Losing weight can be a daunting activity for many. It requires discipline and consistency, regular exercise and proper nutrition. Overtime, more and more attention has been given to ways for shedding those extra kilos in a sustainable manner so that the lost weight does not return at double the speed.
For those who want to cut flab quickly, the easiest way is to lose excess water and rapidly increase metabolic rate so that the body is quickly rid of unwanted oxidants and toxins, which in turn helps to burn calories faster. While exercise is vital for losing weight, it is also essential to eat clean for quick weight reduction.
Shedding large amounts of weight in just a matter of a week or two becomes possible only when a healthy diet is followed. And to reap the benefits of a weight-loss diet, it is necessary to cut all outside and junk food and focus on eating nourishing, homecooked meals. Cutting carbs, increasing protein and reducing spice levels in food are easy ways to shed extra calories.
Here is a simple 7-day diet that without too many fads or myths, incorporates simple and nutrient-rich Indian cuisine into meal plans for good health and weight-loss. Make sure you keep up healthy eating habits so that the weight does not return. Do consult your dietician or physician before undertaking any diet plan for optimum results:
Day 1
Breakfast - Start the week with a healthy fruit breakfast of watermelons, muskmelons and papaya.
Lunch - Have a bowl of dal with steamed vegetables or brown rice.
Snacks - Sip on a cup of green tea, rich in antioxidants.
Dinner - Cut out all carbs at dinner and have a warm sprout salad.
Day 2
Breakfast - For breakfast, make a smoothie with leafy veggies like spinach and kale, seasoned with a bit of pink salt.
Lunch - Have a low-calorie lunch comprising vegetable soup and boiled sweet potatoes.
Snacks - Munch on a few almonds and raisins for a healthy snack.
Dinner - Eat a protein-rich dinner including sauteed paneer chops and steamed vegetables.
Day 3
Breakfast - On day 3, have a light breakfast of oatmeal porridge that is high in fibre and energy.
Lunch - Go for a light lunch such as a bowl of chickpea salad and some raita.
Snacks - Have a small piece of a homemade sugar free protein bar filled with dry fruits and sweetened with dates.
Dinner - Have a piece of grilled fish with a bit of steamed rice.
Day 4
Breakfast - Have a small helping of idli-sambar, a low-calorie meal recommended for weight-loss.
Lunch - Go for a fresh salad with cucumbers and spinach paired with chicken curry.
Snacks - Munch on a seed mix for a helping of essential fatty acids.
Dinner - Eat a light dinner comprising a scrambled egg with finely chopped vegetables.
Day 5
Breakfast - Have some poha and add peanuts, peas and other vegetables to the dish.
Lunch - Enjoy a legume, like rajma with a chapati and some fresh salad.
Snacks - Snack on some mixed nuts and berries.
Dinner - For a protein-rich dinner, have a piece of grilled chicken breast with some steamed carrots.
Day 6
Breakfast - Go for a breakfast smoothie made from bananas, dates and just a bit of honey.
Lunch - Have a healthy veg like okra along with some delicious dal tadka.
Snacks - Snack on some cucumbers seasoned with rock salt.
Dinner - Eat grilled paneer with a side of stir-fried vegetables.
Day 7
Breakfast - Have a small bowl of muesli, topped with fruits and nuts.
Lunch - For lunch, have some vegetable curry with a small portion of brown rice.
Snacks - Eat a piece or two of rusk for an afternoon snack.
Dinner - Enjoy an egg and vegetable wrap for dinner.