. Proteins are essential in maintaining muscle mass and keeping blood sugar levels stable during weight loss.
Increase Your Intake of Fiber
High-fibre foods can help to facilitate weight loss, as they aid digestion, reduce hunger, and help to keep you feeling full for longer. For your Indian diet plan, look for sources of fibre like quinoa, brown rice, oats, beans, and whole wheat. Increasing your fibre intake can be beneficial for managing your weight and preventing certain diseases.
Choose Quality Carbs
Carbohydrates provide the body with fuel and energy, and a balanced diet includes quality carbs like quinoa, jowar, millet, and wheat. For weight loss, choose these whole grain alternatives over white, refined carbs, as they are more nutrient-dense and contain more fibre. Additionally, try to avoid processed sugars and artificial sweeteners.
Enjoy Healthy Fats
Regarding dieting, don’t be afraid to include healthy fats. Fats are essential for our bodies and provide the energy to carry out daily routines. Popular sources of healthy fats, such as ghee and coconut oil, are staples of Indian cooking. A good balance of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates will provide the body with all the essential nutrients it needs.
Include Natural, Nutritional Supplements
Including natural supplements in your Indian diet plan for weight loss is an excellent way to get all the necessary vitamins and minerals your body needs. Supplements like guggul, omega-3 fatty acids, and Triphala can immensely benefit metabolism, digestion, and joint health. Look for natural, nutritional supplements when setting up your diet plan, as these are a safer alternative to artificial supplements.
Conclusion
Creating the perfect 1200 calories Indian diet can involve trial and error, but with the right tips and tricks, you’ll find the best diet for your individual needs. Keep in mind our tips, such as understanding the basics of Indian cuisine, increasing your intake of fibre and healthy fats, and including nutritional supplements in your diet plan.