Diets aren’t easy.
In fact, they are the hardest commitment that any food-lover can make. After all, it’s not just your body that misses out… you do, too.
- “Thanks for the offer, but I’m on a diet!”
- “I’d love to, but I have to watch my weight.”
- “I’m sorry, but I’m being careful about what I’m eating.”
Regardless of the hows and the whys, there’s one thing that we can all agree on… life is made better by foods that are both delicious and healthy.
One of the best choices you can make, therefore, to appease your stomach and your tastebuds equally, is to order (or cook) low-calorie Indian foods.
Truthfully, by being sensible with your portion sizes and not ordering extra sides, there are plenty of low-calorie Indian foods you can enjoy; without any of the pesky shame that hits the next morning.
7 Low-Calorie Indian Meals to Treat Yourself To
What’s more?
Some Indian low-calorie meals can be super healthy as they are packed full of vegetables. Through them, you can boost your gut immunity whilst also sticking to your strict diet plan.
What’s not to love?
1. Baingan Bharta
Do you like mashed potatoes? What if we told you there was a healthier alternative, and it’s only 112 calories per serving?
Would you believe us?
Baingan Bharta is a spicy vegetarian Indian dish mostly comprised of eggplants. With very little fat, this is a fibre-rich dish that is beloved by many. It’s a popular choice for anyone trying reduce-weight, and, pretty soon, your tastebuds will be celebrating.
2. Jalfrezi
This next option might surprise you.
As one of the most popular Indian dishes out there, you’re bound to assume that a jalfrezi curry is a little out of reach when counting calories.
This is not the case. Jalfrezis are packed full of healthy goodness.
The average serving size has around 163 calories, and, even better, you’ll find you don’t need to eat anything else with this low-calorie, Indian food.
3. Ragi Dosa
Sometimes, you don’t need a complete meal. Perhaps you had a big lunch, but now your friends are visiting for a catch-up and they’ve suggested ordering a takeaway. You don’t want to be the awkward one who says no, so, what can you do?
Order ragi dosa. It’s a light and interesting dish that you can share with everyone else. One of these little gluten-free Indian crepes contains around 132 calories (or less when fried in alternative oils) and can be dipped into a variety of sauces.
4. Fish Tikka Masala
119 calories.
That’s all that stands between you and a delicious, warming, Fish Tikka Masala - one of the healthiest, and most mouth-watering curries in existence.
Just make sure what you’re ordering is the traditional recipe and not the anglicized one.
5. Rava Upma
Rava Upma is a savoury dish that’s usually enjoyed in the morning for breakfast. It’s made from semolina, nuts, spices and curry leaves, and averages only 250 calories per serving.
Though it might be tricky to find a restaurant or takeaway with this on the menu, it’s a meal well worth the hassle. It is deceptively sweet and is a low-calorie Indian food.
6. Khaman Dhokla
Though it’s probably not enough by itself, there’s an always occasion that calls for a treat. If so, Khaman Dhokla is the low-calorie Indian restaurant food for you. It’s a little present of tasty goodness and comes in a tidy bundle of approximately 81 calories. Made of coconut and sesame seeds rather than sugar, flour, and eggs, it’s a healthy Indian cake that allows you to embrace every celebration that comes your way.
7. Punjabi Dal Tadka
Another great option for anyone watching their waistline, Punjabi Dal Tadka is delicious and makes a great addition to a low-calorie Indian takeaway order.
Averaging around 259 calories per portion size, this tasty dish is made with a variety of lentils and vegetables (like onions and tomatoes). Its smooth and creamy texture makes consumption almost sinful, but it’s truly a healthy - and diabetic-friendly - authentic Indian dish!
Indian Foods to Avoid on Diets
Although these low-fat Indian dishes look delicious and require no compromises, if you are concerned about your calorie intake, be careful when you are ordering.
Adding additional sides (and especially friend ones like samosas or parathas) to your order might sound tempting in the moment… but they can be incredibly bad for you.
After all, when you have one, you’re bound to have more.
For something tasty yet hearty, lemon rice or tandoori rotas are better options. They’ll be everywhere you go, and will soon fill you up.
Low-Calorie Indian Foods - FAQs
Still a little uncertain about what low-calorie Indian food you should order? Maybe these FAQs can help…
- Is Indian food good for you?
While there are some low-calorie options out there, and plenty of vegetables in the majority of dishes, the majority of Indian foods aren’t very healthy. Why? Because, in the UK, they have typically been packed full of cream and yoghurt, which can be quite fattening.
- Which Indian curry is lowest in calories?
Any Indian curries that are tomato-based, like tandoori, madras, jalfrezi, rogan and bhuna, are the lowest in calories. They average around 200-300 calories. If you want an even healthier option, consider a sauce-free dish like fish tikka (which is only 180 calories).
- Can you lose weight by eating Indian food?
Depending on the dishes you pick, yes, absolutely! You can enjoy flavourful and healthy low-calorie Indian meals that are full of protein that cut back your urge to snack. - What is the healthiest Indian food to order?
For a comprehensive meal that will excite the tastebuds whilst also being beneficial for your body, order a chana masala. It’s made from chickpeas and a variety of tasty vegetables, then topped off with some delicious spices.
Lowest Calorie Indian Takeaways Near You
With so many low-fat Indian dishes available to you, it's easy to enjoy some tasty food while also sticking to your meal plan.
Through Chef Online's helpful app, you can easily browse plenty of options offering Indian takeaway for dinner in your area.
Your next tasty meal is out there, already waiting. Visit our website to get started.
