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Today, the Indian keto diet plan has become a popular way to lose weight. The traditional Indian diet is high in carbs. With a few modifications, you can build your Indian keto diet plan.
You can reach your weight loss goals by knowing the key elements of the Indian keto diet and making wise dietary selections. So, how do you do it? Read the article to find out!
The Indian Keto diet is a low-carbohydrate eating approach that focuses on reducing the intake of rice, bread, and other high-carb foods commonly consumed in Indian meals. Instead, it encourages a higher consumption of healthy fats like nuts, seeds, oils, avocados and moderate amounts of protein from sources like poultry, fish, and paneer.
This diet aims to shift the body's energy source from carbohydrates to fats, promoting weight loss and improved energy levels. While adapting traditional Indian dishes to fit the Keto framework, it's important to maintain a balanced intake of vegetables. It ensures that essential nutrients are included in the diet.
Factors such as activity level and weight loss objectives can affect daily calorie intake. However, the average daily calorie consumption ranges from 1,500 to 2,500. To determine the proper calorie intake and meal plan, contact a healthcare expert or certified dietitian.
The Indian keto diet can improve health and well-being when properly implemented. Here are the benefits of this diet plan:
When following an Indian keto diet, you'll want to focus on foods that are low in carbs, medium in protein, and high in healthy fats. Here are foods to include:
Spinach
Kale
Broccoli
Cauliflower
Zucchini
Bell peppers
Green beans
Brinjal (eggplant)
Cabbage
Ghee (clarified butter)
Coconut oil
Olive oil
Avocado oil
Nuts and seeds (in moderation)
Avocado
Paneer (Indian cottage cheese)
Tofu
Tempeh
Seitan (wheat gluten, low-carb but not gluten-free)
Nuts (almonds, walnuts, macadamia nuts)
Seeds (chia seeds, flaxseeds)
Full-fat yogurt (Greek yoghurt or homemade yogurt)
Paneer (again, a good source of both protein and fat)
Unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk
Cheese (in moderation)
The Indian keto diet limits carbohydrates, replacing them with healthy fats and protein. To get you started on your health journey, here's a sample 7-day Indian keto diet plan for weight loss:
Day | Meal | Food | Carbohydrates (g) | Proteins (g) | Fats (g) | Calories (Cal) |
Day 1 | Breakfast | Scrambled Eggs with Spinach | 3 | 15 | 20 | 250 |
Lunch | Chicken Curry with Cauliflower Rice | 6 | 30 | 25 | 350 | |
Snack | Greek Yoghurt with Berries | 5 | 10 | 8 | 150 | |
Dinner | Grilled Fish with Sautéed Spinach | 4 | 25 | 20 | 300 | |
Day 2 | Breakfast | Bulletproof Coffee | 0 | 0 | 15 | 150 |
Lunch | Paneer Tikka with Cucumber-Onion Salad | 5 | 20 | 18 | 280 | |
Snack | Mixed Nuts (Almonds, Walnuts, Cashews) | 4 | 10 | 25 | 300 | |
Dinner | Lamb Kebabs with Cauliflower Rice | 7 | 35 | 30 | 400 | |
Day 3 | Breakfast | Keto-Friendly Smoothie | 4 | 15 | 20 | 250 |
Lunch | Eggplant (Brinjal) Curry with Raita | 8 | 10 | 12 | 180 | |
Snack | Bell Peppers with Hummus | 6 | 5 | 7 | 100 | |
Dinner | Tofu/Chicken Stir-Fry with Broccoli & Zucchini | 5 | 25 | 20 | 300 | |
Day 4 | Breakfast | Mushroom Omelet | 3 | 15 | 20 | 250 |
Lunch | Palak Paneer with Cauliflower Rice | 6 | 15 | 20 | 280 | |
Snack | Celery Sticks with Almond Butter | 5 | 4 | 8 | 120 | |
Dinner | Butter Chicken with Cauliflower Rice | 6 | 25 | 22 | 320 | |
Day 5 | Breakfast | Greek Yoghurt with Flaxseeds | 5 | 10 | 12 | 180 |
Lunch | Chicken Tikka Salad with Olive Oil-Avocado Dressing | 8 | 25 | 30 | 380 | |
Snack | Chia Seed Pudding with Coconut Milk | 4 | 5 | 10 | 150 | |
Dinner | Spicy Prawn Curry with Low-Carb Veggies | 6 | 25 | 18 | 300 | |
Day 6 | Breakfast | Keto Pancakes with Sugar-Free Berry Compote | 6 | 10 | 15 | 220 |
Lunch | Beef/Tofu Curry with Cauliflower Rice | 7 | 30 | 28 | 380 | |
Snack | Cottage Cheese with Cumin and Paprika | 4 | 15 | 12 | 200 | |
Dinner | Fish Curry with Sautéed Broccoli & Cauliflower | 5 | 25 | 20 | 300 | |
Day 7 | Breakfast | Scrambled Eggs with Tomatoes & Cheese | 4 | 15 | 20 | 250 |
Lunch | Mutton Stir-Fry with Low-Carb Veggies | 8 | 30 | 25 | 360 | |
Snack | Macadamia Nuts | 4 | 5 | 22 | 250 | |
Dinner | Egg Curry with Sautéed Spinach | 6 | 20 | 18 | 280 |
Please keep in mind that nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on portion size and the brand of ingredients used.
Here’s a brief Indian keto diet chart for weight loss:
Day | Breakfast | Lunch | Snack | Dinner |
1 | Eggs & Veggies | Chicken Tikka Masala | Mixed Nuts | Paneer Stir-Fry |
2 | Keto Smoothie | Chicken & Spinach Salad | Greek Yoghurt | Grilled Fish |
3 | Bulletproof Coffee | Egg Curry | Cucumber & Guacamole | Tofu Stir-Fry |
4 | Mushroom Omelet | Palak Paneer | Celery & Almond Butter | Lamb Kebabs |
5 | Greek Yoghurt | Chicken Stir-Fry | Chia Seed Pudding | Eggplant Curry |
6 | Keto Pancakes | Tandoori Chicken | Macadamia Nuts | Fish Curry |
7 | Scrambled Eggs | Beef or Tofu Curry | Cottage Cheese | Chicken Biryani |
Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated.
For further benefits, consider intermittent fasting or time-restricted eating.
Keep track of your macronutrients (carbs, fats, and proteins) to stay in your keto range.
Adapt portion sizes and meal selections to your specific needs and tastes.
Before beginning any new diet, consult a healthcare practitioner, especially if you have underlying health conditions.
It is possible to follow a vegetarian Indian Keto diet plan. Indian cuisine has a diverse range of plant-based dishes that can be tailored to match the ketogenic principles. To get you started, here's a 7-day vegetarian Indian Keto diet plan:
Day | Breakfast | Lunch | Snack | Dinner |
1 | Scrambled Tofu with Spinach | Cauliflower Rice with Paneer Tikka Masala | Greek Yoghurt with Berries | Grilled Tempeh with Sautéed Spinach |
2 | Bulletproof Coffee | Palak Paneer with Mixed Greens Salad | Mixed Nuts | Stir-fried Tofu with Low-Carb Veggies |
3 | Keto Smoothie with Plant-Based Protein | Eggplant Curry with Raita | Sliced Bell Peppers with Hummus | Grilled Paneer with Cauliflower Rice |
4 | Avocado and Spinach Smoothie | Tofu Tikka Salad | Celery Sticks with Almond Butter | Cauliflower Rice with Spicy Tempeh Curry |
5 | Greek Yoghurt with Flaxseeds | Tofu and Broccoli Stir-Fry | Chia Seed Pudding | Spicy Paneer Curry with Low-Carb Veggies |
6 | Keto Pancakes with Sugar-Free Berry Compote | Grilled Tempeh with Sautéed Zucchini and Bell Peppers | Cottage Cheese with Cumin and Paprika | Cauliflower Rice with Tofu Stir-Fry |
7 | Scrambled Eggs with Tomatoes and Nutritional Yeast | Mung Bean (Moong Dal) Soup with Cucumber and Mint Salad | Macadamia Nuts | Egg Curry with Sautéed Spinach |
To achieve and maintain ketosis, it is essential to avoid meals high in carbs. Here's a list of foods to avoid:
Rice and Grains: Avoid rice, wheat, oats, and other grains as they are high in carbohydrates.
Sugar: Clear sugary foods like sweets, desserts, and beverages.
Starchy Vegetables: Limit or avoid starchy vegetables like potatoes, sweet potatoes, and peas.
Fruits High in Carbs: Restrict high-sugar fruits such as bananas, grapes, and mangoes.
Legumes: Say no to lentils, chickpeas, and beans due to their carb content.
Processed Foods: Avoid processed and packaged foods containing hidden sugars and unhealthy fats.
High-Carb Sauces: Skip sugary and high-carb sauces like ketchup, barbecue sauce, and sweet dressings.
Low-Fat Dairy: Opt for full-fat dairy and avoid low-fat versions with added sugars.
Bread and Pasta: Avoid bread, pasta, and other carb-rich bakery items.
Fried Foods: Avoid deep-fried snacks as they can be coated in carb-rich batters.
An Indian Keto Diet can be satisfying and delicious. It takes careful planning and adherence to specific rules. Here are some pointers for a successful Indian Keto Diet:
Plan Your Meals: Creating a meal plan is essential for success. Plan your daily meals and snacks to ensure you consume the proper combination of fats and proteins.
Choose Low-Carb Vegetables: As the foundation of your meals, focus on non-starchy veggies such as spinach, cauliflower, broccoli, and bell peppers. These are low in carbohydrates yet high in important nutrients.
Moderate Protein Intake: While protein is essential, too much protein might disrupt ketosis. Moderate amounts of vegetarian protein sources such as paneer, tofu, and tempeh are recommended.
Track Your Carbohydrate Intake: Keep careful track of your daily carbohydrate intake. Aim for 20-50 grams of net carbohydrates each day.
Read Labels: Carefully read labels and uncover hidden sugars and high-carb components in packaged foods by reading labels.
Stay Hydrated: Drink enough water to stay hydrated, help your metabolism function, and control your hunger.
Snack Wisely: Keep keto-friendly foods, such as almonds, walnuts, or seeds, to satisfy cravings and keep energy levels up.
Exercise Portion Control: Even keto-friendly meals, when consumed in large quantities, can lead to excess calorie consumption when consumed in large quantities. Take note of portion sizes.
While the Indian keto diet can help with weight loss and other health goals, it's important to be aware of potential drawbacks. Consider the following common challenges:
1. Carbohydrate-dominant Foods: Rice, bread (roti/naan), and lentils (dal) are staples in Indian cuisine. Transitioning to a low-carb keto diet requires eliminating or severely lowering these mainstays. This can be difficult in Indian households.
2. Lack of Awareness: Many Indians may be unfamiliar with the Keto diet, leading to misinformation and opposition from family and friends. Educating your loved ones about your food choices will help them support you.
3. Finding Keto-Friendly Substitutes: Replacing standard products with low-carb substitutes can be difficult. Finding keto-friendly flours for roti or dosa or substituting sugar in traditional desserts can be tricky.
5. Diversity and Flavour: Some people may believe that the limited food options for keto results in a lack of diversity and flavour in their meals. Keeping a delicious and diversified diet needs innovation.
6. Dining Out: Eating at Indian restaurants can be challenging because many menu items are carb-heavy. You may need to modify your orders or hunt for keto-friendly alternatives.
7. Monitoring Hidden Sugars: Indian cooking frequently involves using sauces and condiments that may contain hidden sugars. To avoid hidden carbohydrates, careful label reading and home-cooked meals are required.
Adapting traditional Indian recipes to fit a keto diet involves making smart ingredient substitutions to reduce carb content while preserving flavours. Here's a general guide on how to do it:
Grains: Instead of rice, wheat, and lentils, try cauliflower rice, almond flour, or coconut flour.
Root Vegetables: Potatoes and other high-carb veggies should be avoided. Choose low-carb vegetables such as cauliflower, spinach, or kale.
Legumes: Instead of beans, chickpeas, and lentils, try tofu or paneer as protein alternatives.
Instead of using vegetable oils, cook with keto-friendly fats like ghee, coconut oil, and avocado oil.
In general, traditional Indian spices are keto-friendly. Be cautious of spice mixtures that may have additional sugars. Make your own spice blends, or look for hidden sugars on labels.
Full-fat dairy products such as cream, Greek yoghurt, and paneer should be used. Sweetened yoghurt and condensed milk should be avoided.
Use xanthan gum or coconut flour instead of high-carb thickeners like cornstarch or wheat flour.
Instead of sugary or high-carb sauces, use unsweetened coconut or almond milk.
The Indian Keto Diet, like any ketogenic diet, can have positive and negative side effects. It's essential to be aware of potential side effects and how to manage them. Here are the common side effects of the Indian Keto Diet:
Keto Flu: Some people have flu-like symptoms when shifting into ketosis, such as headache, lethargy, nausea, dizziness, and irritability. This is known as "keto flu" and usually lasts a few days to a week. Staying hydrated, consuming enough electrolytes, and gradually reducing carbohydrate intake can all help to reduce these symptoms.
Digestive Problems: Dietary changes, such as an abrupt rise in fats and a decrease in fibre from grains and legumes, can cause constipation or diarrhoea. Include fibre-rich veggies in your diet and, if necessary, consider taking a fibre supplement. Constipation can be avoided by drinking enough water.
Dehydration and Electrolyte Imbalance: Ketosis can cause increased urination, leading to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. To avoid this, drink plenty of water and try including an electrolyte supplement or foods high in these minerals.
Plateaus Following Initial Weight Loss: Many people lose weight quickly at first on a keto diet, but this can slow down with time. Weight loss plateaus are extremely prevalent. Be patient, concentrate on general health improvements, and change your calorie intake or exercise program as needed.
Muscle Mass Loss: This occurs in rare circumstances if protein intake is inadequate or a severe calorie deficit is sustained for a lengthy period of time. Consume a proper amount of protein to maintain muscular mass.
Deficits in Nutrients: A severely stringent keto diet may result in nutrient deficits over time. To counteract this, eat a range of keto-friendly foods and try taking supplements. Seek advice from a healthcare expert or nutritionist.
Following an Indian Keto Diet requires careful planning and knowledge of both ketogenic principles and traditional Indian cuisine. Here's expert advice and resources to help you on your Indian Keto Diet journey:
Consult a Registered Dietitian or Nutritionist: Consult a qualified dietitian or nutritionist who specialises in ketogenic diets and is familiar with Indian cuisine. They can tailor a meal plan to your unique dietary requirements.
Indian Keto Cookbooks: Consider investing in expert-written keto Indian cookbooks. These books contain a plethora of keto-friendly Indian recipes as well as culinary techniques.
Online Resources: Research credible websites and blogs on keto diets and Indian food. These publications frequently give thorough instructions, recipes, and meal planning.
Remember that perseverance and patience are essential in an Indian keto diet journey. Begin with a positive attitude and a dedication to your well-being. Before making significant dietary changes, consult a healthcare professional to confirm they are compatible with your health profile.
You can contact HexaHealth for additional information about the Indian Keto diet or any other medical concern. HexaHealth can help you make better nourishment choices based on your individual needs. So, make an appointment today!
The Keto diet is a low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet. Its purpose is to alter the body's metabolism into a state known as ketosis (a metabolic state in which your body burns fat for energy rather than glucose).
The best Indian Keto diet plan for weight loss includes low-carb, high-fat foods such as:
Non-starchy vegetables
Lean proteins
Healthy fats
Here’s how the Indian keto diet plan works for weight loss:
Low carb intake
Fat utilisation
Steady blood sugar
Appetite control
Weight loss
Improved insulin sensitivity
Metabolic benefits
The basic rules for the keto diet are:
High fat intake
Low carbohydrate
Moderate protein
Inducing ketosis
Avoiding grains, sugar, and high-carb foods
Here’s what to eat in the Indian keto diet:
Non-starchy vegetables (spinach, broccoli, cauliflower)
Lean proteins (chicken, fish, tofu)
Healthy fats (avocado, nuts, ghee)
Paneer (cottage cheese)
Low-carb dairy (Greek yoghurt)
Eggs
Coconut oil
Nuts and seeds
Here are the vegetarian options for the Indian keto diet plan:
Tofu
Paneer (cottage cheese)
Leafy greens (spinach, kale)
Cauliflower
Broccoli
Zucchini
Avocado
Nuts (almonds, walnuts)
Seeds (chia, flaxseeds)
Coconut oil
Yes, there are specific foods to avoid on the Indian keto diet. This includes:
Rice
Wheat and wheat-based products (e.g., roti, naan)
Lentils and legumes (e.g., dal, chickpeas)
Potatoes and sweet potatoes
Sugary foods and sweets
High-carb fruits (e.g., mangoes, bananas)
High-sugar condiments and sauces
Processed and packaged snacks
Sugary beverages
The average daily calorie consumption for someone on the Indian Keto Diet ranges between 1,200 and 1,800 calories. Here's a sample table of an Indian Keto diet chart for one day:
Meal | Food | Calories |
Breakfast | Scrambled Eggs with Spinach | 250 |
Lunch | Chicken Curry with Cauliflower Rice | 350 |
Snack | Greek Yoghurt with Berries | 150 |
Dinner | Grilled Fish with Sautéed Spinach | 300 |
The Indian Keto diet varies from other weight loss diets as it emphasises very low carbohydrate intake and high fat consumption to promote ketosis. In contrast, many other diets may focus on calorie restriction and portion control.
Yes, there are potential side effects of the Indian keto diet. This includes:
Keto flu (initial symptoms)
Constipation
Nutrient deficiencies
Dehydration
Increased cholesterol levels
Potential kidney stones
Social challenges
The health benefits of following an Indian keto diet are:
Weight loss and improved body composition
Better blood sugar control
Increased levels of "good" HDL cholesterol
Enhanced mental clarity and focus
Potential for improved insulin sensitivity
Reduction in triglycerides
No, losing 10 kg in a month with any diet plan, including the Indian Keto Diet, is neither safe nor feasible. Rapid weight reduction can harm one's health and is generally discouraged.
Weight loss on the Keto diet varies, but it's usual to drop 1-4 kgs in the first month. It is determined by factors like initial weight, adherence to the diet, and individual metabolism.
Yes, exercise is often advised when following the Indian Keto diet. It can help you lose weight and improve your overall health.
No, it is not safe or realistic to lose 10 kg in a month with the Indian Keto Diet. It typically serves as a short-to-medium-term approach and should be reviewed with a healthcare practitioner or a nutritionist for specific advice.
Yes, there are challenges to consider while on the Indian keto diet. This includes:
Carbohydrate-dominant traditional foods
Social and cultural events
Lack of awareness
Finding keto-friendly alternatives
Limited variety and taste
The long-term sustainability of the Indian Keto diet differs from person to person. Some people find it sustainable and continue to practice it as a way of life. On the other hand, others may struggle owing to dietary constraints and preferences.
Individual success stories include weight loss, improved blood sugar control, and increased energy levels. It involves Ritu's Weight Loss Journey and Preeti's PCOS Management.
There is little scientific evidence that the Indian Keto diet works for weight loss:
A small study conducted in India in 2020 discovered that a Keto diet resulted in significant weight loss and enhanced insulin sensitivity in overweight people.
According to a 2019 study in India, a keto diet lowered body weight and fat mass in obese people.
This is how one can maintain nutritional balance on the Indian keto diet:
Choose a variety of non-starchy vegetables
Include lean sources of protein like tofu, paneer, and fish
Consume healthy fats from sources like avocados and nuts
Monitor carbohydrate intake carefully, focusing on low-carb options
Use keto-friendly sweeteners and avoid added sugars
Yes, the Indian Keto diet can be adapted to accommodate specific dietary restrictions like vegetarianism or food allergies. However, it requires careful planning and customisation to meet nutritional needs.
Yes, individuals should consult a doctor before starting the Indian Keto diet. This is true if they have underlying health conditions or are taking medications.
The keto diet can be safe for many people when followed under proper guidance and supervision. However, it may not suit everyone and can have side effects.
Yes, the Keto diet can promote fat loss by causing a metabolic state called ketosis. Instead of carbohydrates, the body preferentially uses fat for energy.
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: 15 December 2023
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