Is it possible to eat lentils while losing weight?

Legumes are considered to be one of the first plant species cultivated by humans. Their diversity strikes the imagination, and among them there is not a single blatantly harmful. All of them are natural, very useful products. Different countries have their own favorite. For Asia Minor and part of southern Europe is lentils. Many ways have been invented to prepare them, including for dietary diets, where the main goal is to lose weight.

Composition and benefits of lentils

It contains a large amount of vegetable protein, close in composition to animal protein. In some properties, lentils are similar to peas, but are easier to digest and do not cause increased gas.

It is a thermophilic plant and tolerates drought very well but is quick to die even in light frosts. It is produced on an industrial scale in India, Turkey, Canada and Iran.

The useful properties of the cereal have been known since the Neolithic period. Ancient Egyptian frescoes and murals depict the process of making bread and lentil stew, and remnants of it have been found in ancient Greek settlements. The food was considered an everyday food, with lentils placed in tombstones having ritual significance. Many varieties have been bred, at the core: brown, red, beluga and pui varieties.

In the composition of the legume crop, in the absence of fat, a large amount of carbohydrates, which give a long feeling of satiety. Iron and folic acid, as well as micro and macronutrients, a number of vitamins, Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids and tryptophan give the product a special value. The substances are best absorbed in combination with fresh herbs, tomatoes, sweet and hot peppers. Dishes are low-calorie, which is especially appreciated in diet cuisine for weight correction. In this case, the product replenishes nutrient deficiencies, maintaining a cheerful spirit, a good mood and a burst of energy.

Regular consumption of lentils allows:

• prevent the development of cancer of the digestive system;
• stabilize the central nervous system;
• stimulate the metabolism;
• increase body resistance;
• eliminate toxins;
• Improve the function of the genitourinary system.

In its nutritional value it is not inferior to bread, cereals, partially able to replace animal protein with a caloric content in the range 125 kcal. per 100 grams of product.

Recipes for weight loss

Lenten menu can be very tasty and nutritious, if you diversify the palette of flavors lentil soup, cook groats as a side dish, enter into the composition of salads.

Lentils as a side dish

Perfectly combined with meat, lean fish and poultry. For a glass of groats, preferably brown or green variety, take 50 grams of bell peppers, carrots and onions, 1 large tomato, 3 cloves of fresh garlic. Vegetables are fried, and then stewed under a lid for no more than 5 minutes. Then put the lentils on top of an even layer, pour a glass of water, set the heat to maximum. After boiling, turn down the heat to minimum, put the lid on and simmer for 40 minutes. Depending on the type of lentils, sometimes you need to add a little more water. Can be served as a separate dish with sweet and sour sauces or as a side dish.

Soup of the day.

2 cups of cereal is poured with water for 10 minutes, and then cooked over low heat with the addition of garlic and thyme. A half-ringed head of onion is cut in vegetable oil, then slices of fresh tomato are added and finally 1/2 tbsp of flour is poured into the mixture. Everything is put in a saucepan with boiled lentils and kept on the fire for another 15 minutes. To fully develop the taste, chopped greens are added to the ready dish. The soup should stand for another 5-10 minutes, then it can be served to the table.

Kaleidoscope Salad

To the pre-boiled lentils you add fresh vegetables:

• red and yellow bell peppers;
• tomatoes;
• onions;
• cucumber;
• mint, basil, parsley, dill.

The dressing is olive oil infused with a mixture of garlic, basil and black pepper.

The introduction of lentils to the diet helps to reduce appetite, speed up the metabolism, activate the removal of excess fluid and toxins from the body. And the rich taste and variety of dishes will not give in to the temptation of buns, jams and other unwanted products that are excluded when losing weight. Lentils help not only to reduce weight, but also to keep the achieved result.