Top 10 Easily Available Indian Breakfast Options For Weight Loss

The pandemic has made many of us put on “pandemic pounds,” since our eating routines and habits have changed due to remote working and being stuck at home all day. We’re all trying to get back in shape - which is why it’s not surprising that some of the trending searches online are “weight loss recipes - Indian.”

But losing weight starts with eating right - and a good breakfast goes a long way in setting your metabolism and satiety levels for the day. An Indian breakfast for weight loss is a good way to start the day. From rotis to fermented foods like idli and dosa, there’s plenty to choose from. Here are 10 healthy breakfast Indian recipes for weight loss.

1. Cheela

If you search for “healthy breakfast options India,” you are bound to find this one on the list! Cheela is made from besan or chickpea flour and is a great source of protein. This is a good Indian breakfast for weight loss.

It is a high protein breakfast that has been shown to benefit muscle health and support weight loss by increasing muscle mass, calories burned, satiety hormones and glucose regulation. It also decreases the desire to snack later in the day.

2. Idli

Is idli the best Indian breakfast for weight loss? Well, idli is steamed and fermented and contains all the good stuff that will kickstart your morning, like carbs, proteins, fats, fibre and vitamins & minerals. You can try our recipe for dal idli.

3. Sprouts Salad

Sprouts are a light and healthy way to start your day. They are a good source of protein and fibre. Plus, the sprouting process increases nutrient levels, making sprouts richer in protein, folate, magnesium, phosphorus, manganese and Vitamins C and K than non-sprouted plants.

4. Ragi Beet Chapati

Instead of paratha, try a variation on roti: with the addition of ragi flour and grated beetroot. Ragi is a filling, high-fibre food rich in minerals that aid in boosting metabolism. It contains 364 mg calcium per 100 g serving. Beet adds some extra fibre. You can try our recipe for ragi beet chapati.

5. Vegetable Dalia

Also known as lapsi, it is a form of broken wheat that can be consumed as a porridge or as a whole grain Indian breakfast for weight loss. With a low GI and fibre from the vegetables, it is a tasty and filling option for the morning.

6. Quinoa Khichdi

Khichdi is the ultimate comfort food and may not seem like the most common breakfast food, but when the rice is swapped with quinoa it makes for a good low-calorie Indian breakfast for weight loss. Quinoa is rich in fibre and protein and has a low glycemic index, making it good for weight loss. It is also naturally gluten-free. You can try our recipe for quinoa khichdi.

7. Vegetable Upma

Upma is a simple porridge made from sooji or semolina and contains spices like ginger and cumin and an array of vegetables. It provides the body with enough good carbs and energy to stay full till lunchtime.

8. Bajra Khichdi

If you are going to indulge in some khichdi in the morning, another great Indian breakfast for weight loss is bajra or millet khichdi. Millets are rich in fibre, making you feel full for longer.

Bajra is also rich in fibre and other nutrients, including minerals like calcium and fortifying amino acids, which help in strengthening and building lean muscle mass. You can try our recipe for bajra khichdi.

9. Paneer Bhurji

Vegetarians who stay away from eggs can make a nice scramble using paneer - a healthy protein option. In addition to protein, paneer is also a good source of calcium, making it a great Indian breakfast for weight loss.

10. Khobha Paranthas

Make your paranthas healthier by adding in a variety of flours and pulses. By mixing Bengal gram, millet flour and wheat you can increase the fibre content of your paranthas. Try our recipe for protein-rich khoba paranthas.