Is Idli Good for Weight Loss?? Know How and When to Eat!

What is Idli? Nutritional Profile of Idli

Idli is like a thick fermented rice cake, and it is extremely popular in South Indian cuisine. It has also gained much renown in other parts of the country due to its easy and quick recipe.

The nutritional value of 100 g of idli which contains parboiled rice, urad dal, fenugreek or methi, poha or flattened rice, vegetable oil and salt is as follows:

Source: Nutritionix

Is Idli Good for Weight Loss?

Idli is a filling and satiating food item. To know if idli is good for weight loss, we need to examine its macronutrient make-up. Idlis are rich in carbohydrates and protein, and have a moderate amount of fibre with very little fat content. This makes idlis a better alternative to greasy foods like pakodas.

Some of idli’s benefits for weight loss include:

• Idli is prepared by steaming the batter of rice and dal so it does not require a lot of oil or other fats.
• Idli has a low calorie content despite being satiating, and as such can help promote weight loss.
• The batter of idli is often fermented and fermented foods are good for the gut. A healthy gut with good digestion can aid in better nutrient absorption and weight loss.
• Idli is rich in fibre and protein which can keep you full and satiated for longer, thereby reducing frequent hunger pangs and curbing your urge to snack or overeat.

When to Eat Idli for Weight Loss?

Idli is best eaten at breakfast as it supplies you with enough energy to get a good start to your day. It also fills your stomach better and for a longer time than other low-fibre breakfast dishes, thus eliminating the need for mid-morning snacking.

You can also snack on an idli or two during the day whenever you feel hungry. Portion control is the key to an effective weight loss journey, so try not to overindulge.

How Much Idli is Good for Weight Loss?

If you are wondering - “How many idlis should I eat for weight loss?” The answer is that consuming 2 to 3 idlis as a whole meal can aid in weight loss, and anything beyond this number can have the opposite effect. Though idlis can be very filling and satiating for the stomach, they are made of rice and dal which have high carbohydrate content.

Rice in idlis may cause weight gain when consumed in large amounts. Also, since idlis are small and light, there is a chance that you might end up overeating, which is counterproductive if you are trying to lose weight.

How to Eat Idli for Weight Loss?

The best way to eat idli for weight loss is to eat it with sambar or rasam instead of other high calories sides and dippings like coconut chutney, ghee, peanut powder, etc.

In order to make your idlis more healthful, you can reduce the quantity of rice you use for making the batter and replace it with an equal amount of oats. This increases the fibre content and satiety quotient of your meal.

You can also add veggies like carrots, green beans, sweet corn, peas, capsicum, etc. to boost the nutritional value of the dish.

What are the Risks of Overconsumption of Idli?

While idli may be a filling meal, there are some risks of overconsumption of idli. The biggest concern is weight gain, as idlis are rich in carbs.