Cutting weight can come with a lot of overbearing internal thoughts and ideas on how to go about it. The weight loss journey is a time-intensive and fruitful one but the journey itself can come with its set of challenges. The most apparent and seemingly obvious hurdle comes from changing our eating habits and the foods which we've come to enjoy the most. But that doesn't always have to be the case. One doesn't need to compromise on taste by choosing proper nutrition. Cutting down on simple carbohydrates, saturated and trans fats, and refined sugar can massively change how your mind and body feels. There are workarounds to everything and alternative products in the market to choose from. 

Eating a protein-rich diet can help people lose weight because it can help them avoid overeating. Protein keeps you satiated for longer and it is made up of amino acids that our body needs for building and repairing muscles and bones. Protein is also required for the making of hormones and enzymes and it is imperative for healthy skin, hair, and nails. According to Dietary Reference Index (DRI) for a sedentary adult, it is recommended to consume 0.8 grams of protein per kilo of body weight. That translates close to 56 grams of protein for an average adult male and 46 grams of protein for an average adult female. This might vary from person to person but protein is a necessary part of our daily diet and that is why we should include it in our every meal in the little ways we can. These are some of the low-carb, protein-rich dishes that'll surely make your weight loss journey worth it! 

1. Boiled Chana Salad

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Boiled chickpeas (kabuli chana) tossed with diced cucumbers, tomatoes, half an onion, green chillies, rock salt, crushed black pepper, and a dash of lime juice would serve as the perfect salad. Drizzle a bit of aromatic oil like mustard or olive oil and some chopped fresh coriander leaves just to liven things up and you're set. Takes minutes to arrange the mise en place and once put together, its taste is the one to beat! Simple, refreshing, and nutritious, this makes for a light and filling snack in between meals. 

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2. Broccoli, Grilled Chicken, and Brown Rice

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The perfect trifecta doesn't exist, says who? Broccoli is a cruciferous vegetable that is packed with essential nutrients and dietary fibre, that can be roasted or grilled with some seasonings and oil. Brown rice is a whole grain and not refined or processed like white rice, which makes it a complex source of carbohydrates. Complex carbohydrates do not spike your blood sugar levels, rather it efficiently provides energy over a sustained period of time. Chicken pieces are tossed in oil and some seasonings, then put in to the oven for roasting or simply grilling on the pan till it is cooked completely. Chicken is a great source of lean meat, and it is not as heavy to process as red meat. You can set this template to your lunch ideas and add more steamed or roasted vegetables and dal, if you choose to upgrade its nutrient count. 

3. Sattu ka Ghol 

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Roasted chickpea flour or Sattu mixed in hot water with rock salt, jaggery, and lime juice makes for a nutritious beverage any time of the day. This is a popular street beverage as well which comprises of more flavourful spices and condiments but simply put, you can't go wrong with a sattu concoction. Sattu is a unique combination made from dry roasted and puffed wheat and chana dal which gives you the right balance of proteins and carbs. A nutritious, filling, beverage when in a hurry or for the sudden hunger pangs, this will serve you well on your weight loss journey. 

4. Nachni ki Roti, Sabzi, and Paneer Bhurji 

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Incorporating millet flours in your diet is a wonderful way to open upto the world of millet grains. Initially, a 70-30 mix of wholewheat flour or atta and ragi flour would upgrade the protein and fiber count of your rotis and paired with a sabzi of your choice and egg or paneer bhurji, makes for well-rounded meal fit for dinner time. The sabzi can be swapped for dal, paired with a cucumber salad and it's always the same. The components of this dish can be boiled down to a protein side dish, a nutritious flatbread and a vegetable curry or dal to supplement it and enhance the dish's overall fiber and nutrient count. 

5. Yoghurt, Fresh Fruits And Nuts

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Nuts are a portable snack that supplies the healthy fats and essential micronutrients that the body needs. High in fiber and flavourful all the same, from walnuts, almonds, cashews, peanuts, to many more, this satiates your craving in between meals and gives you energy. 

Yoghurt is a healthy alternative to ice cream and a rich source of essential amino acids. Yoghurt based drinks in India are known and loved by everyone. Yoghurt can be set at home and can be had whenever and it's soothing and refreshing every time you have it. 

Refined and processed sugar can be swapped for jaggery and organic honey, but for sugary treats there are no workarounds. Fresh fruits are a more sustainable alternative that curbs sugary cravings, owing to some fruits and berries having a high fructose count. Moreover, the nutrients and vitamins that come packed in fresh fruits are essential for the functioning of the body. Do not buy juice from the supermarket because of added sweeteners and preservatives. Buy the fruits whole and juice them yourself if you're keen to do so, but have seasonal fruits of different varieties because your body needs them.