Indian meal plan for low carb diet
The Indian meal plan for a low carb diet reduces the intake of carbohydrates by focusing on low carb Indian foods with high-protein and high-fiber contents. This includes paneer, lean meats, and legumes, along with non-starchy vegetables. Traditional breads and rice are limited, replaced by low carb Indian food alternatives like cauliflower rice and almond flour rotis.
Meal plan grocery list
- Semolina
- Mixed vegetables
- Spinach
- Cottage cheese
- Brown rice
- Fruits for salad and smoothies
- Chickpea flour
- Mint leaves
- Kidney beans
- Yogurt
- Honey
- Nuts and dried fruits
- Fish
- Quinoa
- Coconut
- Lentils
- Idli ingredients
- Chickpea flour
- Okra
- Fenugreek leaves
- Carrots
- Cucumbers
- Hummus ingredients
- Tapioca pearls
Article reviewed
- Written by our editorial team.
- Published on Feb. 29, 2024.
- Updated on Sept. 10, 2024.
Meal plan overview
Embark on a low carb journey with the low carb Indian diet. This diet plan adapts traditional Indian recipes to fit a low carb lifestyle.
Highlighting low carb vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats, all seasoned with Indian spices, it’s a unique and tasty approach to low carb eating habits. You can easily start your weight loss journey or gain weight healthily thanks to proper calorie intake with this Indian food meal plan!
Foods to eat
- Low-Carb Vegetables: Spinach (palak), roasted cauliflower, and fenugreek (methi) prepared with minimal oil.
- Lean Proteins: Tandoori chicken, grilled fish, and egg-based dishes like boiled eggs or scrambled eggs.
- Healthy Fats: Nuts, seeds, and oils such as olive and mustard oil to maintain healthy blood pressure.
- Dairy Products: Paneer, Greek yoghurt, and skimmed milk in moderation for protein and calcium.
- Low-Sugar Fruits: Berries, avocados (if available), and guava.
- Herbs and Spices: Turmeric, ginger, and cinnamon for flavor without carbs.
- Hydration: Plenty of water, green tea, coconut milk, almond milk, and buttermilk (chaas) without sugar.
- Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, walnuts, and flaxseeds for snacks.
✅ Tip
Swap traditional rice with cauliflower rice or konjac rice to significantly reduce your carbohydrate intake while still enjoying Indian cuisine.
Foods not to eat
- High-Carb Foods: White rice, chapatis based on wheat flour, and other grains.
- Sugary Sweets: Indian desserts like laddoo, barfi, and rasgulla are bad for your blood sugar.
- Starchy Vegetables: Potatoes, green peas, and corn.
- Fried Snacks: Avoid pakoras, bhajis, and puris.
- Processed Food: Packaged snacks, junk food, and ready-to-eat meals.
- Sweetened Beverages: Sugary drinks and high-carb lassis.
- Alcohol: High in carbs and empty calories.
- Full-Fat Dairy: In excess, especially if high in lactose.
Main benefits
A daily diet of Indian meals with low carbs reduces the risk of consuming too many carbs by focusing on foods with high fiber and protein intake. This leads to a healthy lifestyle and lowers the possibility of weight gain. Indian food groups to eat include paneer, lean meats (like butter chicken), and legumes, along with non-starchy vegetables. Enjoy delicious recipes that cater to your meal preferences with these low carb foods!
Fat
Carbs
Protein
Fiber
Other
Food alternatives
An Indian meal plan for a low-carb diet can be both nutritious and satisfying with these substitutions:
- Semolina can be replaced with almond flour for a low-carb alternative in baking.
- Using cauliflower rice instead of brown rice helps keep carb intake low.
- For a high-protein option, consider paneer instead of cottage cheese.
- Fresh vegetable salads can be enriched with avocado for healthy fats.
- Opt for zucchini noodles instead of traditional noodles for a lower-carb meal.
- To lower trans fats in your diet, go for extras such as green chutney, mint chutney, or lemon juice to enhance flavor.
How to budget on this meal plan
Here are some helpful tips for managing your budget while purchasing Indian food: Buying low-carb staples like brown rice, quinoa, and lentils in bulk can be more economical. Opt for seasonal vegetables and fruits to ensure freshness and affordability. Paneer and yogurt can be made at home for a more budget-friendly option. Consider using coconut in various forms (milk, oil, shredded) as it is versatile and can be bought in bulk.
Extra tips
Any healthy snack ideas?
These Indian snacks are low in carbohydrates and suitable for a low carb diet:
- Tandoori chicken wings
- Paneer tikka
- Cucumber and radish salad
- Boiled egg with a sprinkle of chaat masala
- Stir-fried mushrooms with garlic
- Spinach and cheese stuffed mushrooms
- Almond and flaxseed ladoo
What should I drink on this meal plan?
For a low-carb Indian-style diet, opt for green tea or black coffee without sugar, almond milk as a dairy alternative, lime water for a refreshing touch, and buttermilk to maintain gut health without adding too many carbs.
How to get even more nutrients?
Following a low carb Indian diet effectively means focusing on whole foods, proteins and healthy fats while limiting traditional staples like rice and wheat. Include plenty of leafy greens such as kale and mustard greens, and use cauliflower rice as a substitute for grains. Eggs, paneer, and palak tofu are excellent protein sources, while coconut oil and sesame seeds add healthy fats and a burst of flavor.
Meal plan suggestions
Indian Meal Plan for Low Carb Diet
Day 1
- Breakfast: Coconut and semolina porridge with nuts
- Lunch: Spinach and cottage cheese curry (Palak Paneer) with a side of brown rice
- Dinner: Grilled fish with a side of mixed vegetable stir-fry
- Snack: Cucumber and carrot sticks with hummus
Calories: 1200 Fat: 50g Carbs: 100g Protein: 80g
Day 2
- Breakfast: Fenugreek and chickpea flour pancakes
- Lunch: Quinoa salad with kidney beans, mint leaves, and vegetables
- Dinner: Okra stir-fry with yogurt and side of sprouts
- Snack: Fruit salad with nuts and a drizzle of honey
Calories: 1150 Fat: 45g Carbs: 90g Protein: 70g
Day 3
- Breakfast: Tapioca pearls and mixed fruit smoothie
- Lunch: Chickpea flour and vegetable pancakes with mint yogurt
- Dinner: Lentil soup with spinach and coconut cream
- Snack: Almonds and dried fruits
Calories: 1100 Fat: 40g Carbs: 85g Protein: 75g
Day 4
- Breakfast: Mixed nuts and cucumber salad with yogurt dressing
- Lunch: Baked fish with a side of sautéed spinach and peas
- Dinner: Grilled cottage cheese steaks with quinoa and mint salad
- Snack: Hummus with sliced vegetables
Calories: 1200 Fat: 55g Carbs: 95g Protein: 85g
Day 5
- Breakfast: Semolina and flaxseed porridge
- Lunch: Chickpea and cucumber salad with lemon and olive oil dressing
- Dinner: Lentils and mixed vegetables with coconut oil
- Snack: Greek yogurt with chopped nuts
Calories: 1130 Fat: 45g Carbs: 100g Protein: 70g
Day 6
- Breakfast: Greek yogurt with honey and dried fruits
- Lunch: Broccoli and brown rice salad with olive oil
- Dinner: Grilled fish with fenugreek leaves and sprouts
- Snack: Avocado and tomato salad with mint leaves
Calories: 1180 Fat: 50g Carbs: 105g Protein: 80g
Day 7
- Breakfast: Semolina and vegetable upma
- Lunch: Kidney beans and quinoa salad with mixed greens
- Dinner: Baked cottage cheese with spinach and tomato sauce
- Snack: Mixed nuts with a few pieces of fruit
Calories: 1150 Fat: 45g Carbs: 90g Protein: 75g
These nutritional values are approximate and can vary slightly based on specific portion sizes and preparation methods.
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⚠️ Keep in mind
As with any dietary change, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian before changing your dietary habits.