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Indian meal plan for lowering cholesterol

The Indian meal plan for lowering cholesterol includes heart-healthy foods like oats, barley, nuts, seeds, and legumes. It emphasizes the use of healthy fats such as olive oil and avoids high-cholesterol foods like ghee and butter. Fiber-rich fruits and vegetables are incorporated, aiding in cholesterol management.

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  • Semolina
  • Lentils
  • Brown rice
  • Mixed vegetables
  • Spinach
  • Cottage cheese
  • Chickpea flour
  • Mint leaves

  • Chickpeas
  • Basmati rice
  • Cucumber
  • Fox nuts
  • Flattened rice
  • Red kidney beans
  • Yogurt
  • Honey

  • Nuts
  • Eggplant
  • Whole wheat flour
  • Dosa batter ingredients
  • Coconut
  • Sliced cucumber
  • Lemons
  • Bell peppers

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Meal plan overview

Embrace heart health with the Indian meal plan for lowering cholesterol. This plan integrates cholesterol-friendly Indian ingredients, focusing on fiber-rich and plant-based foods.

Featuring legumes, whole grains, and an array of spices, it’s a flavorful approach to reducing cholesterol levels naturally.

Foods to eat

  • Heart-Healthy Grains: Oats, barley, and whole wheat for fiber.
  • Legumes: Lentils, chickpeas, and beans for plant-based protein and fiber.
  • Lean Protein: Grilled chicken and fish, tofu for vegetarians.
  • Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, walnuts, and flaxseeds for healthy fats.
  • Vegetables: Leafy greens, bell peppers, and brinjal (eggplant) for antioxidants and fiber.
  • Fruits: Berries, apples, and pears for their cholesterol-lowering effects.
  • Dairy: Low-fat yogurt and milk.
  • Healthy Oils: Olive oil and mustard oil for cooking.
✅ Tip

Incorporate heart-healthy fats like avocado, nuts, and olive oil into your meals to help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels.

Foods not to eat

  • High-Fat Meats: Avoid red meat and processed meats high in saturated fats.
  • Fried Snacks: Such as samosas and bhajis, which are high in trans fats.
  • Full-Fat Dairy: Like cream and high-fat cheeses.
  • Refined Carbs: White rice and bread which lack dietary fiber.
  • Processed Foods: High in unhealthy fats, sugars, and salts.
  • Sweets: High in sugar and unhealthy fats.
  • Trans Fats: Found in many fast foods and commercial baked goods.
  • Excessive Oil in Cooking: Use minimal amounts of healthier oils.

Main benefits

The Indian meal plan for lowering cholesterol includes heart-healthy foods like oats, barley, nuts, seeds, and legumes. It emphasizes the use of healthy fats such as olive oil and avoids high-cholesterol foods like ghee and butter. Fiber-rich fruits and vegetables are incorporated, aiding in cholesterol management.

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🎓 Recommended nutrient breakdown

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fiber

Other

Food alternatives

An Indian meal plan for lowering cholesterol benefits from these heart-healthy alternatives:

  • Flaxseeds can be added to yogurt for omega-3 fatty acids.
  • Swap coconut oil with olive oil for cooking to reduce saturated fats.
  • Opt for quinoa instead of white rice for a high-fiber grain option.
  • Incorporate avocado in salads for healthy monounsaturated fats.
  • Using walnuts as a snack can provide additional heart-healthy fats.

How to budget on this meal plan

Bulk purchase lentils, brown rice, and whole wheat flour as they are central to many dishes. Opt for seasonal vegetables and fruits to keep costs down. Homemade chutneys and dips like hummus can be made cost-effectively. Consider using nuts and seeds as healthy snack options, which can be more affordable when bought in bulk.

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Extra tips

Any healthy snack ideas?

Indian snacks that are beneficial for lowering cholesterol:

  • Oats idli with sambar
  • Barley and vegetable soup
  • Grilled brinjal with olive oil dressing
  • Apple with a sprinkle of cinnamon
  • Green tea with tulsi leaves
  • Whole grain roti with a dal tadka
  • Chilled bottle gourd juice
What should I drink on this meal plan?

For lowering cholesterol, the Indian way, consider green tea for its heart health benefits, fenugreek water for controlling cholesterol, buttermilk for a heart-healthy probiotic, amla juice for its rich antioxidant properties, and turmeric milk for its anti-inflammatory effect.

How to get even more nutrients?

Lowering cholesterol with an Indian diet can be tasty and healthful. Focus on whole grains like barley and oats that help reduce LDL levels. Beans and legumes not only offer protein but also help manage cholesterol due to their high fiber content. Cook with garlic and ginger, which are natural cholesterol-lowering agents, and use heart-healthy oils like olive oil or rice bran oil.

Meal plan suggestions

Indian Meal Plan for Lowering Cholesterol

Day 1

  • Breakfast: Idli made with idli batter and mixed vegetable sambar
  • Lunch: Chickpea salad with cucumbers, bell peppers, and mint leaves
  • Dinner: Eggplant and spinach curry with brown rice
  • Snack: Yogurt with sliced cucumber and a sprinkle of mixed nuts

Calories: 1100  Fat: 30g   Carbs: 140g   Protein: 60g

Day 2

  • Breakfast: Dosa made from dosa batter with coconut chutney
  • Lunch: Lentil soup with a side of jeera rice
  • Dinner: Cauliflower and potato curry with whole wheat chapati
  • Snack: Fox nuts and dried fruits

Calories: 1200  Fat: 35g   Carbs: 150g   Protein: 55g

Day 3

  • Breakfast: Whole wheat flour pancakes with honey and nuts
  • Lunch: Spinach and cottage cheese curry with basmati rice
  • Dinner: Mushroom and bell pepper stir-fry with flattened rice (poha)
  • Snack: Cucumber slices with lemon and salt

Calories: 1150  Fat: 30g   Carbs: 145g   Protein: 60g

Day 4

  • Breakfast: Sabudana (tapioca pearls) khichdi with peanuts and coconut
  • Lunch: Chickpea flour crepes with vegetable stuffing
  • Dinner: Red kidney beans curry with jeera rice
  • Snack: Yogurt with a handful of mixed nuts

Calories: 1180  Fat: 35g   Carbs: 150g   Protein: 55g

Day 5

  • Breakfast: Idli with coconut chutney
  • Lunch: Lentil and mixed vegetable khichdi
  • Dinner: Eggplant curry with whole wheat chapati
  • Snack: Lemon and mint infused water with a side of fox nuts

Calories: 1100  Fat: 30g   Carbs: 135g   Protein: 60g

Day 6

  • Breakfast: Mixed vegetable upma made with semolina
  • Lunch: Cucumber and yogurt salad with mint
  • Dinner: Fish curry with brown rice
  • Snack: Dried fruits and a handful of nuts

Calories: 1150  Fat: 35g   Carbs: 140g   Protein: 70g

Day 7

  • Breakfast: Poha with peas and lemon juice
  • Lunch: Bell pepper and spinach stuffed chapatis
  • Dinner: Cauliflower and potato curry with whole wheat flour roti
  • Snack: Cottage cheese with sliced cucumbers

Calories: 1200  Fat: 30g   Carbs: 150g   Protein: 55g

These nutritional values are approximate and can vary slightly based on specific portion sizes and preparation methods.

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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.