We’ve all eaten Indomie at some point, as it’s one of the easiest meals to make in Nigeria. And, let’s be honest, the taste is not something you forget in a hurry.
However, if you’re on a weight loss journey, they’ll tell you to stop eating Indomie. Is Indomie really bad for weight loss as they make it appear? Let’s look at this properly.
What’s Inside One Pack of Indomie?
In one small pack of Indomie (70g), you get roughly:
- 320 calories
- About 45g of carbohydrates
- Around 7g to 8g
- Some fat from the seasoning oil
- High sodium
Super pack gives you about 540 calories, while Hungryman size takes the figure up to 860 calories. If you eat the Belle Full pack, you’re looking at 1,200 calories. The calories just keep increasing, especially if you eat it regularly.
The point is that Indomie is mostly carbohydrates and sodium. It has little fiber and protein, which are two important things that keep you full after a meal. Without them, you’ll be hungry again in no time after eating Indomie.
Are Indomie Noodles Good for Weight Loss?
Indomie noodles aren’t good for weight loss on their own. If you eat it plain with just noodles and seasoning, it’s not exactly a good weight-loss meal. Still, that doesn’t mean Indomie isn’t your enemy.
Based on our experience, what makes Indomie a problem for weight loss is how Nigerians eat it. Many people load up their plates with large portions, zero vegetables, and little or no eggs. That means there’s poor protein or fiber in the meal.
Can I Eat Indomie While Trying to Lose Weight?
Yes, you can eat Indomie while trying to lose weight, but it comes with conditions. First, we understand that removing noodles from your meals may not be easy. So, we’re not asking you to ban it. Just eat it the right way.
Here’s a simple plan you can follow:
- Eat it once in a while, not every day: If you eat Indomie three or four times a week, it’ll surely lead to fat. So, keep it to once or twice at most.
- Use half the seasoning: The sodium in Indomie mainly comes from the seasoning sachet. You should use half of it, and consider adding your own spices like pepper, onion, and crayfish instead.
- Add vegetables: Don’t leave out the ugu, spinach, cabbage, carrots, or tomatoes. These veggies are great for fiber, and they don’t add many calories.
- Always eat with protein: One or two boiled eggs, grilled chicken, or sardines will slow down how fast you get hungry again after eating.
- Go for the small pack: Remove your eye from big Indomie packs and go for the 70g small size. That’s the only way to keep the calories low.
How to Make Indomie Healthy for Weight Loss
If you must eat Indomie while trying to shed weight, follow our simple steps below to make it healthy:
- Step 1: Boil the noodles in water for 3 minutes, then drain them to remove some of the starch and sodium content.
- Step 2: In your pot, add a small amount of oil and fry onions, tomatoes, and pepper.
- Step 3: Add your vegetables like ugu, cabbage, scent leaf, or spinach.
- Step 4: Introduce protein such as boiled eggs, grilled fish, or sardines.
- Step 5: Put the drained noodles into the pan. Then, add half the seasoning sachet, or skip it completely and season with your own spices.
You’ll agree that our version of Indomie is completely different from the usual one most Nigerians make with just hot water. It’s healthier for weight loss because you’ll stay full for longer, while reducing the total calorie count.
Bottom Line
Eating Indomie on a weight loss journey is possible. That said, you have to be cautious about the way you prepare and consume it.
If you eat plain Indomie in large sizes every day, you’ll add more fat. Meanwhile, a small pack with half the seasoning, vegetables, and protein won’t ruin your progress when taken once or twice a week.
Our takeaway is not to depend on Indomie. It’s just a convenience food and was never designed to be a complete meal. Treat it that way, add what it lacks, control your portion, and you can still enjoy noodles while losing weight.
Indomie for weight loss FAQs
Does Indomie cause belly fat?
Indomie alone doesn’t directly cause belly fat. Belly fat comes from eating more calories than your body needs, over time. Indomie only contributes if you eat large sizes every day.
Is Indomie healthy for weight loss?
Plain Indomie isn’t healthy for weight loss. It’s high in sodium and low in fiber and protein, which is why you should eat it moderately.
Can I eat Indomie at night for weight loss?
Eating Indomie at night isn’t good for weight loss. At night, your body is less active and burns fewer calories, so consider eating a lighter meal instead.
Can Indomie cause weight gain?
Yes, Indomie can cause weight gain if you eat it the wrong way. To prevent it, eat smaller portions with more vegetables and protein.