New Delhi: Eating a plant-based diet not only lowers the risk of chronic conditions but also promotes weight loss and improves overall health. Plant-based diets have been linked with immense health benefits, such as a reduced risk of heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and certain cancers, etc. Fortunately, most Indian diets are rich in nutritious foods consisting of grains, spices, fresh herbs, lentils and fruits. In fact, the traditional Indian diet focuses on high intake of fruits and vegetables while cutting back on meat.
But, due to the growing availability of processed foods, more and more Indians are suffering from obesity and obesity-related diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, etc. While overeating and not expending the energy can lead to weight gain, making unhealthy food choices is a leading cause of obesity. So, common sense tells us that eating a balanced diet is vital for maintaining an ideal weight. This article explains how following a healthy Indian diet can help you lose weight and get rid of that stubborn belly fat quickly. Try to include the following foods or ingredients in your daily meal plan to make your weight loss efforts a success.
Whole grains
Whole grains such as brown rice, millet, buckwheat, quinoa, barley, sorghum, are excellent sources of protein, dietary fibre, vitamins and minerals. Whole grains will help improve muscle mass, boost digestion, cleanse your system while keeping you full for a longer period. Eating them will help you lose weight and reduce belly fat easily.100 grams of brown rice contains about 111 calories.
Mushrooms
Mushrooms are low in calories but high in protein, fibre, and water content. Mushrooms are great sources of vitamin D, which is an important nutrient that may help you lose weight. Low levels of vitamin D are associated with abdominal obesity, also known as central obesity. Studies have shown that replacing higher-calorie foods with lower-calorie mushrooms can help you lose weight.100 grams of mushrooms has only 22 calories.
Beans and legumes
Packed with protein, fibre, vitamins, and minerals, including beans and legumes in your diet can help improve muscle health and suppress hunger pangs, thereby preventing you from overeating. Try including a variety of beans and legumes in your meal plan.
1 cup of cooked black-eyed peas contains 198 calories.