Vada (Saravana Bhavan) (1 Serving) and Idli (1 Piece)

Reduce the portion: start with 1–2 small idlis or 1 small vada rather than having both in usual quantities, and avoid second servings.

Eat a protein- and fibre-first starter such as plain unsweetened yogurt, a moong-dal chilla, or non-starchy vegetables before the idli/vada.

Choose steamed idli more often than fried vada; if having vada, keep it to one small piece and avoid additional fried sides.

Add a generous portion of non-starchy vegetables, such as cucumber, tomato, spinach, cabbage, beans, or cauliflower, to slow absorption and make the meal more filling.

Avoid sweet chutneys, sugar-containing beverages, and large amounts of coconut chutney; choose a small portion of unsweetened mint or coriander chutney instead.

Take a 10–20 minute easy walk beginning soon after the meal, unless your clinician has advised against it.