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Indian diet plan for gaining weight

Looking to add some pounds? This Indian diet plan focuses on higher-calorie foods like ghee, nuts, and sweets, combined with substantial meals to help you gain weight in a healthy and controlled manner.

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Diet plan grocery list

  • Basmati rice
  • Whole wheat flour
  • Lentils
  • Chickpeas
  • Potatoes
  • Sweet potatoes
  • Bananas
  • Mangoes
  • Avocados
  • Eggs

  • Chicken breast
  • Salmon
  • Tofu
  • Paneer
  • Full-fat milk
  • Greek yogurt
  • Almonds
  • Cashews
  • Peanut butter
  • Olive oil

  • Ghee
  • Turmeric powder
  • Cumin seeds
  • Coriander powder
  • Ginger
  • Garlic
  • Spinach
  • Broccoli
  • Carrots
  • Bell peppers
  • Tomatoes
  • Onions
  • Green chilies

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Article Reviewed
• Written by Zuzanna Kędziora
• Published on May 22, 2024.
• Updated on August 8, 2024.

Diet plan overview

Tailored for those who need to increase their caloric intake, the indian diet plan for gaining weight focuses on calorie-dense foods without sacrificing nutritional value. It incorporates healthy fats from nuts and oils, along with substantial servings of protein-rich legumes and dairy.

Meals are designed to be both nutritious and hearty, featuring starchy vegetables and whole grains to boost calorie intake. Regular snacking on dried fruits and nut mixes can also help in progressively increasing total caloric intake throughout the day.

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Foods to eat

  • High-Calorie Nuts and Nut Butters: Peanuts, almonds, cashew nuts, and their butters for dense protein and calorie intake.
  • Whole Milk and Full-Fat Dairy: For added calories and protein, including cheeses and full-fat yogurt.
  • Starchy Vegetables: Potatoes, sweet potatoes, and corn, which are high in carbohydrates and help in weight gain.
  • Lean and Fatty Meats: Beef, pork, and lamb to provide high-quality protein and essential fats.
  • Dried Fruits: High in natural sugars and calories, perfect for adding to meals or snacks.
  • Healthy Oils: Use olive oil, coconut oil, and ghee generously in cooking for added calories.
quote icon

Fruits and vegetables are the one point of consensus—an oasis—in arguments about what to eat. Everyone agrees that eating more of them is a good idea.

Marion Nestle, PhD, MPH

Foods not to eat

  • Low-Calorie Vegetables: Avoid excessive amounts of watery vegetables like cucumber and lettuce which fill you up but offer few calories.
  • Light Soups: Skip clear soups or broths that are low in calories and not conducive to weight gain.
  • Diet Snacks: Avoid low-fat, low-calorie snacks like rice cakes or air-popped popcorn.
  • Artificial Sweeteners: Stay away from foods sweetened artificially as they offer no nutritional benefits or calories.
  • Excessively Fibrous Foods: Limit intake of high fiber cereals which can lead to satiety before reaching calorie goals.

Main benefits

For those looking to increase their calorie intake in a healthy way, the Indian diet plan for gaining weight includes energy-dense foods such as ghee, nuts, and whole milk. It’s designed to provide a calorie surplus without the intake of empty calories, focusing on nutrient-rich options to ensure balanced weight gain. The use of healthy starches like sweet potatoes and grains ensures a steady increase in mass, while maintaining a good balance of macronutrients. Additionally, regular consumption of protein-rich snacks like lassi or chickpea salads promotes muscle rather than fat gain.

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📊 Recommended food breakdown (Source)

How to budget on this diet plan

Gaining weight on an Indian diet can be achieved without breaking the bank by focusing on calorie-dense foods and healthy fats. Stock up on affordable sources of protein and healthy fats like nuts, seeds, and dairy products to help increase your calorie intake. Incorporate nutrient-rich foods like avocados, bananas, and whole milk into your meals and snacks for added calories and nutrition. Experiment with budget-friendly recipes like smoothies, rice dishes, and curries to make gaining weight enjoyable and affordable. And remember to eat regularly throughout the day to fuel your body and support weight gain in a healthy way.

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7-Day Meal Plan for Indian Diet Plan for Gaining Weight

Day 1

  • Breakfast: Greek yogurt with sliced bananas and almonds
  • Lunch: Basmati rice with lentil curry and spinach
  • Dinner: Grilled salmon with roasted sweet potatoes and broccoli
  • Snack: Mango smoothie with full-fat milk

Day 2

  • Breakfast: Avocado toast on whole wheat bread with a boiled egg
  • Lunch: Chickpea salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, and green chilies
  • Dinner: Chicken breast curry with basmati rice and carrots
  • Snack: Greek yogurt with honey and cashews

Day 3

  • Breakfast: Paneer and spinach omelette
  • Lunch: Tofu stir-fry with bell peppers, onions, and broccoli
  • Dinner: Basmati rice with potato and chickpea curry
  • Snack: Banana and peanut butter smoothie

Day 4

  • Breakfast: Greek yogurt with mango chunks and almonds
  • Lunch: Whole wheat chapati with lentil curry and green chilies
  • Dinner: Grilled chicken breast with roasted sweet potatoes and spinach
  • Snack: Full-fat milk with turmeric powder and honey

Day 5

  • Breakfast: Smoothie with full-fat milk, bananas, and peanut butter
  • Lunch: Basmati rice with chickpea and vegetable curry (carrots, bell peppers, onions)
  • Dinner: Paneer tikka with broccoli and bell peppers
  • Snack: Greek yogurt with cashews and honey

Day 6

  • Breakfast: Avocado and egg whole wheat toast
  • Lunch: Tofu and spinach curry with basmati rice
  • Dinner: Salmon with roasted sweet potatoes and broccoli
  • Snack: Mango and banana smoothie with full-fat milk

Day 7

  • Breakfast: Greek yogurt with sliced bananas and almonds
  • Lunch: Whole wheat chapati with chicken curry and green chilies
  • Dinner: Basmati rice with lentil and vegetable curry (potatoes, carrots, onions)
  • Snack: Full-fat milk with turmeric powder and honey

Download the FREE grocery list for this Diet plan

Download the FREE grocery list for this Diet plan

Get grocery list
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⚠️ Keep in mind

As with any dietary change, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian before changing your dietary habits.