Healthy lunch ideas for vegetarians
Most people consume the same old salads and soups when it comes to healthy eating during the day. However, to continue on a healthy as well delicious diet, it is important to explore the varieties and experiments one can make with food. After having a heavy breakfast, people often find themselves confused about their lunch meal? Well, Onlymyhealth editorial team talked to Dr. Anjali Phatak, Director Nutripulse and Senior Clinical Nutritionist, Nutripulse, Jaipur, to know about some interesting and healthy lunch ideas for vegetarians.
Thalipeeth
Thalipeeth is a multigrain bread which is mostly prepared in Maharashtra. You can make it using different roasted grains, spices and legumes. It is a low calorie, yet nutritious food. You can make it instantly and easily at home. Thalipeeth, also called bhajanee, can act as a fulfilling and wholesome breakfast as well as lunch.
Mixed dal cheela
Mixed dal cheela is another healthy vegetarian lunch food item that can be prepared instantly at home. This vegetarian food is loaded with protein and fibre, thus can keep you full for longer hours. You can make a tasty paneer filling for the cheela full of various herbs and spices. You can even add oats to your mix dal cheela. Enjoy it with a mint or tomato chutney for added flavour and health benefits.
Vegetable biryani
Rice is the most staple carb consumed across the country. It is a good source of vitamin A and starch. Brown rice is always a healthier alternative for white rice. A variety of vegetables such as carrot, onion, capsicum, peas, beans, corn and broccoli can be used in the pulav or vegetable biryani. Fresh peanuts can also be included for a new twist. Mixed vegetables biryani or pulao is one of the most popular lunch ideas all over India.
Millet dosa
Millet dosa is an extremely healthy breakfast and lunch option. Millets are gluten free, full of protein, vitamins, fibre and many other essential nutrients. They even have proven weight loss benefits. Millet dosa can be accompanied with coconut or tomato chutney and sambhar. You can order this dish online or make it at home.
Soya chunks curry and amla rice
Soya chunks are a go to option for many people. It is advised to consume this curry during the day instead of dinner meal. Paired up with amla rice and beetroot raita, you can look for a wholesome plate with this choice. Soya chunks can be tossed in a tomato dominant curry with the amazing flavours of amla rice. It will act as an immunity booster and is beneficial for your overall health.
Rajma and brown rice
Rajma and rice is a majority favourite dish. And, it is better to choose brown rice as a healthier substitute of white rice. Most vegetarian people love this rich source of protein, fibre and other minerals. If you like kidney beans, then rajma rice would also be a good lunch option. However, it is important to consume it in moderation and not overconsume such foods.
Green beans and halim seeds roti
Halim seeds are full of antioxidants and an excellent source of several vitamins and minerals. Aliv or halim seeds roti is a healthy substitute for wheat flour chapati. This flatbread goes well with green beans and you can add raita and salad to your plate as well. The bright green colour of beans can make your plate look more colourful and delicious. You can add a variety of other veggies in your salad bowl.
Vegetable oats
The easiest and healthiest lunch idea to prepare at home is vegetable oats. You can make it like upma using many vegetables including peas, beans, carrot and others. Vegetable oats is a good source of fibre and can keep you fuller for long time periods. In fact, you can even get a ready to eat vegetable oats packet from the market available in different yummy flavours.
Dal palak and veggie stuffed roti
Dal palak is a common vegetarian food item consumed in many cultures. It is even healthier to have it along buttermilk and salad. You can count on this lunch idea to keep your stomach full for a long time. One vegetable stuffed roti with dal palak can even be a good weight loss meal. Jaggery at the end can complete your lunch. You can add your choice of veggies in the roti.
