Exploring The Desi Videshi Breakfast Options! Which Is More Healthy?

Which is your favorite desi videshi breakfast food? In India, some people have homemade desi breakfasts such as idli, dosa, poha, and parathe, and some like to have packaged videshi breakfasts such as cornflakes, muesli, and instant oats.

The first meal of the day holds great power to kickstart your day. It shouldn’t be about filling your stomach after a long fast. The main focus should be nourishing your body so you are fully energized till lunch. 

In this blog, we will understand the ideal breakfast type, the difference between desi and videshi breakfast, and which is the healthiest.

Desi Vs. Videshi Breakfast

Desi breakfast is the traditional breakfast food option prepared at home. It includes whole grains, a variety of spices, lentils, and vegetables.

Whereas, the videshi breakfast option is the one that comes in a convenient, pre-packaged form. It reflects Western dietary habits for quick preparation and immediate consumption.

Here is a brief comparison of desi videshi breakfast options. Moreover, this will help you understand which is the healthiest option.

Desi Homemade Breakfast Options

Desi homemade breakfast options contain different flavors, textures, and nutritional ingredients. They provide a complete nutritional boost to start your day right. 

Therefore, let’s have a look at some common healthy Indian breakfast options:

1. Idli

It is one of the best Indian breakfast options which is light and filling too. Idli is made from rice and lentil batter and then steamed in an idli steamer. Serving idlis with a generous amount of sambar makes the meal complete in proteins and carbs.

Vegetable Idli: Easy Breakfast Recipe For Weight Loss At Home

2. Dosa

It is also made from fermented rice and lentil batter. Unlike idli, it is made in a form of a crisp pancake, filled with aloo masala. Serve it along with chutney and sambar to make it wholesome.

Rice Flour Dosa Recipe: A Homemade South Indian Delight

3. Poha

It is a popular breakfast option in central and west India. The main ingredient of this dish is fat rice flakes. They are washed and stir-fried with onion, potatoes, tomatoes, spices, peanuts, and coriander. It is super light on the stomach and also makes you feel full for a long.

Indori Poha: A Quick, Healthy, And Tasty Breakfast Recipe!

4. Luchi Aloor Dum

This is a famous dish in Bengali cuisine. Luchi is fried bread which is usually made from refined flour but you can use whole wheat flour too. Aloor dum is flavourful potato curry which includes the benefits of Indian spices.

Tips For Making The Perfect Luchi Recipe

5. Upma

It is a savory porridge kind of dish that is made from semolina (rava) and vegetables. The seasoning of the recipe includes mustard seeds, curry leaves, spices, and salt. It is a popular dish in south Indian states which keeps you satiated for a long.

Sooji Upma- An Authentic South Indian Breakfast Recipe

6. Roti

It is a type of Indian bread also known as chapati. Usually, it includes whole wheat, but you can also include other grains such as ragi, jowar, and jau. It is made from whole flour on a flat skillet known as tawa.

As it is made from only whole wheat flour it is high in fiber and complex carbohydrates and low in fat. Moreover, it pairs well with vegetables, lentils, or any curry.

Ragi Roti Recipe: A Healthy Twist To Desi Chapati [Finger Millet]

7. Thepla

Thepla is a popular thin flatbread from Gujarati cuisine. The recipe includes whole wheat flour, methi (fenugreek), and a blend of spices. It pairs well with yogurt and pickles and you enjoy it as a snack, breakfast, or a part of the main meal. So, try our ghiya thepla as a healthy breakfast option.

Ghiya Thepla Recipe – An Easy Breakfast Dish For Your Craving!

8. Pav Bhaji

It is a common street food and also a go-to breakfast option in India. This recipe includes spicy vegetable mash (bhaji) along with toasted bread rolls (pav). It includes varieties of vitamins and minerals and the inclusion of peas also adds a bit of protein to it.

Pav Bhaji Recipe: A Tasty And Healthy Way To Make At Home

Health Benefits Of Homemade Desi Breakfast

Indeed homemade desi breakfasts are delicious but they also provide a wholesome nutritional boost for an energized day. 

• Dishes made from whole wheat flour provide complex carbohydrates and fiber. Complex carbohydrates provide consistent energy and fiber helps with a slow release of sugar in the blood. This makes you full for a long and reduces the likelihood of frequent eating. 
• Fermented foods like idli and dosa are rich in probiotics due to fermentation. These probiotics maintain a healthy gut and aid in digestion.
• Complex carbohydrates in recipes like upma, dosa, etc. provide continuous energy. Moreover, they are low in fat which makes them suitable for a balanced diet.
• The accompaniments such as sambar, chutney, and curd make the meal rich with complete protein. Moreover, they are rich in vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber which supports overall health. 
• The spices in the recipes are rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. They improve the body’s immune system and protect it from any kind of inflammation.

Videshi Packaged Breakfast Options

Why do people use the packaged breakfast options? It is just to make their busy morning convenient. But do you think these easily available conveniences are nutritious? Let’s find out!

1. Cereals:  The packaged cereals are typically made from processed corn, wheat, or oats. They are fortified and include added sugar. Popular varieties include cornflakes, muesli, and granola. 

2. Instant Oatmeals: Usually they include rolled or quick oats. Additionally, they are pre-flavored with fruits, nuts, artificial sweeteners, and additives.

3. Breakfast Bars: It is another addition to the category of ready-to-eat foods. The ingredients of breakfast bars include oats, nuts, fruits, sweeteners, artificial flavors, and preservatives.

4. Frozen Waffles: It is also a quick and easy source of carbohydrates. The ingredients of these waffles include refined flour, eggs, sugar, and leaving agents. They are pre-cooked and frozen to increase their shelf life. 

So the videshi packaged breakfast options are quick and easy to prepare. Additionally, they provide a quick source of energy and are fortified with vitamins and minerals. However, they are not good for our health. Let’s understand how our body reacts after eating these food items.

Potential Drawbacks Of Videshi Breakfast Options

Now we know that videshi breakfast options include more refined grains, sugar, and other artificial ingredients. So, let’s understand the potential drawbacks of these food items.

• They are high in added sugar. Consuming food items with high-added sugar leads to blood sugar spikes and increases hunger. This increases your food cravings and can lead to weight gain.
• High sugar-containing foods increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and other metabolic disorders.
• Artificial preservatives and additives have adverse health effects. They can cause allergic reactions, hyperactivity in children, and other long-term health risks. 
• Apart from added sugar, many packaged breakfast options contain high sodium. Regular consumption of high sodium foods can cause hypertension (high BP), heart issues, and stroke.
• The use of refined grains in making processed cereals instead of whole grains is not good for health. They have low fiber content and high glycemic index, which leads to faster digestion, blood sugar spikes, and less energy.

What Is An Ideal Breakfast? 

In the tug of war between desi videshi, an ideal breakfast includes all nutrients in a balance and provides continuous energy to kickstart your day. It should include a good balance of macronutrients such as carbohydrates, lean proteins, healthy fats, and fibers. Moreover, it should also include vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

So, include whole grains like ragi, millet, and whole wheat chapattis along with some protein in the form of eggs, yogurt, or nuts. Don’t forget to add fruits and vegetables because they add a good amount of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. 

Your healthy breakfast plate can include whole grain chapattis, with some yogurt. On the side include a small bowl of your favorite veggies. Also, add some fruits and a handful of nuts. 

Indian breakfast options are primarily rich in carbs, so try including a good amount of protein in the form of nuts, dairy, and eggs. Vegetarians if you find it difficult to complete your protein intake then have a handful of pistachios. Studies say that it contains all the 9 essential amino acids that are body needs.

Therefore, make your breakfast ideal with whole grains, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. This will help you start your day well.

Conclusion

In conclusion, now you know that the packaged breakfast that you are feeding yourself and your kids is not the healthiest option. They include refined grains, a lot of added sugar, artificial sweeteners, preservatives, and additives.

So, don’t get confused by the marketers who claim the packaged product is the healthiest for you. Go for healthy homemade breakfast options, and balance it with other macro and micronutrients that it lacks. That will make an ideal breakfast.

If your mornings are busy and you don’t have time to make breakfast, then try our easy and healthy breakfast ideas to start your day. So, eat healthy and stay healthy!

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is The Main Difference Between Desi Videshi Breakfast Options?

Desi breakfast options are traditional Indian breakfast which includes natural and local ingredients. On the other hand, videshi breakfast options are packaged and processed items.

Can Desi Breakfasts Help With Weight Loss?

Yes, homemade Indian healthy breakfasts can help in your weight loss journey. This is because they are high in fiber and with proper balance provide a good amount of proteins. These nutrients provide satiety and reduce the likelihood of overeating.

What Are Some Protein Rich Deshi Breakfast Options?

Protein rich deshi breakfast includes moong dal chilla, paneer paratha, besan cheela, sprouted moong salad, etc. So, try to include these recipes in your breakfast.

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Disclaimer

This blog post will help you make healthier and better health choices. So be aware and take care. The most important thing to consider is your health before starting any specific diet or routine. Always seek advice from a doctor or dietitian if you have any concerns before starting.

Eat Healthy, Live Healthy. Enjoy a long, happy life.