Indian meal plan for lowering cholesterol

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Listonic team

Nov 22, 2024

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.

Meal plan grocery list

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Dry goods

Semolina

Lentils

Brown rice

Chickpea flour

Basmati rice

Flattened rice

Red kidney beans

Whole wheat flour

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Snacks & sweets

Fox nuts

Nuts

Honey

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Dairy & eggs

Cottage cheese

Yogurt

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Fresh grocery

Mixed vegetables

Spinach

Cucumber

Sliced cucumber

Eggplant

Mint leaves

Lemons

Bell peppers

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Plant based

Chickpeas

Dosa batter ingredients

Coconut

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.

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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.

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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.

Recommended nutrient breakdown

Protein: 20%

Fat: 25%

Carbs: 50%

Fiber: 3%

Other: 2%

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

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

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.

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 suggestion

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
  • 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

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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.