does poha increase weight - #23642

It’s quite understandable to be curious about this. Poha, or flattened rice, is quite a common breakfast choice in many Indian households. It’s considered light and can be nutritious, depending on how it’s prepared. Now, coming to whether it contributes to weight gain or not, it’s good to consider a few aspects.

In Ayurveda, food is not merely about calories but about balancing the doshas - Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Poha is typically Tridoshic and can be suitable for all three doshas if prepared correctly. It’s excellent for digestion and can be light on the stomach, which sounds great for your breakfast choice. When you eat poha with moderation, especially in the morning when your digestive fire or ‘Agni’ is stronger, it can be well assimilated by the body without contributing to weight gain.

Since you mentioned that you aren’t as active as before and have noticed tighter clothes, it might be more about the imbalance between your energy intake and expenditure. Even healthy foods can contribute to weight gain if eaten in larger quantities than your body needs. Peanuts and oils can add additional calories, beneficial fats are necessary for health but just consider portion control.

Try having smaller portions of poha with plenty of vegetables to increase fiber - carrots, peas, or capsicum could be included. Cooking it with minimal oil can also help manage calorie intake. Depending on your Dosha, you might opt for more or less oil and spices.

Consider incorporating more movement into your day, even if it’s brief walks or stretching exercises to stimulate metabolism. Often, such small shifts can influence weight. Also, mindfulness while eating, avoiding distractions, or late-night snacking on poha might also help. It’s really about finding that balance between taste and nourishment. So, poha can be part of your diet - just keep an eye on how much you’re eating and perhaps vary your meals a little to include a range of different foods.