Homemade - Idly - South Indian (1 idly)

Reduce the idly portion (for example, have 1–2 instead of a large serving) and avoid seconds; eat slowly and stop when comfortably full.

Pair idly with a protein-rich side such as unsweetened plain yogurt, eggs, tofu, or a generous bowl of sambar with extra lentils and non-starchy vegetables.

Add a high-fiber vegetable starter or side, such as cucumber, tomato, spinach, okra, cauliflower, or cabbage, before eating the idly.

Choose homemade batter with a higher proportion of urad dal and consider mixing in small amounts of ground flaxseed or psyllium husk to increase fiber.

Avoid sweet chutneys, sugar, sweetened coffee/tea, fruit juice, and other refined-carbohydrate foods alongside the meal; choose coconut chutney or mint-coriander chutney without added sugar instead.

Take a 10–20 minute easy walk after the meal, if safe for you, to help reduce the post-meal rise.