• Published on: May 23, 2022
  • 2 minute read
  • By: Second Medic Expert

Diet Chart For Weight Gain

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The best diet chart for weight gain is one that is high in protein and calories. You should aim to eat a minimum of 1,600-1,800 calories per day, with at least 30% of those coming from protein. You'll also want to make sure you're getting plenty of vitamins and minerals to support your health and help with weight gain. Consider taking a multivitamin supplement if you're not getting all the nutrients you need from food. There is no one-size-fits-all diet chart for weight gain. What works for one person may not work for another. However, a general guideline to follow is to eat more calories than you burn each day.

In order to gain weight, you need to eat more healthy foods that are high in protein and calories. Good sources of protein include lean meats, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy products, and legumes. Healthy fats such as olive oil and nuts can also help boost your calorie intake. It's important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and avoiding processed foods, sugary drinks and excessive amounts of saturated and unhealthy fats.

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as everyone's body and metabolism are different. However, here are some general tips for healthy weight gain:

1. Eat plenty of protein. Protein is essential for building muscle mass.

2. Eat regular meals and snacks throughout the day. This will help keep your blood sugar levels stable and prevent cravings for unhealthy foods.

3. Avoid processed foods, sugary drinks, and junk food. These foods are high in calories but low in nutritional value.

4. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. These nutritious foods are low in calories but high in fiber and other essential nutrients.

5. Drink plenty of water

Consume more calories than you burn. This can be done by eating more meals throughout the day, and by including high-calorie foods in your diet. Eat a balanced diet that includes plenty of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. Avoid processed foods and sugary drinks. Drink plenty of water and other healthy beverages. Make sure you're getting enough vitamins and minerals. Exercise regularly.

A healthy, balanced diet that includes plenty of protein, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats is typically best for weight gain. In addition, it's important to make sure you're taking in enough calories each day - you may need to consume more than you're currently eating in order to gain weight. And finally, make sure you're getting plenty of exercise - lifting weights and doing resistance training are especially helpful for gaining muscle mass and adding weight.

Some basic tips for healthy weight gain include eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats. It's also important to drink plenty of water and avoid sugary drinks and processed foods. If you're looking to specifically add pounds, focus on eating more calories than you burn each day. This can be done by adding extra servings of healthy foods or by snacks between meals. It's also important to exercise regularly to help with weight gain. Some tips for gaining weight healthily include eating regularly throughout the day to keep your metabolism going, eating high-calorie snacks and meals between regular meals, and choosing calorie-rich foods like nuts, nut butters, avocado, cheese, oily fish, and whole grains. In addition, make sure to drink plenty of fluids and exercise regularly to help burn off excess calories.

In addition, you may want to consider adding some supplementary foods or supplements to help boost your calorie intake and support healthy muscle growth. Some good options include whey protein powder, maltodextrin powder, and weight gainer shakes. Be sure to speak with a doctor or nutritionist before making any changes to your diet.

A balanced diet chart for weight gain should include a variety of foods from all the food groups. It's important to eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein sources in order to provide your body with the nutrients it needs to grow muscle and gain weight.

Some good choices for protein include beef, chicken, pork, fish, eggs, dairy products, legumes, and nuts. You'll also need to make sure you're drinking enough fluids and getting regular exercise in order to help promote healthy weight gain.

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Hidden Sodium in Indian Foods

Hidden Sodium in Indian Foods – Why It Matters

When we think of salty foods, items like chips, pickles, and papads usually come to mind. But what if we told you that many everyday Indian dishes — the ones we consider "normal" or even "healthy" — are loaded with hidden sodium? This is especially important because excess salt (sodium) is a major factor behind rising cases of high blood pressure, heart disease, and kidney problems in India.

Let’s understand what hidden sodium is, why it is found in so many Indian foods, and how it silently affects your health.

 

What Is Sodium and Why Do We Need It?

Sodium is a mineral that our body needs in small amounts. It helps in:

  • Controlling blood pressure

  • Balancing fluids in the body

  • Supporting muscle and nerve function
     

But the key word here is “small” amounts.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an adult should not consume more than 2,000 mg of sodium per day — roughly one teaspoon of salt. However, studies show that Indians are consuming twice that amount, and often without realizing it.

 

What Is Hidden Sodium?

Hidden sodium refers to the salt content in foods that don’t taste salty or where you don’t expect salt. This includes:

  • Ready-made spice blends

  • Pickles and chutneys

  • Snacks like bhujia, samosas, or farsan

  • Bakery items like bread, biscuits, and cakes

  • Canned or preserved foods

  • Processed or packaged items like instant noodles or ready-to-eat meals
     

You might not sprinkle extra salt on these foods, but they already contain high levels of sodium.

 

Common Indian Foods High in Hidden Sodium

Here are some everyday foods that may surprise you with their sodium levels:

1. Pickles and Papads

Almost every Indian household has pickles and papads. A single spoon of pickle or a piece of papad can have 200-300 mg of sodium. We eat them as sides, but they add up quickly in your daily intake.

2. Spice Mixes and Masalas

Store-bought masalas like garam masala, chaat masala, and pav bhaji masala often contain added salt to enhance flavor. Every spoon you add means more sodium, even if you don’t add salt separately.

3. Instant and Packaged Foods

Instant noodles, soups, and snacks like sev, murukku, or mixture are loaded with salt to preserve them and enhance taste. Even a small packet can exceed 1,000 mg sodium!

4. Street Food

Street foods like chaat, vada pav, samosa, and pakoras are often seasoned heavily with salty masalas, chutneys, and sauces.

5. Restaurant & Takeaway Food

Curries, biryanis, dals, and even roti or naan from restaurants contain more salt than home-cooked food. Chefs add salt multiple times – during marination, cooking, and seasoning.

 

How Hidden Sodium Affects Your Health

1. High Blood Pressure

Sodium pulls water into the bloodstream, increasing blood volume. This raises your blood pressure, putting strain on the heart.

2. Heart Disease & Stroke

Over time, high blood pressure damages arteries, leading to heart attacks and strokes — two of the biggest killers in India.

3. Kidney Damage

Excess sodium makes kidneys work harder, and over time, they may fail to remove toxins efficiently.

4. Water Retention and Bloating

High sodium causes your body to hold on to extra water, making you feel puffy and bloated.

5. Increased Risk of Osteoporosis

Too much salt can cause the body to lose calcium, leading to weak bones over time.

 

Why Is This a Bigger Issue in India?

  • Cultural habits: We love flavor, and salt enhances taste. From spicy pickles to tangy chaat, salt is everywhere in Indian cuisine.
     

  • Lack of awareness: Many people don’t know that even “non-salty” foods like biscuits or bread have sodium.
     

  • No clear labeling: Many Indian packaged foods don’t clearly mention sodium levels.
     

  • Rising packaged food consumption: Urban lifestyles mean more reliance on processed foods.
     

 

How to Reduce Hidden Sodium in Your Diet

You don’t need to give up your favorite Indian foods — just make smarter choices:

Read Labels

Look for “low sodium” or “no added salt” options in packaged foods. Check the nutrition panel for sodium content.

Cook at Home

Cooking at home gives you full control over how much salt you use. Avoid adding salt to rice or chapati dough.

Limit Pickles, Papads & Chutneys

Enjoy these in moderation — they are sodium bombs. Use smaller portions or make low-salt versions at home.

Cut Back on Packaged Snacks

Instead of salted namkeen, go for roasted chana, fresh fruits, or homemade snacks.

Use Herbs & Spices

Flavor your food with herbs like coriander, mint, curry leaves, or spices like cumin, turmeric, ginger, garlic, and mustard. They add taste without the salt.

Avoid Extra Table Salt

Don’t sprinkle salt on salads, curd, or fruits. Train your taste buds to enjoy food with less salt.

Hydrate Well

Drink enough water daily — it helps flush out excess sodium from the body.

 

A Word for Those With Health Issues

If you have high blood pressure, kidney issues, or are at risk of heart disease, you need to be even more careful. Talk to your doctor or a dietitian about a low-sodium diet plan suitable for your lifestyle.

 

Conclusion: Don’t Let Sodium Stay Hidden

Sodium is essential in small amounts, but hidden sodium in Indian foods is putting your health at risk — quietly, every day. The problem is not just about adding less salt; it's about knowing where the salt is hiding.

Start small — read food labels, choose fresh over processed, and use herbs to flavor your meals. With a little awareness and effort, you can take control of your salt intake and protect your long-term health.

Take the first step towards a healthier heart and body by learning more about hidden sodium in Indian foods – why it matters.

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