Top 8 Foods Low in Carbs to Lose Weight
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Whenever we think of losing weight, the first thing that comes to mind is giving up on eating or cutting down portion sizes, which is only half true. But guess what?
You don’t have to give up your favorite foods, whether it’s butter chicken, paneer tikka, or everyone’s favorite palak paneer. Yes, you read that right.
Medically, to lose weight, you need to reduce your overall caloric intake, which often includes cutting down on carbohydrates and limiting portion sizes. Additionally, engaging in physical activities like exercise, yoga, or cycling helps to tone and strengthen muscles, which can assist in losing extra fat.
So, to lose weight, you need to have a low-carb diet and eat low-carb foods.
What is a Low-Carb Diet?
A low carb diet focuses on reducing the intake of carbohydrates found in foods like roti, rice, and sugary treats such as gulab jamun, jalebi, ladoo, samosas, chikki, bonda, vada, mysore pak and payasam.
Instead, the focus is on proteins like chicken, fish, tofu, and paneer; healthy fats like nuts and seeds; and certain vegetables like spinach, bottle gourd, and bell peppers. Your aim should be to help your body burn fat more effectively, leading to weight loss and other health benefits.
Before jumping into the list of food items, whether vegetarian or non-vegetarian, it’s important to understand that some can be enjoyed on their own or with chutney or simple sauces, while others pair well with accompaniments like rice or roti to make a complete meal.
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This brings us to the question:
What are Low-Carb Non-Vegetarian Food Options?
If you enjoy non-vegetarian foods, many animal-based options are naturally low in carbs and high in protein. Here some excellent options:
1. Chicken: Whether you prefer it grilled, baked, or cooked in a curry, chicken is a versatile and delicious way to maintain your protein intake while keeping carbs low.
2. Fish: Fish like pomfret, mackerel, and rohu are not only low in carbs but also rich in healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Try including fish in your diet at least a couple of times a week.
3. Eggs: Eggs are incredibly versatile and can be cooked in numerous ways. Boiled, scrambled, or made into an omelet, they make for a perfect low-carb meal.
4. Mutton: A good source of protein, mutton can be included in your diet. Just be mindful of portion sizes and cooking methods to keep it healthy.
List of Low-Carb Food that Can be Enjoyed with Homemade Chutney or Sauce
Below, we have listed some of the best Indian low-carb food options that you can enjoy with homemade chutney or sauce:
| Recipe | Serving Size | Carbohydrate Content (gm) |
| Chicken Manchurian | One Medium Bowl – 150g | 9.14 gm |
| Fish Fry | 1 Fish cut – 60g | 2.58 gm |
| Egg Omelette With Capsicum and Onion | 1 Omelette – 75g | 1.64 gm |
List of Low-Carb Food that Can be Enjoyed with Roti/Rice
Below, we have listed some of the best Indian low-carb food options that you can enjoy with accompaniments such as rice or roti:
| Recipe | Serving Size (150 gm)* | Carbohydrate Content (gm) |
| Butter Chicken | One Medium Bowl | 5.7 gm |
| Dahi Garlic Chicken | One Medium Bowl | 3.11 gm |
| Coconut Surmai Fish Curry | One Medium Bowl | 5.14 gm |
| Fish Tikka Curry | One Medium Bowl | 5.73 gm |
| Egg Bhurji | One Medium Bowl | 4.66 gm |
| Malabar Egg Curry | One Medium Bowl | 3.33 gm |
| Malabar Mutton Curry | One Medium Bowl | 5.49 gm |
| Mirchi Mutton Korma | One Medium Bowl | 3.55 gm |
| Mutton Curry | One Medium Bowl | 4.07 gm |
*One Medium Bowl equals one small Katori; the quantity of food can vary depending on each serving size.
What are the Low-Carb Vegetarian Food Options?
For vegetarians, there are plenty of low-carb options too. These foods are not only nutritious but also delicious:
1. Tofu: Made from soybeans, tofu is a fantastic plant-based protein. It can be added to stir-fries, salads, or curries.
2. Paneer: A favorite in Indian households, paneer is low in carbs and high in protein. It can be grilled, added to curries, or used in salads. For a healthier option, opt for a low-fat version of paneer or make homemade paneer using cow’s milk.
3. Green Leafy Vegetables: Spinach, methi (fenugreek), and amaranth (lal saag) are packed with nutrients and very low in carbs. They can be added to dals, made into sabzis, or used in salads.
4. Beans: French beans and other green beans are great low-carb vegetables. They can be used in a variety of dishes and add a crunchy texture to your meals.
Below, we have listed some of the best Indian low-carb food options that you can enjoy with either rice or roti:
| Recipe Name | Serving Size (150 gm) | Carbohydrate Count (gm) |
| Methi Paneer Gravy | One Medium Bowl | 4.96 |
| Palak Paneer | One Medium Bowl | 4.88 |
| Paneer Capsicum Vegetable | One Medium Bowl | 6.58 |
| Palak Tofu Curry | One Medium Bowl | 4.17 |
| French Beans Gravy | One Medium Bowl | 3.82 |
| Green Amaranth Vegetable | One Medium Bowl | 7.13 |
| Methi Bhaji | One Medium Bowl | 8.96 |
| Plain Palak Sabji | One Medium Bowl | 6.02 |
Don’t Underestimate the Power of a Katori of Dal and Sprouts in Your Plate
While dal (lentils) and sprouts are not typically low in carbs, they play a crucial role in a balanced diet and can help with weight loss. Here’s how:
- Dal: Like, arhar dal, moong daal, chana daal etc, are a great source of protein and fiber, which can help you feel full and satisfied. Including a moderate amount of dal in your diet can also help you in weight management.
- Sprouts: Sprouts are rich in nutrients and enzymes, making them a healthy addition to your meals. They can be added to salads, sandwiches, or eaten as a snack.
Adopting a low-carb diet doesn’t mean you have to give up on your favorite foods. It’s about making smarter choices and balancing your meals. Here are some tips:
- Swap out rice or chapatis for more vegetables and protein-rich foods like dal, sprouts etc.
- Include a variety of low-carb vegetables in your meals to keep them interesting and nutritious.
- Balance your plate with a mix of proteins, healthy fats, and low-carb veggies.
How We At Fitterfly Can Help You?
Imagine you’re in your kitchen, the irresistible aroma of biryani and pulao wafting through the air, making your mouth water. When it’s finally served, it’s hard to resist eating it like a “maha-bhukkad,” without caring about portion sizes.
This is a common scenario for many of our members. Our coaches understand these cravings and guide you on how to handle such situations.
Surprisingly, we don’t tell you to avoid these delicious foods. Instead, we share hacks and tricks to enjoy them without guilt.
With our Fitterfly Diabetes Prime Program, you get constant support from our nutrition coaches and psychologists, who help you plan your meals. They ensure you receive all the essential nutrients while maintaining balanced portion sizes.
This way, you can enjoy your favorite foods and manage your diabetes effectively.
Now, all you have to do to learn more about our Fitterfly Weight Loss program is give us a missed call at 08046807733. Our program advisors will contact you to assist you and understand your health condition.
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This blog provides general information for educational and informational purposes only and shouldn't be seen as professional advice.
