If you are new to dieting or planning to lose weight fast, you have, perhaps, read everything on the internet that promises a ‘miracle’. News flash: You cannot lose weight in a matter of days and even if you do it is not sustainable. Weight loss requires patience, discipline, and a diet that your body is willing to accept. If your staple diet comprises dal, roti, chawal, sabzi, and dahi, it is not wise to switch to raw salads the next day.
A slow transition is more advisable in this case, but guess what, you can lose weight even if you are on your standard desi diet of dal, roti and dahi. Curd is an intrinsic part of a typical Indian diet, which is now under the scanner. Some say dairy should be eliminated from a weight-loss diet, while some call it a blunder.
Here’s how curd may have a beneficial role in weight loss. Curd is very instrumental in boosting digestion, it is packed with nutrients that are easily absorbed in the digestive system, thereby regulating bowel movement. And as per studies, good digestion is key for weight loss. Curd is also a decent source of protein. Protein helps induce satiety, keeping you too full to indulge in other snacks. Additionally, curd is also enriched with calcium that prevents your body from pumping more cortisol, which is a stress hormone. Hormonal disbalance is also a reason for obesity. Other than that, curd is packed with nutrients like Vitamin B-2, Vitamin B-12, potassium, and magnesium making it a superfood in its own right.
There are many ways in which you can eat curd to yield maximum weight-loss benefits. Check these out.
Type of curd: If you are aiming for weight loss, you should opt for plain, unsweetened, and fat-free or low-fat curd only.
Number of servings: Excess of anything nutritious too can also do more harm than good. So, to make sure you do not go overboard, you should not consume more than servings (around 18 ounces) of low-fat, plain curd every day.
When to eat: While there is no good or bad time to have curd, according to Ayurveda, you should avoid eating curd in night, as it may thicken phlegm and be especially uncomfortable to those with cold. Therefore, you can maybe have it for breakfast, or lunch or as an evening snack with some berries and a drizzle of honey.
Be mindful of ‘extras’: In India, it is common to eat a bowl of dahi cheeni or curd and sugar after a wholesome meal. It does cool down your tummy, but sugar can derail your weight-loss plans. Therefore, choose your extras wisely. Some of the healthiest things you can add to your curd is honey, nuts, fruits and cereals. It is best to avoid processed cereals or grains with added/hidden sugar or any kind of flavoured syrup.