We all want to be fit and lose weight without hitting the gym, atleast majority of us want this. Not all have time for the gym so eating healthy is the only option. Certain foods can help you slim down or help you maintain a healthy weight while simultaneously packing your body with nutrients that your body needs. Here is a list of the top weight loss foods you will easily find in Indian kitchens:
BITTER GOURD
This weight loss food is effective to reduce the total calorie you intake while having a meal so that you are eating fewer calories than you burn. It has insulin like properties too that helps in lowering blood sugar levels. Use bitter gourd in low-calorie, filling recipes, such as vegetable soups or stews. Another option is to eat it as a side dish with lean protein, such as chicken breast, fish or a soy-based vegetarian burger.
CAULIFLOWER
Cauliflower is a very common vegetable that you will find in Indian kitchens. This weight loss food is rich is indoles, glucosinolates and thiocyanates that bumps off all the toxic waste in your body. It is also very rich in fibre that keeps your metabolism running smooth and thus does not let any fat deposits to form as a result of slow metabolism.
CUMIN
Cumin is commonly used in Indian dishes, in almost everything. Cumin is a great weightloss spice because it helps burn calories fast by increasing the metabolism rate and digestion. You can even have it in the form of cumin water for quick results.
TURMERIC
Just like cumin, turmeric too is used in a number of dishes. Turmeric extracts can lower blood cholesterol levels, especially LDL ‘bad’ cholesterol. It has lipid lowering properties and this can reduce cholesterol levels and benefit weight loss by reducing adipose tissue weight gain.
GARLIC
In almost every indian dish, garlic is used either chopped, whole or in a paste form. Garlic is a powerful detoxifier, is an effective diuretic that helps boost metabolism. When metabolism is proper, there is no chance for fat cells to form deposits in the body.
BROWN RICE
Brown rice, quite popular in the south indian homes is a great weight loss food. This nutritious whole grain contains 110 calories per half-cup serving, along with 2 grams each of protein and fibre. The fibre content of brown rice keeps bowel function at its peak since it makes digestion that much easier. Brown rice also makes the tummy feel full which translates to smaller meal portions.
CARDAMOM
Cardamom is popularly used in a number of Indian sweet dishes and also various spicy foods to add a bit of sweetness to it. Cardamom is a spice that has an ability to increase metabolism, not just metabolism but also fat metabolism. According to Ayurveda, cardamom helps burn body fat and aids weight loss. Cardamom is best consumed in form of tea if you want to incorporate it in your diet plan.
HONEY
Honey is very well popular in not just Indian kitchens, but all the kitchens worldwide. If you are trying to lose weight, honey can be very useful. Fat deposits are formed in the body when the fat remains unused. Honey has the ability to mobilize this stored fat. This fat is used to provide energy and gets burned this way leading to weight loss.
CURRY LEAVES
Curry leaves are beneficial for weight loss as they break down excess body fat. Curry leaves crushes the bad cholesterol in the body which is beneficial if you are willing to lose your weight. Have it in tea form or crush them and add in rice, soups, curries etc. we usually tend to remove these leaves from food, in that case chop them fine and then add in dishes so that it is consumed.
CABBAGE
Cabbage is a good source of vitamin C, potassium, vitamins and minerals. Moreover, what makes it a weight loss veggie is its great water and fibre content. Also, cabbage is low in calories and has the least fat content as compared to any other veggie.