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Fitness trainer reveals how he modified his Tamil diet for weight loss; flaunts his six-pack abs

For those on a weight loss journey, it is tricky to eliminate foods that are part of everyday meals. A fitness coach shared how he tweaked his Tamil diet to lose 22 kg while enjoying staple meals.

February 09, 2026 / 17:55 IST
Fitness trainer Kagivan Prabaharan said carbs are essential for building muscle, training, and recovery, especially when you’re busy burning fat. So he included rice in his daily diet but controlled the portions (Image: Pexels)
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  • Fitness trainer Kagivan lost 22 kg by modifying his traditional Tamil diet
  • He practiced portion control, added protein to every meal, and tweaked curries
  • Cultural foods can be enjoyed with healthier adjustments for weight loss

It is well known that diet plays an important role in weight loss. What’s required is not just eating healthy foods but also exercising portion control and adding sufficient protein. For this, you need not cut out traditional foods that are cooked on a daily basis, but make slight modifications that fit into your routine.

Fitness trainer Kagivan Prabaharan took to his Instagram account and shared that he followed the same approach to shed 22 kg. Alongside his new post, he wrote, “I didn’t stop eating Tamil food. I stopped eating it like I was trying to stay overweight. 50 lbs heavier vs. six-pack. Same culture, different system.”

3 changes to Tamil diet for weight loss

Portion control

Rice is a staple in Indian households which is enjoyed almost daily. The fitness trainer included it on his plate, but this time around, he controlled the portion. He clarified that carbs are essential for building muscle, training, and recovery, especially when you’re busy burning fat. They shouldn’t be treated as the enemy. So if you desire rice, you may have it, but in lesser quantities.

Protein in every meal

The fitness trainer called protein a “non-negotiable” part of his diet, acknowledging that Tamil meals are low in the nutrient. So he added what was missing from his plate: chicken, fish, Greek yoghurt, and tofu. He included these foods in every single meal of the day. This is because proteins ensure you feel full and burn fat at the same time.

Tweaking curries

Just as some foods are nutritionally higher than others, some curries were replaced with others that contained more vegetables and fibre. So he enjoyed keerai and beetroot without guilt. Meanwhile, paruppu and katharikai were eliminated from the diet as they are loaded with extra calories that don’t keep you full.

Finally, Kagivan said that he and his clients are proof that cultural foods don’t need to be abandoned; all you need to do is adopt a system that works for your body and overall fitness.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.

Gursimran Kaur Banga is a Delhi-based content creator, editor and storyteller.
first published: Feb 9, 2026 05:55 pm

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