Coconut Chutney (1 Tablespoon), Sambar (1 Cup) and Idli (1 Piece)

Reduce the idli portion (for example, have 1–2 instead of a larger serving) and keep coconut chutney and sambar as accompaniments rather than adding extra idlis.

Start the meal with a non-starchy vegetable salad or cooked vegetables such as cucumber, tomato, spinach, beans, or cabbage to slow absorption.

Add a protein side such as plain unsweetened Greek yogurt, paneer, eggs, tofu, or moong dal chilla; avoid sweetened yogurt.

Choose sambar with plenty of vegetables and dal, and avoid adding sugar, jaggery, or sweetened packaged chutneys.

Make coconut chutney without added sugar and use a moderate amount; add roasted chana dal or peanuts for more protein and fat.

Take a 10–20 minute easy walk after eating, if medically appropriate, to help blunt the rise.