Many people think they can’t enjoy Indian food while on a diet. But this is not the case. A wide range of Indian dishes are low in calories and will help you to stay on track when it comes to losing weight. It’s all about making sensible choices and knowing what dishes to select if you go out or order in. With this in mind, here’s what to order at an Indian restaurant when watching your waistline – you might just be surprised by how many options there are.
Tandoori Dishes
If you’ve been Googling the ‘best Indian near me’ but don’t know what to order while dieting, why not try a tandoori dish such as Tandoori Chicken or Tandoori Paneer? Tandoori dishes are cooked in a clay oven called a tandoor with minimal oil, making them rich in flavour yet low in fat. Many tandoori dishes are also served without a rich, heavy sauce. This means you won’t have the extra calories from butter, cream and ghee.
Dal
In Hindi, the word ‘dal’ means lentils or a meal made from them. Lentils are packed with protein, fibre, vitamin B6 and folate making them a great choice for the health-conscious and those trying to cut calories while enjoying Indian cuisine. When choosing a dal dish, opt for tomato-based sauces over creamy ones to keep down the fat. If possible, try to eat your dal with vegetable sides rather than naan, as this can be calorific.
Aloo Gobi
Aloo Gobi is a great option for those who are trying to cut back on fatty foods. This potato and cauliflower combination is both tasty and healthy, especially with all that turmeric, ginger, garlic and cumin in the mix. Many of the spices used in Indian cuisine have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties which help to promote health and wellbeing.
If you’re dieting and want to be prepared before heading out, research ‘best Indian curry near me’ and make sure there are dishes such as Aloo Gobi on the menu to put your mind at ease.
Egg Bhuna
Eggs are a great sauce of protein and are low in calories. They also contain essential nutrients such as vitamin B12, choline and selenium. When cooked in a tomato and onion based sauce with minimum ghee and oil, this can be a healthy dish. When eating with rice, avoid fried options. Boiled rice is always a go-to when dieting as while it’s still a carbohydrate it is one of the most low-calorie options.
Dishes such as egg bhuna can also be paired with healthy sides such as whole grain chapati or a side of fresh vegetables to balance the meal. Yoghurt-based dips are also a great alternative to high calorie sauces.
If you’re in London looking for the ‘best Indian places near me’ don’t miss Little India. Nestled in the heart of South Kensington, our restaurant is the perfect place to enjoy authentic Indian cuisine. Our menu includes traditional favourites, chef’s specials and diet-friendly options for those who are counting calories.
