Mon Apr 14 07:11:22 UTC 2025: ## Nutritionist Ranks Popular Indian Breakfasts: Idli Tops, Fruit Juice Bombs
**NEW DELHI** – Nutritionist Nmami Agarwal has stirred up the breakfast bowl with a recent Instagram post ranking the healthiness of common Indian breakfast foods. Her ratings offer a surprising look at what constitutes a truly balanced morning meal.
Agarwal gave top marks (10/10) to idli with sambar and coconut chutney, praising its balanced carbs, protein, and fiber content, and its fermented nature which benefits gut health. Moong dal dosa also received a perfect score for similar reasons. Poha, a popular Maharashtrian breakfast, scored a 6/10, deemed light and digestible but lacking in protein (easily remedied by adding sprouts, she suggests).
Conversely, thepla with curd received a 5/10 due to its low fiber content, while fruit juices and ready-to-eat cereals both earned a dismal 0/10, criticized for spiking blood sugar levels and increasing sugar cravings.
Agarwal emphasizes the importance of a balanced breakfast, regardless of regional variations. She advises adding protein (curd, paneer, sprouts, etc.), fiber (vegetables, fruits), and healthy fats (ghee, oils) to commonly eaten dishes and replacing sugary drinks with healthier alternatives like chaas or coconut water. She concludes that a healthy breakfast isn’t about fancy ingredients but about the right combination of nutritious elements. The nutritionist also stresses mindful eating and portion control.
First Piper 