Dal Chawal for Weight Loss? How This Protein-Rich Indian Dish Can Help You Lose Weight

Indians anywhere are fond of one of basic staple meal which is dal (lentils) and rice, commonly known as dal chawal or dal khichdi. However, many of us avoid it due to the fear of gaining weight. But this humble dish could be a nutritious solution to world hunger, as per a study by The Lancet. As far as gaining weight on dal-rice is concerned, here's what you should know. No particular meal can make you fat; it's the total calorie intake at the end of the day which matters. Adding to this statement, I want to say that dal and rice are not at all unhealthy, it's the perfect combo to meet all your primary nutritional requirement, which helps in weight loss too. Want to Lose Weight this Season? Try Some Yummy High-Protein Vegetarian Indian Snacks.

Losing weight is smart work. One has to plan the diet regime tactically. Skipping a particular meal, eating less or starving will give you the desired result. But, in fact, it will land up one in a worse state in a matter of time. Similarly, many of us think that stopping rice intake will aid in losing belly fat, which is not true because rice contains fewer carbs than roti. Two plain rotis of around 120 gm contains 56 gm of carbohydrates, whereas one cup of 200 gm white rice includes 52 gm of carbs. In addition to that, roti contains sodium and rice is sodium free. So if you want to go for a sodium free diet then you can go for rice instead of roti.

Now speaking about dal and rice, dal is rich in fibre and protein; rice, on the other hand, is rich in carbs but is gluten-free, which helps in improving gut health. From a scientific point of view, dal chawal together can provide the essential amino acids, which our body require. Obesity: Opting for Weight Loss Surgery? Expert Speaks about Diet, Exercise and Health Risks.

The key amino acid in rice is methionine and in lentils it is lysine.  The combination of the two fulfils our requirements of essential amino acids in a single meal.  There is another myth which says that rice should not be consumed for dinner, now let me clarify that too. A recent study has shown that one cup of dal chawal in dinner at least four times in a week or daily helps in improving your bowel health, skin, hair and release of energy required to carry day to day task. However, I will suggest legumes like moong or tur for the preparation of dal.

Now even if you are on weight loss, you can have this traditional dish for dinner or lunch to keep you full. But it is important to note that anything in excess eventually causes weight gain, therefore try to keep the portion to one vati or cup. Track your calorie intake, take proper counselling or advice before making any decision related to your diet and exercise a bit to keep yourself active and healthy.

(This article is written for an informative purpose and should not be substituted for medical advice. Kindly consult your doctor before trying any tips.)

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 15, 2019 07:01 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).