When it comes to losing weight, a nutritious and low-calorie breakfast can set the tone for the rest of your day. Indian cuisine offers a plethora of breakfast options that are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Here are five tasty and low-calorie Indian breakfast ideas that can aid in your weight loss journey as shared by top dietician for weight loss, Avni Kaul, in this post.
Poha – Poha, or flattened rice, is a popular breakfast dish in many Indian households. It is light, easy to digest, and can be prepared quickly. Poha is typically made with a mix of spices, mustard seeds, curry leaves, onions, and peas. You can add a squeeze of lemon and garnish with fresh coriander for extra flavour. Poha is low in calories and high in carbohydrates, which provides the energy boost needed to start your day. It also contains iron and is a good source of fiber, especially when vegetables are added. For an even healthier version, opt for brown poha, which retains more of the rice’s natural nutrients.
Oats Idli – A nutritious twist on the traditional South Indian idli, oats idli combines the health benefits of oats with the classic taste of idlis. Oats are rich in fiber, which can help you feel full longer and reduce overall calorie intake.
To make oats idli, you can mix powdered oats with semolina (rava), yogurt, and a variety of vegetables like carrots, peas, and beans. This mixture is then steamed to create fluffy and light idlis. Serve with coconut chutney or sambar for a wholesome and satisfying breakfast.
Methi Parantha – Methi (fenugreek) parantha is another excellent low-calorie breakfast option. Fenugreek leaves are known for their numerous health benefits, including aiding in digestion and controlling blood sugar levels. To make methi parantha, fresh fenugreek leaves are mixed into whole wheat dough along with spices like cumin and ajwain (carom seeds). The paranthas are then rolled out and cooked on a griddle with minimal oil. Pair your methi parantha with a bowl of yogurt or a side of pickles for a delicious and nutritious start to your day.
Moong Dal Chilla – Moong dal chilla, or savory lentil pancakes, is a protein-packed breakfast that is both filling and low in calories. Moong dal (split green gram) is soaked, ground into a batter, and then mixed with spices, onions, tomatoes, and coriander.
Avni Kaul is Founder of Nutriactivania with Masters Degree in Food and Nutrition from University of Delhi and is also a Certified Diabetes Educator from Project Hope and International Diabetes Federation. She is a Leicester Mammas Ambassador trained in Lactation Counselling with NHS United Kingdom. Mammas support pregnant and new mothers and their families. Specializations of Avni Kaul Include Infant and Young Child Feeding Practises, Pre and Post natal diets, Fat loss, Muscle Gain and Holistic Health and Nutrition