How many calories are there in atta, and does it affect weight loss?

Question

I’ve been trying to lose weight for a while now, but it feels like I’m stuck in the same cycle of dieting and overeating. I mostly eat chapatis as part of my daily meals, and now I’m wondering if the calories in atta are the reason my weight isn’t going down. I keep hearing mixed things about whether atta is good for weight loss or not.

Most of the time, I use regular wheat atta, but recently I switched to multigrain atta because it’s supposed to be healthier. Does the multigrain version have fewer calories? Or is it about the same as regular wheat atta? I’m really confused because everywhere I read, it says chapatis are healthy, but no one explains how many calories in atta I should actually worry about.

I usually eat 3-4 chapatis per meal, but I do add ghee sometimes, which I guess increases the calories. Should I stop doing that if I want to lose weight? Also, does toasting chapatis without oil or butter reduce the calories in atta, or does it make no difference?

Another thing I’m curious about is whether switching to alternative flours like jowar or bajra might be better for weight loss. Do they have fewer calories compared to regular atta? Or should I just stick to wheat atta and focus on portion control?

I’ve also heard that Ayurvedic advice often recommends specific types of atta depending on your dosha. How do I figure out if the calories in atta align with my body type, and should I consider an Ayurvedic diet plan to help with my weight loss?

Lastly, are there any Ayurvedic suggestions for improving digestion or metabolism to better handle the calories in atta? Sometimes I feel bloated after eating chapatis, even though I don’t overeat. Could that mean I’m not digesting them properly?

Would appreciate your guidance on whether I should be worried about the calories in atta or focus on something else entirely for weight loss.

Dr Sujal Patil · Accepted Answer

Multigrain atta generally has a slightly better nutritional profile than regular wheat atta, but the calorie content is similar. The key to weight loss is controlling portions rather than worrying too much about the flour. Eating 3-4 chapatis per meal can add up in calories, especially with ghee, so reducing the amount or avoiding added fats might help with weight loss. Toasting chapatis without oil or butter can slightly reduce calories but won’t make a huge difference.

Switching to jowar or bajra might be helpful since these flours are lower in calories and can be easier to digest for some people. If you feel bloated, your digestion might need support. Ayurvedic remedies like ginger, cumin, or fennel can aid digestion and reduce bloating.

For Ayurvedic weight loss, focusing on portion control and balancing the right foods for your dosha can make a difference. You could benefit from an Ayurvedic diet plan to ensure your body is digesting and absorbing nutrients effectively, which may help with weight loss.

Dr. Ayush Varma · Answer

Ah, the eternal dance with chapatis and atta on a weight loss journey. To dive straight in—one chapati (made from regular wheat atta) has around 70-75 calories. Multigrain atta might vary a bit, sometimes slightly lesser, sometimes more depending on the grains included. But it's not solely about calories, dear friend.

Turning to multigrain is often beneficial coz it packs a wider nutrient punch, although the calorie difference isn't that significant. The fibers from multiple grains can aid digestion, keeping you fuller longer, which might just help curb overeating.

Now about ghee... Ayurveda loves ghee for its digestive benefits and for balancing Vata dosha. But moderation is key. A teaspoon is usually fine, but if weight loss is your aim, maybe try reducing how much ghee you add. Toasting chapatis sans oil doesn’t really lower the calorie count, but it does keep you from adding more.

Regarding alternative flours like jowar or bajra—these can indeed be better for some as they have a lower glycemic index and may keep blood sugar levels steadier. They might not have significantly fewer calories, but they’re often lighter on the digestive system, especially if you feel bloated with wheat.

For dosha-specific advice—yes, Ayurveda's wisdom shines here. If you have a Kapha constitution (often linked to excess weight), lightening the grain choice can actually help. Jowar and bajra align more with reducing Kapha than wheat. Feeling bloated might indicate an Agni issue, where your digestive fire is a bit sluggish.

Enhancing digestion? Try sipping warm water or herbal teas with ginger throughout the day. A pinch of ajwain (carom seeds) post meals can also aid digestion. Ensuring your meals are warm, lightly spiced and not too heavy can be supportive, too.

Ultimately, balance and moderation are king. It's less about micro-managing calories and more about wholesome choices. You might look into an Ayurvedic diet plan tailored for your specific dosha and digestive needs for a more personalized path to weight loss. Listen to your body, and remember—consistency counts.

How many calories are there in atta, and does it affect weight loss? - #10068

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