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According to a comprehensive assessment of 40 studies, intermittent fasting was effective for weight loss. Intermittent fasting has been linked to weight loss and improved metabolic health. An Indian intermittent fasting diet plan can help you achieve your nutritional goals.
The most common intermittent fasting diet plan is 16/8. But what is it? Keep reading to find out! Get a 7 day meal plan for intermittent fasting as well!
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Intermittent fasting is an eating pattern that has gained much attention due to its possible health and weight loss advantages. It includes alternating between fasting and feeding intervals. During this, you abstain from or considerably restrict your calorie intake. The main concept underlying intermittent fasting is not so much what you eat as it is when you eat.
Intermittent fasting has several health benefits. There has been increasing evidence that it may benefit physical and mental health. Here are the main advantages of intermittent fasting:
When practising intermittent fasting, it's important to choose foods that will keep you full. Also, they should offer necessary nutrients during your eating window. Here is a list of foods to include in your intermittent fasting diet plan for Indians:
Food Category | Indian Foods to Include | Reasons |
Lean Proteins | Chicken, fish, paneer (cottage cheese) | Protein helps maintain muscle mass and keeps you feeling full during fasting periods. |
Lentils and Pulses | Moong dal, masoor dal, and chana dal | Rich in plant-based protein and fibre, which promote satiety and slow digestion. |
Vegetables | Spinach, cauliflower, and bhindi (okra) | Low in calories and high in fibre, vitamins, and minerals to support overall health |
Leafy Greens | Methi (fenugreek leaves) and palak (spinach) | Nutrient-dense and provide essential vitamins and minerals |
Whole Grains | Brown rice, whole wheat flour roti (chapati) | Complex carbohydrates provide steady energy and fibre for fullness |
Yoghurt | Plain yoghurt (unsweetened) | High in protein and probiotics, which support gut health and appetite control |
Nuts and Seeds | Almonds, walnuts, and flax seeds | Good sources of healthy fats, protein, and fibre for prolonged satiety |
Ghee (Clarified Butter) | Used in moderation | Provides healthy fats and flavour to meals. Use sparingly due to calorie content. |
Herbal Teas | Tulsi (holy basil) tea and ginger tea | Hydrating and can curb hunger, and some have potential health benefits |
Spices | Turmeric, cumin, coriander, and cinnamon | Enhance flavour without adding calories and may have additional health benefits |
The 7-day intermittent fasting diet plan Indian is given below. Please keep in mind this is a 16/8 intermittent fasting 7 day meal plan. This means you fast for 16 hours and have an 8-hour eating window. Change the timing as needed to fit your schedule.
Day | Time | Meal | Food Options |
Day 1 | Fasting (16 hours) | ||
12:00 PM | Lunch | Grilled chicken breast with a side of mixed vegetables / Vegetable salad, roti, dal | |
3:00 PM | Snack | Greek yoghurt with a drizzle of honey | |
7:00 PM | Dinner | Lentil soup with a side of brown rice | |
Day 2 | Fasting (16 hours) | ||
12:00 PM | Lunch | Tofu and vegetable stir-fry with quinoa | |
3:00 PM | Snack | A small handful of almonds and walnuts | |
7:00 PM | Dinner | Grilled fish with a side of sautéed spinach / Spinach and paneer stir-fry | |
Day 3 | Fasting (16 hours) | ||
12:00 PM | Lunch | Chickpea salad with cucumber, tomatoes, and lemon-tahini dressing / Mixed vegetable sabzi, roti | |
3:00 PM | Snack | Sliced carrots and bell peppers with hummus | |
7:00 PM | Dinner | Paneer (cottage cheese) curry with brown rice | |
Day 4 | Fasting (16 hours) | ||
12:00 PM | Lunch | Mixed vegetable curry with roti (whole-grain flatbread) | |
3:00 PM | Snack | A piece of fruit (e.g., apple or pear) | |
7:00 PM | Dinner | Grilled chicken with a side of steamed broccoli / Palak (spinach) and rice | |
Day 5 | Fasting (16 hours) | ||
12:00 PM | Lunch | Brown rice with lentil soup and a side of stir-fried greens | |
3:00 PM | Snack | Roasted chana (chickpeas) or makhana (fox nuts) | |
7:00 PM | Dinner | Tofu or paneer tikka with a cucumber and tomato salad | |
Day 6 | Fasting (16 hours) | ||
12:00 PM | Lunch | Spinach and mushroom omelette with whole-grain toast | |
3:00 PM | Snack | A small serving of mixed berries | |
7:00 PM | Dinner | Baked fish with a side of sautéed asparagus / Lentil and vegetable stew | |
Day 7 | Fasting (16 hours) | ||
12:00 PM | Lunch | Quinoa salad with roasted vegetables and a tahini dressing | |
3:00 PM | Snack | A small piece of dark chocolate | |
7:00 PM | Dinner | Grilled chicken or tofu with a side of mixed greens |
Successfully following a 7-day Indian diet plan for intermittent fasting requires careful planning and dedication. Here are some tips to help you stay on track:
Intermittent fasting can have several benefits, but it also has its drawbacks. To make your intermittent fasting journey more effective, be aware of these problems and solutions for overcoming them. Consider the following common challenges:
Hunger and Cravings: You may experience hunger and desires during fasting periods, especially when you initially begin. This can be difficult, but it usually becomes easier to manage over time.
Solution: Stay hydrated by drinking water, tea, or coffee (without milk, sugar, or cream). Consuming fibre and protein-rich foods within your eating window will help you feel satiated for longer.Energy Levels: Some people may experience a lack of energy, particularly during the early stages of intermittent fasting. This can have an impact on daily activities and exercise.
Solution: Give your body some time to adjust. It could take a few days to a couple of weeks for your energy levels to return to normal. For an energy boost, consider scheduling your workouts during your meal window.Nutrient Deficiency: If intermittent fasting is not well planned, it can lead to nutrient shortages. This is because you have fewer opportunities to take important vitamins and minerals.
Solution: During your eating window, prioritise nutrient-dense foods. To achieve your nutritional needs, include a range of fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy grains.Overeating During the Eating Window: Some people may compensate for fasting by eating too many calories during their eating window. This can sabotage their weight loss efforts.
Solution: During your meal window, practise portion management and mindful eating. Pay attention to your hunger signals and eat until you're satisfied, not stuffed.
Stress and Mood: Fasting can occasionally cause increased stress or mood swings. This can have an impact on your general well-being.
Solution: Concentrate on stress-reduction strategies like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises. If intermittent fasting harms your mental health, it may not be the best option for you.
This 7-day Indian intermittent fasting diet plan can help you get started. Listen to your body and adjust this plan as needed to match your preferences. Remember that intermittent fasting is not for everyone. So, before beginning any new diet plan, consult a medical specialist.
If you have any further questions about intermittent fasting or other medical concerns, please contact HexaHealth. It is a healthcare platform that strives to counsel patients with the right knowledge. So, schedule your consultation today!
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Intermittent fasting is an eating pattern in which periods of fasting and eating alternate. It does not prescribe specific foods but rather focuses on when you eat them.
The 16/8 approach may be a good intermittent fasting plan for Indians. It entails fasting for 16 hours and eating within an 8-hour timeframe. It's adaptable and works well with typical meal times.
Day | Fasting Period | Eating Window | Meal Ideas |
Day 1 | 16 hours | 8 hours | Vegetable stir-fry with brown rice. |
Day 2 | 16 hours | 8 hours | Chickpea curry with whole wheat roti. |
Day 3 | 16 hours | 8 hours | Lentil soup with quinoa. |
Day 4 | 16 hours | 8 hours | Spinach and paneer (cottage cheese) curry with roti. |
Day 5 | 16 hours | 8 hours | Vegetable biryani with raita. |
Day 6 | 16 hours | 8 hours | Dal (lentil curry) with brown rice. |
Day 7 | 16 hours | 8 hours | Mixed vegetable curry with quinoa. |
Day | Fasting Period | Eating Window | Meals and Foods |
Day 1 | 16 hours | 8 hours | Grilled chicken, brown rice, veggies |
Day 2 | 16 hours | 8 hours | Fish curry, roti, salad |
Day 3 | 16 hours | 8 hours | Lean beef stir-fry, quinoa, mixed greens |
Day 4 | 16 hours | 8 hours | Egg curry, whole wheat chapati, cucumber |
Day 5 | 16 hours | 8 hours | Lentil soup, brown rice, sautéed spinach |
Day 6 | 16 hours | 8 hours | Grilled shrimp, couscous, broccoli |
Day 7 | 16 hours | 8 hours | Mutton curry, naan, mixed vegetable salad |
Day | Fasting Period | Eating Window | Meal Suggestions |
Day 1 | 16 hours | 8 hours | Balanced meals with dal, rice, and vegetables. |
Day 2 | 16 hours | 8 hours | Oats with fruits and nuts for breakfast, chicken or paneer with salad for dinner. |
Day 3 | 16 hours | 8 hours | Quinoa and vegetable stir-fry, yoghurt with berries. |
Day 4 | 16 hours | 8 hours | Whole wheat roti with lentils and greens, grilled fish or tofu. |
Day 5 | 16 hours | 8 hours | Brown rice with chickpea curry, mixed vegetable soup. |
Day 6 | 16 hours | 8 hours | Idli or dosa with sambar and coconut chutney, grilled vegetables. |
Day 7 | 16 hours | 8 hours | Millet khichdi with yoghurt and a variety of seasonal fruits. |
Here’s how to follow the 16/8 intermittent fasting with a 7-day meal plan:
Here’s how to use intermittent fasting for weight loss with a meal plan:
Time | Meal/Food |
8:00 AM | Wake up and drink water |
9:00 AM | Breakfast - Scrambled eggs with spinach and whole-grain toast |
1:00 PM | Lunch - Grilled chicken breast with brown rice and mixed vegetables |
4:00 PM | Snack - Greek yoghurt with berries |
7:00 PM | Dinner - Lentil soup with a side salad and a small serving of lean protein (fish or tofu) |
8:00 PM | Start fasting (water, and herbal tea allowed) |
Over the course of 3 to 24 weeks, intermittent fasting may reduce body weight by 3-8%. It may cause weight reduction at a rate of about 0.55 to 1.65 pounds (0.25-0.75 kg) each week when looking at the pace of weight loss
Intermittent fasting for seven days a week can be safe for many people. However, it is essential to listen to your body and ensure you meet your nutritional demands.
The 14/10 fasting is the best way to lose belly fat. It entails fasting for 14 hours and having a 10-hour eating window every day.
The 16-hour fasting window is commonly used in intermittent fasting. This is because it allows the body to enter a state of ketosis, where it begins burning stored fat for energy. However, the "magic number" can vary depending on individual preferences and goals.
Individuals to whom intermittent fasting may not be recommended are:
The risks associated with intermittent fasting are:
All the articles on HexaHealth are supported by verified medically-recognized sources such as; peer-reviewed academic research papers, research institutions, and medical journals. Our medical reviewers also check references of the articles to prioritize accuracy and relevance. Refer to our detailed editorial policy for more information.
Last Updated on: 18 January 2024
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