Side dishes play a crucial role in Indian cuisine – from the humble onion-tomato-cucumber salad to the must-have nimbu ka achar, these dishes complement the main dish and provide a variety of flavour and texture to the whole meal. As mentioned above, a side dish typically refers to a small serving of food that accompanies the main course of a meal. But don’t underestimate the impact of mindful side dish choices because they can play a strong supporting cast in your weight loss story. The right choice of side dish can play a significant role in a weight loss plan as they can add flavour, provide additional nutrients, without adding excessive calories, for example, salads can add vegetables and provide essential vitamins and fiber. Not to forget, a well-plated meal with side dishes can be visually appealing and can make the dining experience more enjoyable and satisfying. If you are someone who is trying to lose weight, choose your side dishes wisely, for they hold the power to tip the scales in your favour. And these 9 best dishes supercharge your weight loss journey.
1. Hummus:
Made from blended chickpeas, tahini (sesame seed paste), lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil, it’s a Mediterranean dip that is high in protein and healthy fats. Hummus is often served as a dip with pita bread and fresh vegetables like carrot sticks, cucumber slices, or bell pepper strips. Hummus can also be served as a side dish alongside other items like grilled chicken. But the best thing is that hummus with lemon juice can replace your high-calorie store-bought salad dressing!
2. Raita:
Most of Indian households cannot do without raita, but if you want to cut down calories, avoid the boondi, and switch to cucumber raita or beetroot raita which are rich in nutrients but low in calories.
3. Mashed Sweet Potato:
Have you tried mashed potato with stuffed bell peppers (filled with a mixture of quinoa, black beans, vegetables)? Mashed sweet potato is also a yummy accompaniment for your protein-rich non-veg sources like grilled chicken and grilled salmon varieties when you don’t want to cut down calories but want extra flavour to these protein sources.
4. Masala Peanut Chaat:
This one makes for a delicious snack as well! Masala peanut chaat is made by roasting raw peanuts (after coating them in a mixture of turmeric, red chili powder, cumin, coriander, salt, and a pinch of asafoetida) and then combining with chopped onion, tomato, cucumber, green chili, fresh coriander, lemon juice, salt, and also chaat masala. Peanut salad adds a crunchy element to grilled tofu, grilled vegetables, etc. Also read: “Here’s How Peanuts Can Help you Lose Weight.”
5. Marinated Tomatoes:
This refreshing side dish goes well with grilled proteins, roasted vegetables, quinoa bowl, kebabs, and believe it or not, omelettes. So, if you find having just an omelette in the morning as breakfast is not satisfying enough, adding marinated tomatoes would change the whole breakfast game.
6. Cauliflower Salad:
Cauliflower can replace potatoes in a “potato salad.” You can make this salad by mixing steamed cauliflower, Greek yogurt, and other ingredients, and have lesser calories at the main meal and more nutrients.
7. Baingan Ka Barta:
The smoky flavor of roasted eggplant/brinjal, combined with rich spices and seasonings, makes it a flavorful and hearty dish that goes well with roti, phulka, paneer tikka, and even grilled dishes.
8. Coconut Chutney:
Whether it’s idli, dosa, upma, and even dhokla, coconut chutney adds so much of flavour and richness to simple dishes, and provides healthy fats and other nutrients as well. Also read: “Is Idli Good For Weight Loss?”
9. Mint Chutney:
This chutney has a refreshing and tangy flavour that goes so well with kebabs, grilled fish, paratha, dhokla, paratha. Although rich in taste, mint chutney that goes well with every other dish, is extremely low in calories.
Overall, these side dishes offer a variety of flavour, texture, and make for a satisfying meal while the Rati Beauty diet offers a selection of weight-loss-friendly main dishes designed to boost your weight loss journey. Subscribe to the Rati Beauty app for your weight loss diet plans.
Is Idli Good For Weight Loss?
Here’s How Peanuts Can Help you Lose Weight?
