There are many myths surrounding one of the most talked about lifestyle challenges - body weight management. One of them being how it is extremely difficult to achieve your desired weight loss goals. While losing weight might not be a super-easy feat, it is not an impossible task either. All it requires one to be is mindful of one’s diet and lifestyle, while being patient and maintaining consistency. You simply need to tweak your diet subtly, bring a sort of discipline in your activity and meal timings, and you can always achieve your target.
Most importantly, we should refrain from following anything and everything that the internet tells us. While the internet might tell you to go extreme and, perhaps, only live on salads, forbid fats and carbs from your meals, it might not tell you that you need a little bit of good fats and carbs to balance each nutrient that your body requires. Remember, balance is the key.
In order to shed some kilos, one cannot just keep noshing on greasy curries, parathas or fries, while dreaming about a perfect physique. We can always be mindful of the quantity instead of banishing it completely from the diet. For Indians, who are used to eating curries and rotis, it would be difficult to go completely off Indian curries. A high-protein, fibre-rich diet made with limited or no oil combined with wholesome, nutritious ingredients thrown in, makes for a healthy meal that too can aid in weight loss. And this is possible with our very own desi recipes too, with a simple swap of certain fatty ingredients. Here we have four delicious Indian recipes that you can try at home if you are looking to shed some kilos.
1. Oats Idli
Idli is an excellent idea for both breakfast and lunch. Low in carbs and high in protein, idli made with oats can be a great addition to your weight loss diet. All you need to do is swap the regular rice batter for oats. Sounds interesting, doesn’t it? Oat is commonly consumed as a breakfast cereal and is rich in soluble fibre. It binds with water and increases in volume in the gut, which increases satiety keeping us full for long. This oats idli recipe is a unique way to consume oats for breakfast.
2. Egg Chaat
A powerhouse of nutrients, especially proteins, good fats and vitamins, eggs are also extremely versatile. This boiled egg chaat with onion, tomatoes, sprouts, chillies and chutneys is a delicious desi spin to your regular hard-boiled eggs. It combines the goodness of eggs with interesting spices and condiments to give your taste buds a whole new experience.
3. Methi Paratha
Okay, we know you didn’t expect parathas to be on the list of weight loss-friendly foods, thanks to its image of being greasy and fatty. But what is it that we can’t cut back on while cooking at home? This methi paratha is enriched with an abundance of good quality fibre in methi that keeps the weight in check. Cut back on the oil, or use ghee as a better alternative.
4. Oats Khichdi
Khichdi, undoubtedly, is India’s favourite comfort food, and this one made with oats and dal is definitely a healthier, more nutritious version. Brimming with the goodness of oats and moong dal, this hearty bowl of khichdi for dinner is sure to leave you healthy, happy and well satiated. While this recipe doesn’t use a lot of ingredients, you can always make it more nutritious by adding your choice of seasonal veggies.