Indian diets are diverse and generally dependent on a person's place of origin in India. The positive aspect of Indian food is that most dishes include whole grains and vegetables. However, the addition of ghee (clarified butter) increases the calorific value and saturated fat content in the food. Fortunately, there are a multitude of healthy Indian foods you can include in your diet if you want to lose weight.
Healthy North Indian Diet
North Indian foods include breads such as chapatti, roti, paratha, pulao, biryani, vegetarian curries and non-vegetarian fare. By curtailing the amount of oil and fat you add in your food, you can obtain several health benefits. Instead of stuffed parathas, opt for whole wheat bread or rotis with no added ghee or butter. Add skim milk instead of whole milk in your tea or coffee. Choose from healthy curries made of chickpeas, lentils, kidney beans, fish or chicken and prepared with minimal oil. Aim to include a salad in your lunch and dinner. Tea-time snacks can include fruits or roasted chickpeas, instead of fried pakoras (deep fried vegetable-dough mix) or sweets like laddoo.
Healthy South Indian Diet
South Indian cuisine includes many different dishes that use whole grains, lentils, whole milk, meat and vegetables. The use of coconut is predominant in the cuisine of Kerala, a southern state of India. One of the healthy options you can choose is chutneys made of tomato or dhal in place of coconut. Instead of fried foods such as papad (lentil wafer) or chips, choose roasted papads or peanuts. Rasam and sambhar made with minimal oil, lentils and spices are healthy options as well. Prepare idlis and dosas with very little oil and consume no more than two at a time. Choose fruits such as jackfruit or mango in place of payasam made with whole milk or other desserts made with jiggery, ghee and nuts.
Healthy Diet for People from Eastern India
People from the states of West Bengal and Orissa generally include rice and fish in most meals. Food preparations also include vegetables, lentils, meats and seafood. The intake of sweets is generally high and the choices are endless. For lunch and dinner preparations, choose lean, white meats and prepare fish with minimal added oil. For breakfast or snacks, try low-fat cereal or low-sodium pretzels in place of puffed rice. Instead of deep-frying fish or meat, pan-fry, bake or steam it and add to a curry.
Healthy Diet for People from Gujarat
Gujarati cuisine is largely vegetarian and foods often contain high amounts of sugar, oil, ghee and jiggery. Choose low-fat paneer (cottage cheese) or tofu in food preparations in place of paneer made with whole milk. Reduce the addition of sugar and oil in curries such as undhiyu and dhal. Increase your consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables. Choose baked or steamed foods such as idlis and dhoklas in place of fried breads such as poori and parathas.
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