Indian Version of Atkins Diet (High Protein Diet)

You may be wondering about the title, ” Indian Version of Atkins Diet “. But just because a thought originated in the west does not mean that it cannot be adopted in the east. Yes, of course, the east-west union needs to be customized as per regional preferences. Every business idea that flew from east to west or west to east underwent makeovers to suit the lifestyle needs of people in regions across the globe. This holds particularly true for extremely-personal lifestyle needs such as food & diet.

  Image : Copyright: kolotuschenko / 123RF Stock Photo

Tastes differ from one region to another and hence, diet plans need to be altered accordingly to suit every dieter’s unique needs. In this article, we are going to discuss how we can give an Indian makeover to the western Atkins diet. We hope you will be able to enjoy your meals without having to compromise on your taste, with this Indian Version of Atkins Diet.

What is an Atkins Diet?

In Very simple terms, Atkins diet refers to a very low carbohydrate, high protein, and a high fiber diet. It Believes in the process of Ketogenesis.

• Basically, the insulin levels in the blood are directly proportional to the glucose levels in the blood of a non – diabetic person.
• Atkins diet is all about restricting carbs from your diet as well as providing the alternate source of fuel to the body in the form of Protein and fiber.
• In the absence of adequate glucose, the body starts metabolizing fat stores from the body, thus facilitating weight loss.

Phases of the Atkins Diet plan:

Atkins diet has the following 4 phases that account from weight loss to weight maintenance after the program.

      1. Induction Phase:

This phase continues for 2 weeks. During these 2 weeks, you are allowed to eat Low carb and high fiber foods like veggies. Foods that are high in fat as well as Foods that are high in protein. your total intake for carb should not exceed  20 grams per day. The sudden change in the routine will cause a rise in your metabolism and will kick start the weight loss process.

      2. Balancing phase:

Once you are done with your induction phase (most people carry it on for more than 2 weeks), you can then start adding some fruits, more of low carb veggies as well as some protein through nuts in your diet. This phase is more about restoring your nutritional balance.

       3. Fine Tuning phase:

This phase is to be initiated when you are roughly 4-5 kgs away from your actual goal / ideal weight. This phase involves adding more healthy and complex carbs to your diet routine. The pace of weight loss slows down during this phase.  exercises are very important in this phase as this involves fine-tuning or in other words toning of your body muscles as well as getting into a good body shape.

         4. Maintenance phase:

This phase involves eating a good quantity of healthy carbs. Basically, a nutritionally balanced diet that helps you in maintaining your lost weight.

A lot of people try to remain in the induction phase for a long period of time to be able to lose more weight . while there are others who do not go into many complexities and eat a lot of high protein foods along with lots of veggies and fruits right from phase 1.  Basically, it all depends on what suits you more in terms of weight loss.

Food List to Consider for Indian Version Of Atkins Diet:

Here is a detailed list of foods that are allowed as well as foods that are to be avoided while following this Indian version of Atkins Diet.

You May be interested in reading our other weight loss diet plans:

• Indian Vegetarian version of GM Diet Plan ( 7 days GM Diet )
• Indian Non Vegetarian GM Diet Plan for Weight Loss
• Liquid Diet Plan for Weight loss and Detoxification
• Low Carb Diet for Weight Loss
• Indian diet plan for weight loss (1200 calorie)

The Indian version of Atkins diet Plan :

Mentioned below is an Indian version of Atkins Diet Plan

Note:

I may have altered or modified this sample menu of the Indian version of Atkins diet in order to maintain the nutritional requirement of an average Indian individual. Also, i have noted from my experience of over 10 years, This Indian version of Atkins diet works much better when followed with an intensive exercise/workout routine. those who follow this diet without any exercises may not benefit much.

Indian Version of Atkins Diet for Non-Vegetarians:

Indians, who love non-vegetarian foods, commonly feast on eggs, chicken, and fish and luckily, the Indian version of Atkins diet allows for the intake of all the three delicious non-vegetarian items. Fish and chicken have a negligible amount of carbohydrates and eggs are rich in healthy fats. This is what makes Atkins Indian diet a party menu for non-vegetarians. Choose a healthy as well as tasty platter. Omelets, fish fillets, or Tandoori chicken- and you are right on track. Happily!

Image : Copyright: romannerud / 123RF Stock Photo

Indian Version of Atkins Diet for Vegetarians:

Atkins diet allows for the intake of low-carb veggies and Indian menu has a lot of low-carb yet tasty vegetables to offer to us. We are listing vegetables that have less than 4 grams carbohydrates per 100 grams of vegetables.

• Cauliflower, Cabbage, Broccoli:

These vegetables of the cauliflower family perfectly uphold the High Protein Low Carbohydrate philosophy of Atkins diet and are the best options for vegetarians who follow the Atkins diet. Broccoli soup and cabbage soup are yummy delicacies that can make your evenings or afternoons very special. Alternatively, you can cook these vegetables as traditional Indian veggies and relish the flavors that run through your genes.

 Image : Copyright: cukmen / 123RF Stock Photo

• Cucumber, Radish, Lettuce, and Spinach:

All these vegetables and leafy greens can create incredible salads that will not only keep you full but will also supply vital nutrients to your body. You can also have cooked spinach in curries and soups.

Image : Copyright: zhekos / 123RF Stock Photo

• Capsicum:

Be creative in using capsicum in curries, salads or omelets. It can really create wonders.

Image : Copyright: meepoohyaphoto / 123RF Stock Photo

• Fruits:

If you are following the Atkins diet, you may need to comprise on the intake of your favorite fruits. Atkins diet does not provide enough choices when it comes to fruits. You may have moderate amounts of berries including blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries. Oh yes, you can have avocados as well.

Image : Copyright: romannerud / 123RF Stock Photo

• Babycorn and Pumpkin:

Both pumpkin and baby corn have a little amount of carbohydrate content which make them perfect choices for those who are looking to lose weight. You can have protein-rich soya chunks as a delicious snacking option or you may consider having green whole moong as a perfect protein-vitamin combo.

Image :Copyright: amylv / 123RF Stock Photo

• Oil:

Oil doesn’t always mean fat. We are referring to healthy fats. you need to choose wisely. Consider sprinkling olive oil on salads. Fortunately, you are allowed to consume butter and ghee, but make sure that you exercise portion control (maximum 2 tsp in a day for ). Even the healthiest foods may cheat you if you fail to regulate your portion-intake.

Image :Copyright: photostella / 123RF Stock Photo

• Milk and Dairy Products:

Be a little tricky in the intake of milk and dairy products. Some people actually achieve their weight loss goals with the appropriate intake of milk and dairy products while others end up with opposite results. It all depends on your body’s acceptance. Indians have a natural liking for full-fat cream and paneer and if consumed in moderation, they can actually help them in their weight loss goals while supplying vital nutrients to their bodies. But while following this Indian version of Atkins diet, it’s best to avoid the milk fat. Paneer is a good option to consume.

Image :Copyright: nolan777 / 123RF Stock Photo

• Nuts:

Nuts are handy, crunchy, delicious snacks and there is a chance that you overindulge in nut intake. Make sure you stick to 5 almonds or 5 walnuts per day.

Image :Copyright: nikitos77 / 123RF Stock Photo

Tips For eating out while on an Atkins Indian Meal:

Choose “This” instead of “That” and you will be making the most out of your Atkins Indian diet menu.

• Substitute a typical lentil soup with a bowl of chicken Shorba cooked with garlic, cinnamon, ginger, cumin, and other spices, if you love non-vegetarian foods.
• Replace a curried meat dish with pulses.
• Meat dishes are better options than a saag dish as such spinach items often come cooked with flour or other starchy ingredients.
• Consider substituting a vindaloo dish with a tandoori item.
• Shahi paneer cooked in a creamy tomato sauce is healthier than deep fried samosas.
• Korma or meat prepared in a creamy sauce is better than biryanis or any other rice dish

Atkins diet is all about lifetime maintenance. If you have gained weight after following the Atkins diet, you have to go back again to the starting point and start all over from day one. And we’re sure you can do it!