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Happy Tummy Expert

2 months ago

Dear Sumaira, Thank you for the question.

Carbohydrates are one of the most important & essential nutrients that provides us energy to carry out our daily physical and physiological functioning.

A balanced diet should provide around 50-60% of total calories from carbohydrates, preferably from complex carbohydrates, about 10-15% from proteins and 20-30% from both visible and invisible fat.

Weight gain or weight loss entirely does not depend on one particular food, ingredient or cuisine it involves multiple factors such as Dietary intake, lifestyle pattern, metabolic conditions, genetics, stress etc.

You can include both Rice and Multigrain roti as a part of your diversified balanced diet, provided they are consumed mindfully along with portion control. While Rice is a source of complex carbohydrate and B Vitamins that helps provide energy, on the other hand Multigrain roti provides a good amount of dietary fibre, protein, essential fattyacids (PUFA) and other vital micronutrients like vitamins, especially many B vitamins (Thiamine & Riboflavin), minerals, antioxidants and Phyto-chemicals.

Therefore, while you can include both as a part of your diet, it is necessary to be mindful and practice portion control to maintain the daily calorie limit.

As a general dietary guideline, for an apparently healthy individual/ with no specific health or nutrition needs and/or metabolic condition it is recommended to consume 2000kcal/d and the RDA for protein requirement is 46g/d & 25g/d of fiber for women.

Here are few guidelines for healthy balanced diet that can be considered:

• Have a Diversified Balanced Diet that includes all the food groups in the right quantity which thereby provides you with all the essential macro and micro nutrients that your body requires daily for proper functioning.
• Try to incorporate the My plate Concept by dividing your plate into 4 quadrants, fill half of your plate with fruits and vegetables, the other two quadrants with cereals and protein. A small quantity of dairy intake is recommended.
• Some of the good sources of protein include pulses, lentils, milk, paneer, soybean, eggs, lean meat, nuts & seeds, etc.  
• Begin your day with a well-balanced breakfast as it is an important meal of the day.
• Avoid skipping meals. Also, try to avoid fasting and feasting too often.
• Consume small frequent meals, with healthy snacking options.
• Consume minimum 5 servings of vegetables and 1 serving of fruit as they are rich in Fiber, essential minerals & Vitamins as well as they give you a feeling of satiety.
• Try to consume more of Whole grains, Millets and Multigrain foods as they are a good source of fiber.
• Limit intake of deep-fried foods. Method of cooking like baking, grilling, boiling, steaming is preferable over deep frying with excess fat/ oil.
• Have your last meal at least 2-3 hours before sleep time.
• Drink adequate amount of water (minimum 8 glasses) of water daily to keep yourself well hydrated
• Engage in at least 30-45 minutes brisk walk/physical activity of moderate intensity at least 5 days a week.
• Try and follow a good sleep regimen in terms of both quantity and Quality.

Regular physical activity or exercise is necessary and beneficial for overall health as it not only helps in burning calories but also helps in improving muscular and cardiorespiratory fitness, maintain ideal body weight, prevent, and manage lifestyle disorders as well as improve digestive health. For specific exercise regimen to cater to specific fitness needs please contact a fitness expert.

For a customised and personalised meal plan for specific conditions, please contact your Health care professional.

Hope we have answered your query.

Wishing you a great day ahead

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