We don’t know about you, but the food is perhaps the sole reason we attend weddings. On getting there, almost everyone makes a beeline towards the aromas wafting from the various counters lined with everything delicious… but what about that keto diet you’ve been on for a while now?
Keto diet focuses on losing weight and building muscle. It includes consuming fewer calories from carbohydrates and more from fats and protein. In absence of carbs, the body burns and breaks down the stored fats for energy; this is called ketosis. For the diet to work, your body needs to stay in ketosis and consuming carbs can have the opposite effect.
The whole process of maintaining ketosis becomes more difficult when it’s the wedding season with its never-ending buffet spreads. To make your job easier, here’s a list of 5 Indian dishes that you can indulge in at a wedding on a keto diet.
1. Palak Paneer: Paneer is your best friend during the keto diet. According to studies [1], 100 grams of paneer contains only 3.4 grams of carbohydrate which is ideal for your keto diet. Whereas, palak contains only 3.6 grams of carbohydrate per 100 grams. Therefore, a combination of palak and paneer cannot go wrong while you are trying to maintain your keto diet. Paneer bhurji and paneer tikka are also keto-friendly options.
2. Chicken Tikka: Now you can have your favorite chicken dish while on a keto diet! Chicken is a great source of protein for your body and is a keto-friendly option. Chicken with added vegetables can turn out to be a delicious ketogenic meal. However, remember to avoid the gravy or sauce.
3. Egg Curry: Apart from being one of the most versatile foods, eggs are also keto-friendly. One large egg contains less than 1 gram of carbs and fewer than 6 grams of protein, making eggs an ideal food for a ketogenic lifestyle [2]. Scrambled or in a curry, you don’t need to think twice before indulging in eggs.
4. Mutton Seekh Kebab: Since the ketogenic diet is all about high fat and low carb, fatty meat such as lamb, bacon, and pork belly are good food options. Usually marinated with curd and tandoori masala, mutton seekh kebabs are a regular at weddings and can be eaten on a ketogenic diet.
5. Baingan Ka Bharta: 100 grams of baingan or brinjal has just 6 grams of carbs, which is lesser than the carb content of many other vegetables. Baingan can be prepared in different ways, but smoked baingan with veggies and seasoning can take the cake away!
Without proper planning, the expansive buffet spreads can take a massive toll on your diet. To keep your food intake in check, it is advisable to indulge in a nutritious high-fiber meal before the event. This helps you stay fuller and prevents you from overeating. Make sure to plan your meals ahead and save your calories for the wedding buffet. Drinking water before the event will also help curb your hunger.
There are certain obvious keto non-friendly dishes that you should avoid at all costs. Steer clear from breads such as naan and kulcha as they are high in carbs and full of gluten. Rice and starchy vegetables such as potatoes and corn should also be avoided. It is a good idea to give the appetizers a miss as they usually tend to be deep-fried and full of carbs; chomp on some salad instead. Portion control can also work wonders for you at a wedding or any other social gathering.
If you’re a drinker, go for pure spirits such as vodka, tequila, and gin, as opposed to sugary drinks like Jagermeister and wine. For mixers, opt for something diet or just go with the plain old soda. Also, what’s a big fat Indian wedding without some latke-jhatke! Burn those extra calories on the dance floor and don’t forget to have fun.
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