Sunil Chhetri is a devout vegetarian who believes in nourishing his body with lighter, easy-to-digest meals for optimal performance on the field. Last year, the Indian footballer revealed that he had also given up milk. But a true foodie at heart, even Sunil Chhetri cannot resist the pull of cheat meals once in a while. During an interview, he shared that when taking a break from his strict diet, he likes to indulge in Delhi’s staple chhole bhature.
“I can eat a lot. Don’t be fooled by my body, I will surprise you. I can eat. When served hot, and you can tear the bhatura and watch the steam go out, I can polish off 5, 6, 7 plates easily, which is what? 10-12 bhaturas,” Chhetri told Lallantop Cinema.
But is it a healthy indulgence?
Roopa Soni, nutritionist and founder, Soulfit Cloud Kitchen, Dehradun, told indianexpress.com that chhole bhature is an ideal combination of carbohydrates, fats and proteins, “but being fried and oily, they are not a healthy option to have”.
Fauziya Ansari, Dietitian, Apollo Spectra Mumbai, concurred, adding that bhatura is a deep-fried bread that tends to be high in calories and unhealthy fats. Chhole, or chickpea curry, can be a good source of plant-based protein and fibre, but it’s typically cooked with oil and spices.
“But once in a while, having it as a cheat meal — but with salad — helps you to balance the meal because if you consume salad in the beginning, the fibre fills up the stomach, leaving less space for the cheat to be consumed in excess,” said Soni.
Sunil Chhetri loves chhole bhature (Source: Instagram/@myfood_journall)
How can you make this dish healthier?
To make this meal more balanced, you can consider a few modifications, as suggested by Ansari:
Portion control: Be mindful of the serving sizes. Keep the bhatura portion moderate and focus on a larger serving of chhole and salad.
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Choose healthier cooking methods: Instead of deep-frying the bhatura, try baking or using an air fryer to reduce the amount of oil used. Similarly, when cooking the chhole, use minimal oil and opt for healthier spices and cooking techniques.
Increase vegetable content: Include a variety of colourful vegetables in your salad to boost its nutrient content. This can help add more vitamins, minerals, and fiber to your meal.
Hydration and mindful eating: Drink plenty of water before and during the meal to aid digestion and help control portion sizes. Eating mindfully, and focusing on the flavours and textures can also help you feel more satisfied.
“Remember, cheat meals are meant to be enjoyed in moderation and as a break from your usual eating routine. It’s important to balance them with healthier choices throughout the rest of your meals and maintain an overall balanced diet for optimal nutrition,” Ansari said.
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According to Dr Soumita Biswas, Chief Nutritionist, Aster RV Hospital, chhole bhature offer about 430–500 kcal per plate. Instead, she recommends having chhole with 2 phulkas or a small portion of steamed rice instead of bhature, plus salad.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
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