It's funny how so many foods out there are sneakily packed with hidden carbs, and half the time, we don’t even realize it. They're all delicious, sure, but they can throw a wrench in your fitness goals.
Not only do they pack on the pounds, but they can also mess with your blood sugar levels, leaving you feeling like you've hit a brick wall.
Now, we’re not asking you to ditch carbs entirely. After all, they’re vital for keeping your energy up and absorbing essential nutrients. But guess what? There's a way to still enjoy delicious food while keeping those pesky carbs in check through a low-carb diet!
In this blog, we're diving into the world of low-carb Indian food lists. From healthier flour choices to choosing the right oils, we’ve covered it all!
So, buckle up and get ready to tone those muscles and start feeling energised. Let’s begin!
Low Carb Indian Food List - 6 Options
When we talk about low-carb diets, Indian food is probably not the first thing that comes to your mind. However, Indian cuisine is incredibly diverse, and there are numerous regional variations and dishes. Let’s look at a few Indian foods that are low in carbs yet fill you up just fine!
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Fact Check: Hey, did you know the keto diet isn't just a trendy weight loss thing? Back in the 1920s, it was used to treat epilepsy! So get this, back in the day, researchers found that fasting helped with epilepsy seizures, but who can fast for ages? So it was instead used as a weight-loosing mechanism. |
Let's jazz up your low-carb Indian food list with some protein-rich options!
1. Soya Bean Flour
When you're on a low-carb diet, protein is your best friend. It's essential for repairing and building cells, especially during growth spurts. One of many multigrain flours, soya bean flour is such a food, understandably it is derived by grinding soya beans.
High Protein Content: Considered to be a complete protein source, it has every essential amino acid needed by the body. This helps in building, bulking, and repairing muscle tissues.
Blood Sugar Regulation: Due to its low Glycemic (GI) content, this flour has a less significant impact on your blood sugar levels. The salty days of pestering about your sugar levels are now over!
But hey, soy flour isn't the only player on this low-carb Indian food list packing a protein punch. Let's take a peek at some other options, shall we?
2. Lentil Soup (Dal)
Get ready to cosy up with a bowl of Lentil Soup (‘Dal’)! This hearty dish pairs perfectly with your favourite staple, and can be made out of any lentil, be it whole grams or beans.
Iron-Rich: Iron is super important because it helps make haemoglobin, which is like a taxi that carries oxygen from your lungs to every nook and cranny in your body. So, chowing down on lentils can help prevent that yucky feeling of fatigue and weakness that comes with iron deficiency anaemia.
Promotes Heart Health: Apart from having low carbs, most lentils are a storehouse of fibre, potassium, folate, and antioxidants. While fibre helps lower cholesterol by reducing its absorption in the bloodstream, potassium regulates blood pressure.
Additionally, most lentils consist of 25% more protein too! Talk about your fitness trainer, eh? Oh, by the way, you can make dal in 2 easy steps: boil some lentils of your choice, add spices, simmer, add some desi ghee, and enjoy with a steaming bowl of rice!
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Fact Check: Did you know that Peanut butter was patented by Dr. John Harvey Kellogg (yes, the same Kellogg of cereal fame) in the late 19th century as a protein source for those with tooth issues? It later became a beloved household staple, enjoyed in sandwiches, smoothies, and as a tasty dip for fruits and veggies! Let’s next look at the benefits it has to offer! |
3. Peanut Butter
Even though we call them nuts, peanuts are legumes biologically. Crazy right? Additionally, the classic peanut butter and jam sandwich (often a favourite for school lunches) is highly beneficial since this nutty butter has some benefits hidden up its sleeve:
Nutrient Absorption: Research says the healthy fats in it can enhance the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins like vitamin E, which is important for immune function and skin health.
Bone Health: Peanut butter contains essential nutrients like magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium, which are essential for bone health and maintenance.
The next item on our list will probably surprise you, as it’s an oil - coconut oil to be precise. It has been said that it is pure fat and has absolutely no carbs in it - who knew oils could help with fitness too?
4. Wood-Pressed Coconut Oil
Wood-pressed coconut oil is like the VIP of cooking oils. Do you know why? Because it's extracted in such a gentle, natural way – no harsh chemicals or crazy high temperatures involved. This not only preserves all the good stuff but also keeps its flavour intact, making it perfect for whipping up those delicious treats!
Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs): Coconut oil is rich in MCTs, specifically lauric acid, caprylic acid, and capric acid. They get metabolized super quickly by the liver into energy, giving us that extra boost we need, whether it's for a workout or just getting through a busy day.
Balanced Cholesterol Levels: Despite being a saturated fat, coconut oil contains medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) that may help raise high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (the "good" cholesterol) levels and convert low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (the "bad" cholesterol) into a less harmful form.
Now, let's talk about flaxseeds – did you know that they're one of the richest plant sources of omega-3 fatty acids? Needless to say, they have several other benefits as well!
5. Flaxseeds
One of the prized crops even cultivated by the Egyptians, flaxseeds are an incredible source of plant-based essential nutrients! And they’re easy to incorporate in meals, just sprinkle some on your yoghurt or blend in a smoothie!
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Flaxseeds are one of the best plant-based sources of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a type of omega-3 fatty acid. Omega-3s play a crucial role in supporting heart health, reducing inflammation, and keeping your brain sharp!
High in Fiber: They're packed with both soluble and insoluble fibre, which is a dream team for your digestion. Say goodbye to constipation and hello to regular bowel movements! Plus, that fibre can help you feel fuller for longer, which might just help with managing your weight.
With that said, let’s assess the last option on our low-carb Indian food list - another variant of seeds!
6. Sunflower Seeds
These seeds might be low in carbs, but they are rich in Vitamin E an essential vitamin for your body!
Rich in Niacin (Vitamin B3): Niacin plays a crucial role in converting food into energy, supporting proper nervous system function, and promoting healthy skin. It also aids in DNA repair and cell signalling, contributing to overall cellular health.
Energy Production: Vitamin B3 is also involved in the conversion of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins into usable energy. This makes it essential for maintaining overall energy levels and combating fatigue.
Now, we all know the drill – balance is key! Make sure to mix things up with plenty of protein, iron, and healthy fats. Oh, and let's not forget about the importance of a little exercise too – it's like a cherry on top for your overall well-being!
FAQs: Healthy Low Carb Indian Food List: Top 6 Options
What is a low-carb diet food list for diabetics?
Include non-starchy vegetables, proteins, and healthy fats in your diet. Also, add fruits and couple them with exercise to keep your diabetes level in check.
How does Ketosis affect the body?
Ketosis occurs when the body burns fat for fuel instead of carbohydrates, producing ketones. This metabolic state can lead to weight loss, improved insulin sensitivity, and increased energy levels. By strictly limiting carbohydrate intake, this diet forces the body to rely strictly on fat for energy, therefore speeding up weight loss. A2 desi ghee is a brilliant ingredient for keto enthusiasts, and it's easy to incorporate into your daily life!
Who shouldn’t follow a low-carb diet?
If you are suffering from pancreatitis or kidney disease avoid such a diet. Carefully monitor the foods you eat to avoid any potential health risks.
Conclusion
With this low-carb Indian food list, you can take a balanced approach to nutrition. Such a low-carb food list mitigates the risks of excessive carbohydrate consumption while embracing the richness of Indian cuisine. By integrating diverse low-carb options, one can enjoy flavourful meals, promoting both health and culinary satisfaction.
We at Two Brothers Organic Farms, aim to start a healthy revolution fueled by ancient wisdom and sustainability! Consider checking us out for more healthy diet plans and recipes and naturally curated products!
