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Curd with pickle instead of curd rice: Fitness coach shares 5 food swaps to help you lose weight by eating smarter

Published on: Jul 9, 2025, 12:25:48 IST
Curd with pickle can be a tasty and nutritious way to mix up your meals. (Freepik)
Curd with pickle can be a tasty and nutritious way to mix up your meals. (Freepik)
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By making a few smart choices, you can enjoy eating your favourite food while staying on track with your weight loss goals. Here are some hacks.

Online fitness coach Raj Ganpath shared an Instagram post explaining 'simple food switches to help with smart eating' on July 8. These choices can help create a calorie deficit while still enjoying your favourite foods, he said. For instance, eating curd or curd with pickle instead of curd rice can reduce carbohydrate intake and add probiotics to your meal. Also read | How to lose weight with South Indian diet, according to fitness coach

According to Raj, adding a salad to your meal can increase nutrient intake and fibre, while reducing overall calorie consumption when having pizza. He added that Diet Coke has virtually zero calories, making it a better choice for those watching their calorie intake. In the video, Raj said, “If you like to eat but also want to create a calorie deficit, you have to make these five food switches.”

These swaps can be a great starting point for creating a calorie deficit. However, remember that portion control and overall balance are key. Here's a breakdown of five healthy swaps that Raj suggested:

1. Roti or phulka instead of naan

“Keep the pizza and replace the breadsticks with a salad because a salad is more filling, more nourishing, and it will ensure that you don't overeat. I get it – it is not as fun, but when you are trying to lose weight, just pizza is fun enough,” he said.

3. Curd instead of curd rice

Raj added, “I am probably crossing a line here, but hear me out – having curd or curd with some pickle at the end of a meal is as satisfying as having curd rice; but it is lower in calories, lower in carbs and higher in protein.”

4. Diet Coke instead of regular Coke

“Same taste, same vibe, same experience, but zero calories. You simply cannot beat that, and no, it is not dangerous,” he said.

5. Dark chocolate instead of dessert

Raj concluded, “Finally, a couple of pieces of dark chocolate instead of dessert because dark chocolate has a multi-dimensional and deeper taste. It lingers in your mouth for longer, satisfying you faster. Only thing – make sure the chocolate you are having is at least 70 percent dark.”

Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.

 
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sanya Panwar

With a keen eye for detail and a heart for storytelling, Sanya is a seasoned lifestyle journalist who has spent over a decade documenting the intersection of aesthetics and substance. Since stepping into the media world in 2012, she has cultivated a career defined by versatility, curiosity, and an unwavering passion for what makes life both beautiful and meaningful. Over the last many years, she has navigated the fast-paced realms of health, wellness, fitness and fashion while pivoting seamlessly into the nuances of decor and travel. Her work often explores the deeper layers of modern living, delving into art and decor trends that transform spaces, insightful perspectives on gender, parenting, and mental health, immersive travel narratives that capture the essence of a destination. A self-proclaimed aesthetics enthusiast, Sanya doesn't just report on trends — she analyses them. Whether she’s identifying the next shift in fitness or discovering a breakthrough in design, she uses her platform to spark meaningful conversations that resonate with a contemporary audience. Sanya is an alumna of St. Xavier’s College, Kolkata, and the Asian College of Journalism (ACJ), Chennai, where she honed the investigative rigour she brings to her lifestyle reporting today. When she isn't chasing deadlines or conducting interviews, Sanya practices what she preaches. You’ll likely find her sipping matcha, practicing yoga, or scouting the newest cafes. Above all, she finds her balance in nature — whether it's a quiet hike or a moment of reflection in the outdoors, she remains constantly inspired by the tranquillity of the natural world.

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Catch every big hit, every wicket with Crick-it, a one stop destination for Live Scores, Match Stats, Quizzes, Polls & much more. Explore now!.

Catch your daily dose of Fashion, Taylor Swift, Health, Festivals, Travel, Relationship, Recipe and all the other Latest Lifestyle News on Hindustan Times Website and APPs.
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