With 2022 right on the horizon (along with some optimism), one of the most popular resolutions is to eat healthier.
You can cut out junk food and sweets and replace them with better choices, like fruits and veggies, but how do you enhance your Indian favorites for health? The Indian food market is the 6th largest in the world, making it a favorite among all kinds of demographics, especially those seeking cleaner eating habits.
Tons of Indian foods are vegan or vegetarian, and many meals incorporate mixtures of veggies and grains to make them robust. However, Indian food can be loaded with lots of carbs, making them heavy and tough on the body when trying to lose weight. But an easily tailor to low-carb means you can enjoy exotic Indian flavors without too many bad calories!
If you’re ready to start the New Year off with some healthy Indian dishes, here are some low-carb recipes that are easy to make:
First Off, Why are Carbs Bad for You?
Keep in mind that not all carbs are bad for you, but the kind that you should limit is refined carbs.
Basically, refined carbs are sugars, like sucrose and high fructose corn syrup, and refined grains, like white flour. In each group, the nutrients and vitamins have been taken out, resulting in “empty calories” that are quickly processed in the body and cause high levels of blood sugar and insulin levels after consumption. Needless to say, eating too many of these refined carbs can lead to health issues such as…
- Obesity
- Heart disease
- Type 2 Diabetes
- Overeating
On the other hand, whole foods with carbs can be very healthy for you as long as they retain their natural fibers, vitamins, and minerals. This means foods like veggies, fruits, oats, whole grains, and beans, which have carbs that provide nutrients and energy to your body the right way.
So, when it comes to making healthy Indian food, your goal is to use ingredients that retain all of the necessary nutrients that your body needs. Now, this doesn’t mean you have to get fancy with new ingredients and techniques—all it takes are some simple substitutions to classic recipes!
Some Indian Recipes to Try at Home
Although you may spring toward garlic naan or samosas as a quick Indian treats, you should probably steer clear of these doughy snacks and opt for more well-rounded choices.
Roti with Dal and Veggies
For instance, actress Priyanka Chopra follows a strict dietary schedule that involves two rotis with dhal and veggies every day for lunch. The benefit to rotis, unlike naan, is that they are made with a stoneground wholemeal flour (healthy carbs). Plus, the addition of pulses and fresh veggies make for a robust combination.
Here’s how to make a quick meal of roti and Chana dhal, but just make sure to substitute the plain flour for stoneground whole meal flour.
Chicken Tikka Masala
According to Maneet Chauhan, moderation has been the ultimate factor in helping her lose weight and control her diet.
Since 2018, the all-star chef and TV personality has lost over 40 pounds, all thanks to changing her eating habits and sticking to classic staples that are easy to make and low in carbs. Along with sticking to an eating routine, she made small changes throughout her daily life that led to big changes. For instance, she sips apple cider vinegar every morning and no longer takes cream and sugar with her coffee.
Along with her new changes, one of her favorite meals to stick to is her famous chicken tikka masala. It’s easy to make and has all the right carbs your body needs to stay active and energized.
Chauhan is a huge lover of food, creating all types of fusions and flavors that bring excitement to life. In a recent interview with SEEMA, she explains that “the results are instantaneous. Cooking is one of the few professions where there is instant gratification.” And that includes cooking for yourself!
Oats Idli
Lastly, no meal is complete with a savory dish to cap off the night or start your morning routine!
Oats Idli is a low-calorie, healthy snack made with natural oats and grated carrots. Because the oats are high in vitamins, minerals, and protein, you gain plenty of nutritional benefits without sacrificing flavor. Not to mention, they’re very easy to make when you’re pressed for time!
To make oats idli, you’ll need a few ingredients, so make sure to follow the recipe here.
Start 2022 with the Right Choices
At SEEMA, we aim to provide you with non-medical guidance and insight to help you make the right choices for your health and happiness.
With these recipes and tips above, 2022 can be your year to a healthier lifestyle. More importantly, the choices you make now can set you up for success in the future! Whether it’s food substitutions or practicing moderation for every meal, you can achieve the life you want—we’re here to help!
Follow SEEMA for more ways to accomplish your goals and make 2022 your best year yet (and hopefully better than the last two)!
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