Indian food is typically made up of vegetables and legumes, making for healthy choices when you're choosing from an Indian restaurant menu. Unfortunately, some Indian food can be drowned in creamy sauces, large pieces of unleavened bread and extra rice, warns the Diet Blog website. If you're hoping to used a balanced Indian diet as a way to reform your eating habits and choose healthier meals, make sure that you're choosing the right types of Indian food for your diet.
Significance
A balanced Indian diet is actually comprised of many of the foods that are recommended most by diet and food experts. For instance, the Indian diet is high in beans and legumes, which MayoClinic.com notes are some of the most nutritionally dense and versatile foods available. By eating a traditional and balanced Indian diet, you may be able to see a reduction in weight, along with better health and vitality.
Food Pyramid
The Asian food pyramid differs slightly than the American food pyramid issued by the United States Department of Agriculture. The Asian food pyramid, as published on the Oldways website, rests upon whole grains, like rice and naan, a traditional Indian flat bread. Most meals are eaten with some type of grain, with fruits, vegetables and legumes listed as the next most important food on the pyramid. Oils and dairies are next, with a small section at the top of the pyramid reserved for meats.
Types
Indian recipes are heavy on fruits and vegetables, and very light on meat. Some traditional types of food you'll encounter with a balanced Indian diet include roti, which is a flat bread filled with curried meat and vegetables. Curry served over rice is a popular choice, and chicken tikka is a marinated, spiced chicken breast served without sauce. Kebabs are also a popular choice, served with vegetables and rice.
Advantages
When you make the right choices and strive for a balanced, fruit and vegetable-dense Indian diet, you can lose weight and make healthier food choices. The high quantity of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes in a balanced Indian diet contains qualities that are contained in the USDA version of the food pyramid for a healthier, more balanced diet.
Disadvantages
Not all Indian food is created equally. Some Indian food, especially that sold in fast food or casual dining restaurants is covered in creamy sauces and fat. When choosing Indian food, look for whole grains, lean cuts of meat without sauce, or dishes made mostly of vegetables to ensure that you get the most benefit from eating Indian food. Otherwise, it could be just another indulgence that puts the pressure on your waistline.
Member Comments