When you are on a weight loss diet, it often becomes harder and harder to stick to your resolutions. It is not easy to give up your favourite foods and substitute them with healthier alternatives - especially because the latter kinds rarely taste as good. What's more, you may often feel that there are very few foods you are allowed to eat. So you end up eating the same dishes repeatedly and quickly get tired of them. Are you looking for a new dish to add to your weight-loss diet? If yes, then you should definitely try buckwheat khichdi or kuttu khichdi.
(Also Read: 7 Popular Varieties Of Khichdi From Across India You Must Try)
Why should you try Kuttu Khichdi (or Buckwheat Khichdi)?
Buckwheat has many health benefits and is especially recommended to those who want to lose weight. Photo Credit: Pixabay
Buckwheat (or kuttu) is a gluten-free pseudo-cereal that can do wonders for decreasing your belly fat. Being high in fibre and rich in complex carbohydrates, it keeps you full for longer. This ingredient is a popular choice during vrat or fasting periods. But even during other times, it is widely used to make parathas, cheelas, pakoras, and many other dishes. In a recent video on Instagram, nutritionist Manpreet Kalra has spoken about how Kuttu Khichdi can help improve insulin sensitivity and reduce belly fat. Wondering how these two concepts are connected? She explains, "When the insulin sensitivity of the body is low, the body tends to deposit the fat around the belly." Making a khichdi out of buckwheat allows you to combine many other low-cal, high-fibre ingredients to make a wholesome meal - where each element can contribute to your weight loss goals. The dietitian has explained the health benefits of each ingredient in the video:
1. Buckwheat: The rutin content of buckwheat helps regulate blood sugar levels
2. Ghee: Being an excellent source of monounsaturated (good) fats, ghee can improve lipid profile and cholesterol levels.
3. Tomato: This vegetable contains lycopene, which is said to increase insulin sensitivity.
4. Broccoli: The sulforaphane in this green superfood aids in the processing of insulin, hence regulating blood sugar levels.
(Also Read: Cook Broccoli Differently: Try These 5 Quick And Healthy Broccoli Soup Recipes)
You can choose the ingredients of your khichdi in such a way that each of them supply a different advantage. Photo Credit: Pixabay
5. Mushrooms: Their polysaccharide content can reduce inflammation in the body.
6. Rock salt: It is great for digestion and flushing out toxins from your system.
7. Turmeric: Along with anti-inflammation properties, haldi or turmeric also has the ability to stimulate glucose absorption.
(Also Read: Not All Fats Will Make You Put on Weight: 6 Foods with 'Healthy' Fats)
How to make Kuttu Khichdi | Buckwheat Khichdi recipe
Manpreet has shown that this nutrient-packed dish is very simple to make. You have to first rinse and soak buckwheat groats for around 2 hours. Later, heat ghee in a pan and stir-fry the veggies in it. Drain the groats and add them to the saucepan. Season with turmeric and salt. Next, add water and cover the vessel. Finally, allow the khichdi to cook until it thickens. Watch the entire video here:
Buckwheat Khichdi is a simple yet delicious dish that has multiple health benefits. You can customise it according to your liking. For instance, this recipe also uses potatoes and peanuts. Try it for yourself and see!
Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.