Top 15 Low GI Indian recipes, Healthy Eating For Life (2024)

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Top 15 Low GI Indian Recipes, Veg Recipes

Last Updated : Aug 31,2020

Top 15 Low GI Indian recipes, Healthy Eating For Life (1)

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What is Glycemic Index?
You've probably run across it before, and if you're diabetic, it's almost guaranteed that you've at least heard of it. Glycemic Index is the much talked about health aspect today! And it is essential for us to understand it rightly and apply it in our day to day lives because of it being simply a wonderful way of eating, according to me. This is what makes me take you through a short stint on “Glycemic Index of Foods” leaving you to think and revisit your eating habits. Why should people use the Glycemic index as a basis of their Food habits? This is a big question for many - whether as a magic formula for diabetics or for people who are overweight, and looking for a cure? Heart diseases? Simply put, why?

How does food affect your Glycemic Index?
Well, for one, the glycemic index isn't just some random diabetic diet you can find online or in a book somewhere. It's actually a scientific system to deal with your blood sugar levels. Always keep in mind that spikes in the body sugar levels can be devastating for health! Basically the glycemic index ranks carbohydrates on a scale of 0 to 100, and it's based on how they can raise your blood sugar levels after you eat. Foods with a higher GI level are digested faster, and therefore create a spike in your blood sugar levels. However, foods with a lower ranking are digested much slower. This allows the sugars to gradually be introduced in the body, and that means no spiking of the levels.

Oats Roti

What is Low, Medium and High Glycemic Levels?
A food with a glycemic index of less than 55 is considered a Low Glycemic food while 56 to 69 is Moderate and over 70 is considered High. Most of the vegetables, dals and legumes, nuts, oilseeds, milk and products and some fruits are relatively low on GI.

Top 15 Low GI Indian recipes, Healthy Eating For Life (3)

Glycemic Index Range

Least desirable foods (High GI) includeGlucose, White bread, Mida, Honey, Cornflakes, Potatoes (mashed or baked), Rice (short grain, white), Fruit drinks, Regular soft drinks, Sweetened juices, Dates and Raisins.

Top 15 Low GI Indian recipes, Healthy Eating For Life (4)

Top 15 Low GI Indian recipes, Healthy Eating For Life (5)

Moderate GI Foods


Most desirable foods (Low GI) includeWheat grain, Oats, Barley, Bulgur wheat, Quinoa, Pulses, Beans, Curd, Paneer, Nuts and oil seeds (Peanuts, Almonds, Walnuts, Sesame, Flax seeds etc.). Other vegetables, Apples, Oranges, Grapes, Guavas, Lemons, Limes, Peaches, Amla, Grapefruit, Pears, Berries and Oranges.

Top 15 Low GI Indian recipes, Healthy Eating For Life (6)
Low GI Foods

Effects of eating High Glycemic Foods.

Have you ever eaten a large Chinese meal, with lot of noodles and rice, only to find yourself hungry again an hour or two later. What most of us experience regularly is the feeling of lethargy that follows an hour or so after a fast food lunch, which generally consists of High GI foods (Carbohydrate dense processed foods). The surge of glucose followed by the rapid drain leaves us starved for energy which makes us once again crave and gulp caloric and fat dense snacks and meals.

When one eats a high GI food and experience a rapid spike in blood sugar, pancreas releases the hormone insulin. Insulin does two things extremely well. First it stores glucose as fat. On top of that it also inhibits the utilisation of body fat. Since insulin does all nasty things to the body, it is crucial to maintain its low levels to prevent obesity and lifestyle related conditions like Diabetes, Cardio Vascular Disease etc.

The general rule of thumb is to replace as many processed and refined-grain carbohydrates like Maida based foods, Biscuits, Pastries etc with fibre rich foods. Unhealthy eating habits and over consumption of such foods could take you on the obesity trail that would leave you regretting later. So beware! The combination of low GI food with with good fat food is the magic bullet for staying slim and fit.

High-G.I. foods cause blood sugar surges, which play havoc with insulin levels and appetite. Understanding the glycemic index is a vital first step in helping you control sugar surges and achieving steady and permanent weight loss. While a single, high-GI meal might not cause significant health problems for our body, frequent consumption of high GI foods and food preparations can result in perpetually high insulin levels.

Best of all, I present some Low GI high fat healthy recipes . It’s important to eat good high fat food like nuts, avocado, paneer, full fat curds, These when incorporated in the family menu would offer freedom from hunger and craving and would assist you to manage weight and health effortlessly.

Low Glycemic Index Indian Breakfast Recipes

In India idlis are a famous snack. People not only in South India, but all over the world love to indulge it in for breakfast. But rice, its base ingredient, is high in GI (glycemic index). Hence we present a healthier options using low GI dal – Palak Chola Dal Idli.

Palak Chola Dal Idli, Breakfast Recipe

Quinoa, another low GI food, can be finished into a healthy breakfast – Quinoa Veg Upma. While all the ingredients are of the regular Rava Upma, only semolina has been replaced by quinoa. The method also remains the same. This fiber rich snack will not fil to please you. Try it out!

Quinoa Veg Upma, Vegan Breakfast

Eggs are also perfect for you. While most of you would be fond of fried egg, that’s not the perfect choice for breakfast. Fried foods cause inflammation. Instead try Sunny Side Up Eggs – a perfect breakfast recipe to satiate you. No breads for serving pleases!

Low Glycemic Index Indian Snacks Recipes

If you have included grains for breakfast, snack on protein rich dals and pulses. The famous Kabuli chana can be presented as Parsley Hummus. Attractive in looks and easy to make, what else do you yearn for. Serve them with low glycemic index cucumber sticks for a hearty snack.

Parsley Hummus

Buckwheat is a grain with a Glycemic Index 55, just at the border line of low glycemic index foods. It is the only grain which has all the nine essential amino acids and thus considered a good source of vegetarian protein. Further it is also rich in fiber. Include it in the form of Buckwheat Dosa.

Buckwheat Dosa

Sprouts are another low GI foods which you can rely on. If you are weight watching or long to eat something healthy, this healthy Sprouts Dhokla is for you. Moong sprouts is a nutri-dense sprout. It’s a good source of several nutrients like protein, vitamins, potassium, magnesium and phosphorus.

Sprouts Dhokla

Low Glycemic Index Indian Soup Recipes

Soups are great appetizer, which can also be a good choice for in between meals. But avoid those cheese laden soups. Opt for a simple high protein, low fat Mushroom Barley Soup. It is highly satiating and will avoid binge eating.

Mushroom Barley Soup Recipe

Another hear warming soup is Garlic Vegetable Soup. This unusual yet delicious combination of mixed veggies, garlic and oats is sure to become a firm favourite and help restore your antioxidants levels as well. Though just pepped up with fresh coriander, it's sure to tingle your taste buds.

Garlic Vegetable Soup ( Healthy Heart)

A simple everyday vegetable like onion can be the main ingredient of a soup. Onions and spring onions together have been combined in Onion Thyme Soup for a pleasant experience. This soup has thickened using wheat flour instead of cornflour.

Onion Thyme Soup

Low Glycemic Index Indian Salad Recipes

Salads can be included as a part of a meal or even as a healthy snack option. Why not enjoy a nourishingsalad like Avocado Broccoli and Bellpepper Salad. The veggies are crunchy and the added crunch is because of the addition of flax seeds – an omega-3 rich seed.

Avocado, Broccoli and Bellpepper Lunch Salad

The dressing plays a very important role in making a salad. It can make a salad highly appetizing to least pleasing. Baby Spinach and Apple Salad with Curd Lemon Dressing features an interesting combination of ingredients like curd, basil, celery, honey, lemon rind and lemon juice. Unlike the oily nature of most dressings, this healthier option is good to feast on.

Baby Spinach and Apple Salad in Curd Lemon Dressing

Low Glycemic Index Indian Juices Recipes

Coconut Water with Coconut Meat has a pulpy texture, and when served chilled, it tingles your taste buds with the mildly-sweet but electrifying flavour, which is unique to coconut water. The best way to serve coconut water with malai, is to chill the coconut water earlier, but blend the drink just before serving and enjoy a low GI drink.

Coconut Water with Coconut Meat

Avocado is a treasure trove of nutrients and the most easiest and hurried way of adding it to our meals is in the form of smoothies puddings over and over again. Use its creamy texture to make a smoothie like Avocado Pear Smoothie.

Avocado Spinach Pear Smoothie, Healthy Smoothie

Low Glycemic Index Indian Lunch and Dinner Recipes

Indian staple meal includes roti and sanzi. Oats Roti would be a perfect choice then. Pair it with Paneer Methi Palak Subzi to complete your meal.

Paneer Methi Palak, Healthy Subzi

An absolute low GI lunch would be Almond Bhakri. Almonds contain a lot of healthy fats, fibre, protein, magnesium and vitamin E. It helps lower blood sugar levels, reduces blood pressure and keeps cholesterol under check. You will be pleasantly surprised to know that the Almond Bhakri is also good for weight-loss, as almonds and ghee have perfect fats that keep you full for longer.

Almond Bhakri

And when you want to top on fiber minus too many calories, then opt for a complete veggie based salads which are low on GI scale. We suggest Rocket Leaves Broccoli and Veg Work Salad. Carry the veggies and dressing in separate containers and mix and toss just before serving.

Rocket Leaves, Broccoli and Veg Work Healthy Salad

As a simple and light dinner you can opt for Mixed Dal Chillas or Coconut Flour Pancakes. Both perfectly fit on low GI index and are pleasant to be enjoyed. These pancakes are truly satiating.

Coconut Flour Pancakes, Low- Carb Coconut Pancakes

Though all these recipes are low on GI scale, the portion size plays a big role in staying healthy. Do not go overboard. Moderation is the key to any healthy diet. Watch your calories, carbs, protein and fat intake and try to have a balanced meal with the help of your dietitian.

top 15 low gi indian recipes

Top 15 Low GI Indian recipes, Healthy Eating For Life (2024)

FAQs

What Indian food is low glycemic? ›

The best Indian low GI foods include lentils, kidney beans, chickpeas, soya beans, brown rice, quinoa with plenty of unsweetened yoghurt based foods.

What is the best Indian meal for diabetics? ›

Indian
  • Go for tandoori and tikka options as these are baked and lower in fat.
  • Dhal is rich in fibre because of the lentils and pulses, but can still be quite oily. ...
  • Choose boiled or steamed rice rather than pilau or fried rice. ...
  • Choose chapatti rather than naan bread.

What are the top 10 low glycemic foods? ›

These are our top 10 affordable, healthy low GI foods:
  • Bread. ...
  • Oats. ...
  • Apples. ...
  • Pears. ...
  • Bananas. ...
  • Chickpeas. ...
  • Lentils. ...
  • Red kidney beans. Continuing down the canned food aisle and rounding out our list is red kidney beans.

What fruit has the highest glycemic index? ›

Some examples of high-GI fruits (and their GI scores) include:
  • Mango (60)
  • Banana, ripe (62)
  • Dried cranberries (64)
  • Pineapple (66)
  • Raisins (66)
  • Watermelon (76)
Feb 14, 2022

Which dal has lowest glycemic index? ›

Chana Dal or Split Chickpea

To answer the question of which dal good for diabetes, the dal topping the list is Chana dal or Bengal gram. Chana dal's glycemic index is just 8, categorising it as a super low GI food. It is loaded with dietary fiber and protein.

Which rice has the lowest glycemic index? ›

Wholegrain Basmati rice has the lowest GI (glycaemic index) of all rice types, which means once digested it releases its energy slowly keeping blood sugar levels more stable, which is a crucial part of diabetes management.

What is the best breakfast for a diabetic to eat Indian? ›

Oats is the superfood for diabetics. Fibre-rich, high in nutritional value and with a low glycemic index, Oats can be eaten boiled with milk and with vegetables. Oats dosas, idlis and pancakes work well with the Indian palate. Eating them regularly has known to decrease insulin resistance in diabetics.

How to reduce A1c in Indian diet? ›

If you have diabetes, choose more high-fibre foods. A type of fibre called soluble fibre may help control blood sugar levels. Try these high-fibre foods: Vegetables: cauliflower, okra (Bhindi), eggplant (Brinjal/Baingan), bitter melon (Karela), spinach, potato, corn, sweet potato, broccoli, carrots.

Which Dal is best for diabetes? ›

Green gram (moong dal)

Any food with less than 50 glycemic index is considered good for diabetics and green gram has a glycemic index of 38. Green gram is a rich source of antioxidants which makes it great for fighting chronic diseases like diabetes.

What fruit does not spike blood sugar? ›

Strawberries and raspberries.

As sweet as they taste, strawberries contain the lowest amount of sugar per serving. Research shows they help the body better use insulin, lowering the amount needed to manage your blood sugar after a meal. Raspberries are also loaded with fiber and low in sugar.

What foods have no GI? ›

Chicken, beef, fish, and eggs all have a GI of zero because they contain zero or very small amounts of carbohydrates and have a minimal effect on blood sugar levels. Increasing your overall protein intake and reducing your intake of high-GI carbs may help improve blood sugar control.

What foods are zero on the glycemic index? ›

Meat, poultry and fish do not have a GI because they do not contain carbohydrate.

What are the worst glycemic foods? ›

Foods high in GI to avoid
  • white and whole wheat bread.
  • white rice.
  • breakfast cereals and cereal bars.
  • cakes, cookies, and sweet treats.
  • potatoes and fries.
  • chips and rice crackers.
  • fruits such as watermelon and pineapple.
  • sweetened dairy products such as fruit yogurts.
Feb 8, 2021

Which fruit is lowest in sugar? ›

15 lowest sugar fruits
  • Tomatoes. (2.6 grams sugars and 3.9 grams total carbs per 100 grams)
  • Watermelons. (6 grams sugars and 7.5 grams total carbs per 100 grams)
  • Cantaloupe. (8 grams sugars and 8 grams total carbs per 100 grams)
  • Peaches. ...
  • Strawberries. ...
  • Avocados. ...
  • Blueberries. ...
  • Honeydew.

Which apple is low glycemic? ›

When it comes to GI rating, apples generally score about 39. The table below shows some different types of apples alongside their sugar and carb content. Granny Smith apples tend to have the least sugar. However, fruits such as apples also contain healthy amounts of fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

What is the lowest GI food? ›

low GI (less than 55) – examples include soy products, beans, fruit, milk, pasta, grainy bread, porridge (oats) and lentils. medium GI (55 to 70) – examples include orange juice, honey, basmati rice and wholemeal bread. high GI (greater than 70) – examples include potatoes, white bread and short-grain rice.

Which roti has low glycemic index? ›

Whole wheat roti has a lower glycemic index because it has more fiber.

Is Indian rice low GI? ›

Most types of rice, particularly white rice, have a high glycemic index, basmati rice is much lower on the scale. With a glycemic index between 50 and 58, basmati rice is a low to medium glycemic index food. If you have diabetes, small portions of basmati rice can be a part of your healthy diet.

Is Naan low GI? ›

The glycemic index (GI) for naan is estimated to be 71. The GI index measures how quickly carb-containing foods elevate your blood sugar levels. At 55, they are labelled low GI (3). As such, you may include naan in a low GI diet, but you will want to combine naan with higher-protein and lower-GI foods.

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