Indian meal plan for weight loss
The Indian meal plan for weight loss focuses on low-calorie, nutrient-rich Indian foods. It includes a balanced mix of vegetables, lean proteins like chicken and fish, and legumes. Whole grains such as millets and brown rice are preferred over refined grains. Portion control is emphasized, and dishes are prepared with minimal oil and healthy cooking methods like grilling and steaming to aid in weight loss while maintaining the essence of Indian cuisine.
Meal plan grocery list
Moong dal
Mint chutney ingredients
Mixed vegetables
Whole wheat rotis
Cucumbers
Chaat masala
Tandoori chicken
Mixed green salad ingredients
Oats
Skimmed milk
Almonds
Brown rice
Cucumber raita ingredients
Apples
Cinnamon
Rajma
Poha
Chickpeas
Green tea
Roasted chana
Paneer
Chickpea flour
Tomato
Onion
Meal plan overview
Shed pounds deliciously with the Indian meal plan for weight loss. This plan combines low-calorie Indian dishes with balanced nutrition for effective weight management.
Featuring a variety of spices, vegetables, and lean proteins, it’s a tasty way to achieve weight loss goals.
Foods to eat
- Lean Proteins: Chicken, turkey, and fish to help stabilize blood sugar levels.
- Low-Fat Dairy: Greek yogurt and cottage cheese for a balance of protein and carbohydrates.
- Legumes: Beans and lentils for protein and fiber which can help control blood sugar.
- Eggs: For a low-carbohydrate source of protein.
- Healthy Fats: Avocados, nuts, and seeds to promote fullness and provide essential fatty acids.
- Non-Starchy Vegetables: Such as leafy greens, cucumbers, and bell peppers.
- Whole Grains: Like quinoa, barley, brown rice, and whole wheat bread in moderation.
- Plenty of Water: To stay hydrated and support overall health.
✅ Tip
Foods not to eat
- Sugary Foods: Sweets, desserts, and sugary beverages that can spike blood sugar levels.
- High-Fat Meats: Sausages and fatty cuts of meat high in saturated fats.
- Processed Carbohydrates: White bread, pasta, and other refined grains.
- Full-Fat Dairy: High in saturated fat and calories.
- Fried Foods: Can be high in calories and unhealthy fats.
- Alcohol: Can affect blood sugar control.
- High-Sodium Snacks: Like chips and processed meats, which can impact heart health.
- Trans Fats: Found in some processed foods.
Main benefits
The High-Protein meal plan for diabetics is designed to help regulate blood sugar levels while providing ample protein within healthy meals. It includes low-glycemic-index sources of protein such as lean meats, fish, eggs, and plant-based options. This healthy eating plan helps in maintaining blood sugar levels stable and provides sustained energy, which is crucial for diabetes diet.
🎓 Recommended nutrient breakdown
Fat
Carbs
Protein
Fiber
Other
Food alternatives
An Indian meal plan meal plan for weight loss can be both effective and varied with these substitutions:
- Tempeh provides a different texture and higher protein content than tofu.
- Cauliflower rice serves as a low-carb alternative to regular rice.
- Almond flour tortillas offer a unique twist compared to whole grain wraps.
- Blackberries can replace blueberries for a different antioxidant-rich fruit.
- Cashew cream can be used instead of feta cheese for a creamy texture in dishes.
How to budget on this meal plan
Extra tips
Any healthy snack ideas?
These Indian snacks are great for weight loss, focusing on low-calorie, nutritious options:
- Steamed sprouts with lime and pepper
- Mixed vegetable salad with herbs
- Low-fat dahi with cucumber
- Grilled tandoori chicken pieces
- Roasted fox nuts (makhana)
- Fruit salad with a dash of cinnamon
- Cucumber and carrot sticks with hummus
What should I drink on this meal plan?
In an Indian-style weight loss diet, water infused with cucumber and mint aids hydration and weight management. Herbal teas, like tulsi or green tea, are great for metabolism. Buttermilk is a good probiotic, and nimbu pani (lemon water) offers a refreshing low-calorie option.
How to get even more nutrients?
Meal plan suggestion
Indian Meal Plan for Weight Loss
Day 1
- Breakfast: Moong Dal Chilla (savory lentil pancakes) with mint chutney (calories: 250, protein: 10g, carbs: 30g, fat: 8g)
- Lunch: Mixed vegetable sabzi with two whole wheat rotis (calories: 350, protein: 10g, carbs: 45g, fat: 10g)
- Snack: Cucumber slices with a sprinkle of chaat masala (calories: 50, protein: 1g, carbs: 10g, fat: 0g)
- Dinner: Grilled tandoori chicken with a side of mixed green salad (calories: 400, protein: 35g, carbs: 15g, fat: 18g)
Day 2
- Breakfast: Oatmeal with skimmed milk and a handful of almonds (calories: 300, protein: 10g, carbs: 40g, fat: 12g)
- Lunch: Brown rice pulao with mixed vegetables and a side of cucumber raita (calories: 350, protein: 8g, carbs: 50g, fat: 10g)
- Snack: Sliced apple with a pinch of cinnamon (calories: 100, protein: 0g, carbs: 25g, fat: 0g)
- Dinner: Rajma (kidney beans) curry with one whole wheat roti (calories: 400, protein: 15g, carbs: 60g, fat: 10g)
Day 3
- Breakfast: Poha (flattened rice with vegetables) (calories: 250, protein: 5g, carbs: 40g, fat: 5g)
- Lunch: Chana masala (spiced chickpeas) with brown rice (calories: 400, protein: 15g, carbs: 55g, fat: 10g)
- Snack: Green tea with a handful of roasted chana (calories: 80, protein: 4g, carbs: 10g, fat: 2g)
- Dinner: Vegetable stir-fry with paneer (Indian cottage cheese) (calories: 350, protein: 20g, carbs: 30g, fat: 15g)
Day 4
- Breakfast: Besan (chickpea flour) cheela with tomato and onion (calories: 300, protein: 10g, carbs: 35g, fat: 10g)
- Lunch: Dal (lentil soup) with spinach and one whole wheat roti (calories: 350, protein: 15g, carbs: 50g, fat: 5g)
- Snack: Carrot and beetroot salad (calories: 100, protein: 2g, carbs: 20g, fat: 1g)
- Dinner: Grilled fish with a side of sautéed vegetables (calories: 400, protein: 35g, carbs: 20g, fat: 15g)
Day 5
- Breakfast: Idli (steamed rice cakes) with sambar (vegetable lentil stew) (calories: 300, protein: 8g, carbs: 50g, fat: 5g)
- Lunch: Vegetable biryani with brown rice and a side of mint yogurt (calories: 400, protein: 10g, carbs: 55g, fat: 12g)
- Snack: Fruit chaat (mixed fruit salad) (calories: 120, protein: 2g, carbs: 28g, fat: 1g)
- Dinner: Palak paneer (spinach with cottage cheese) with one whole wheat roti (calories: 350, protein: 18g, carbs: 40g, fat: 15g)
Day 6
- Breakfast: Multigrain toast with peanut butter (calories: 250, protein: 8g, carbs: 30g, fat: 12g)
- Lunch: Kabuli chana salad (chickpea salad) (calories: 350, protein: 12g, carbs: 40g, fat: 10g)
- Snack: Masala buttermilk (calories: 100, protein: 6g, carbs: 10g, fat: 2g)
- Dinner: Eggplant (brinjal) curry with whole wheat roti (calories: 400, protein: 12g, carbs: 50g, fat: 15g)
Day 7
- Breakfast: Dhokla (steamed chickpea flour cake) with green chutney (calories: 200, protein: 5g, carbs: 30g, fat: 5g)
- Lunch: Mushroom matar (mushroom and peas) with one whole wheat roti (calories: 350, protein: 10g, carbs: 45g, fat: 10g)
- Snack: Roasted soy nuts (calories: 150, protein: 10g, carbs: 10g, fat: 8g)
- Dinner: Grilled paneer tikka with a side of mixed greens (calories: 400, protein: 25g, carbs: 20g, fat: 20g)
Want to learn more?
- Weight management using a meal replacement strategy: meta and pooling analysis from six studies
- Randomized Trial of a High Protein, Partial Meal Replacement Program with or without Alternate Day Fasting: Similar Effects on Weight Loss, Retention Status, Nutritional, Metabolic, and Behavioral Outcomes
⚠️ Keep in mind
Article reviewed
- Written by our editorial team.
- Published on Feb 29, 2024
- Updated on Nov 22, 2024