Indian Version of Mediterranean Diet

Adding another weight loss diet in our weight loss diet bank. This time it is the Indian version of Mediterranean diet for weight loss. Mediterranean diet is also known as a healthy heart diet. It is based on eating healthy foodstuffs with Mediterranean style cooking. Mediterranean cuisine has very minimum cooking of foods that to using olive oil. The traditional Mediterranean diet consists more of raw salads and vegetables, high fiber pasta and multi-grain bread. So here we have Indianized these food patterns and wee present to you the Indian version of Mediterranean diet for weight loss.

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Studies show the Mediterranean diet decrease risk for heart disease, depression, and dementia. The findings show a 30% decrease in cardiovascular disease among high-risk individuals. This Indian version of Mediterranean diet will help acquire you the same results.

This Indian version of Mediterranean diet emphasizes a healthy lifestyle. Mediterranean diet is not a short term diet but is a long term lifestyle change. It encourages social eating by sharing meals with family and friends as often as possible. Develop a slow pace in eating and savor each bite.

What is an Indian version of Mediterranean diet?

An Indian version of Mediterranean diet is not only nutritionally balanced, diverse and colorful but it also has varied flavor and texture. The Mediterranean diet doesn’t restrict calories, fat, or sodium. Instead, it highlights what you eat.

• It includes plant-based complex carbohydrates like fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and nuts.
• Includes fish and poultry in food at least twice a week (optional for vegetarians).
• Restricting red meat.
• Extensive use of healthy fats such as olive oil and canola oil instead of butter.
• Replacing salt with herbs and spices to enhance flavour of foods.
• Getting plenty of exercises.
• Drink loads of water to keep the body well hydrated.
• A small portion of red wine in moderation is allowed (optional).

An Indian version of Mediterranean diet food pyramid

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Colorful vegetables and fruits:

• Include a minimum of 5 – 10 servings of fresh and crunchy fruits and vegetables.
• The plate should have maximum colors.
• This means you need to include a variety of fruits and vegetables during each meal.
• You can either eat it raw, grilled, steamed, sautéed, roasted or pickled.
• Vegetables are mandatory for each meal.

Healthy fruits in the Mediterranean diet include olives, avocados, grapes, and figs.  All of these are rich in fiber and antioxidants. Consume as many types of fruit as possible from seasonal to locally grown. Eat fruits to curb the sugar cravings which are normally observed during noon or post-dinner.

Complex whole grains:

• Whole grains are packed with fiber, antioxidants, and energy.
•  A recent study shows whole grains is proportional to lower mortality linked to cardiovascular disease and type-2 diabetes.
• Consume whole grains like whole or broken wheat, brown rice, oats, quinoa, millets like bajra, nachni, jowar.
• Opt for multigrain flours or multigrain breads. Eat 5 – 6 servings of complex carbohydrates in a day.

Power-packed proteins:

• Mediterranean diet is moderately high in proteins.
• Good quality proteins like milk and products, pulses, nuts, omega 3 rich fishes are part of the Indian version of Mediterranean diet.
• Protein-rich pulses and beans are also high monounsaturated fats, fiber, as well as antioxidants.
• Low-fat dairy products are good for gut health.
• Include milk, curd, yogurt or kefir to encourage the growth of healthy microbes in the intestines.
• Select omega 3 rich fishes like salmon, mackerel, tuna or herring at least twice a week. Include complete nutritious eggs in the diet.
• Proteins have high satiating power which also helps to lose weight fast.
• Include a protein source in each and every meal. Consume at least 4 – 6 servings of protein-rich foods in a day.

Healthy monounsaturated fats:

• Olive oil is the primary healthy fat of the Mediterranean diet.
• The American Heart Association also encourages the use of canola, peanut and safflower oil for cooking. Use not more than 3 – 4 teaspoons of oil in a day.

Herbs and spices:

• Different herbs and spices enhance the flavor in food.
• It helps to reduce the need of salt in food. Salt reduction automatically controls the blood pressure issue and reduces water retention in the body.

Include plenty of water:

• Daily consumption of 2 to 2 and half a litre of water detoxifies the body.
• It keeps the body hydrated, aids digestion and improves blood circulation.

Controversial red wine:

• A 2015 study links red wine to an increase of good cholesterol in the body.
• The antioxidant content in wine is high.
• This helps to reduce stress in the body.
• The use of wine in cooking can also enhance the flavor of your food. But it is a debatable inclusion in the diet.
• It is not necessary to start drinking wine if you don’t consume alcohol.
• Best replacement option for wine is to include freshly prepared unsweetened black grape juice.

Physical activity:

Physical activity of moderate intensity is a must for good results. Half to one hour walk, jog, cycling or swimming will do wonders.

An Indian version of Mediterranean diet

Let us now see a sample menu plan for Indian version of Mediterranean diet for weight loss.

Sample menu:

Breakfast: 2 egg whites omelette with lots of colorful capsicum OR 1 cup Daliya pulav with lots of carrots and capsicum  with 1 cup milk

Mid-morning: 1 Fruit (100- 150 gms) (any red / yellow / green fruit )

Lunch: 1 cup salad (Diced carrots, green capsicum, red capsicum, broccoli, and shredded red cabbage)

+ 2 – 3 Roti  (use multigrain atta) OR 1 cup brown rice with lots of veggies

+ 1 cup vegetables (any green leafy vegetable )

+ 1 cup dal OR  100 gms fish OR  1 cup curd OR 100 gms chicken

Snacks: 2 – 4 walnut halves + 1 fruit + 1 cup green tea

Dinner:  Same as Lunch ( choose vegetarian options ).

Benefits of Indian Version of Mediterranean diet

• Research show that the traditional Mediterranean diet reduces the risk of heart disease. It is associated with lowering levels of LDL cholesterol or the “bad” cholesterol.
• The Mediterranean diet also reduces the incidence of cancer, parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases. This is because of the inclusion of omega 3 rich foods.
• It is beneficial to keep the blood sugars in control. This is because of inclusion of fiber-rich whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
• Mediterranean diet also aids weight loss. This is possible because of fiber-rich foods with high satiety levels and emphasis on physical activity.

Endnote:

Like all other healthy diets, Mediterranean diet includes colorful and crunchy fruits and vegetables, moderate amounts of complex carbs and proteins. A wise selection of food-stuffs with moderate physical activity is the key to a healthy lifestyle. A healthy lifestyle not only changes your body but also changes your mind, attitude, mood, and behaviour.