20 Popular Indian dishes that are downright unhealthy!

Here’s a list of 20 popular Indian dishes that are known for being rich in butter, oil, and sugar. I’ve included approximate calorie counts and the equivalent amount of walking needed to burn off those calories. I’ve also suggested healthier alternatives for each dish. Given along side is the quantum of walking you will need to do to burn off the calories that come with eating these unhealthy dishes!

1. Butter Chicken

• Calories: ~800 per serving
• Walking Required: ~160 minutes (based on 4 calories per minute walking)
• Alternative: Chicken Tikka – Marinated grilled chicken with less oil.

2. Paneer Butter Masala

• Calories: ~900 per serving
• Walking Required: ~180 minutes
• Alternative: Paneer Tikka – Grilled paneer with minimal oil.

3. Chicken Korma

• Calories: ~850 per serving
• Walking Required: ~170 minutes
• Alternative: Chicken Tikka Masala – Opt for less cream and butter.

4. Chole Bhature

• Calories: ~1000 per serving (2 bhature + chole)
• Walking Required: ~200 minutes
• Alternative: Chole with Whole Wheat Roti – Skip the fried bhature.

5. Aloo Paratha

• Calories: ~600 per paratha
• Walking Required: ~120 minutes
• Alternative: Whole Wheat Roti with Aloo Sabzi – Less oil in the sabzi.

6. Pakoras (Vegetable Fritters)

• Calories: ~400 per serving (6-8 pieces)
• Walking Required: ~80 minutes
• Alternative: Baked Veggie Sticks – Baked, not fried.

7. Samosas

• Calories: ~300 per samosa
• Walking Required: ~60 minutes
• Alternative: Baked Samosas – Use less oil in the preparation.

8. Pulao (Restaurant Style)

• Calories: ~700 per serving
• Walking Required: ~140 minutes
• Alternative: Vegetable Khichdi – Less oil and ghee.

9. Lassi (Sweet)

• Calories: ~300 per glass
• Walking Required: ~60 minutes
• Alternative: Plain Yogurt with Fruit – Lower sugar content.

10. Rasgulla

• Calories: ~150 per piece
• Walking Required: ~30 minutes
• Alternative: Fruit Salad with Honey – Naturally sweet and less sugar.

11. Gulab Jamun

• Calories: ~200 per piece
• Walking Required: ~40 minutes
• Alternative: Dates or Fresh Fruits – Naturally sweet and nutritious.

12. Jalebi

• Calories: ~300 per serving (4-5 pieces)
• Walking Required: ~60 minutes
• Alternative: Fruit Chaat – Less sugar, more fiber.

13. Rava Kesari

• Calories: ~350 per serving
• Walking Required: ~70 minutes
• Alternative: Fruit Compote – Less sugar, use natural fruit sweetness.

14. Malai Kofta

• Calories: ~900 per serving
• Walking Required: ~180 minutes
• Alternative: Vegetable Kofta in Tomato Sauce – Less cream and butter.

15. Naan (Butter Naan)

• Calories: ~300 per piece
• Walking Required: ~60 minutes
• Alternative: Whole Wheat Roti – Lower in fat and calories.

16. Haleem

• Calories: ~800 per serving
• Walking Required: ~160 minutes
• Alternative: Chicken or Lentil Soup – Less oil and ghee.

17. Kachori

• Calories: ~300 per piece
• Walking Required: ~60 minutes
• Alternative: Baked Kachori – Use less oil.

18. Biryani (Restaurant Style)

• Calories: ~700 per serving
• Walking Required: ~140 minutes
• Alternative: Brown Rice and Vegetable Stir-Fry – Less oil, more vegetables.

19. Dhokla (Restaurant Style)

• Calories: ~200 per serving
• Walking Required: ~40 minutes
• Alternative: Homemade Dhokla – Use less oil and minimal sugar.

20. Peda

• Calories: ~250 per piece
• Walking Required: ~50 minutes
• Alternative: Chia Seed Pudding – Less sugar and a healthier option.

By choosing healthier alternatives and being mindful of portion sizes, you can enjoy Indian cuisine without compromising on your health.