Are you hoping to lose weight or shave off some inches before bikini season hits? Then it may be time to work some lentils into your diet. Lentils are an extremely healthy legume (think peas, beans and peanuts) and they're packed full of nutrients, like magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, folic acid and calcium. But what's more than that: they can also aid in weight loss. Read on and I'll tell you how!
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Though they're not a miracle cure, when combined with regular physical activity and a balanced diet, lentils can actually speed up weight loss results in the long run.
Here's how they do it: They're full of fiber and fiber is crucial, not just to keeping your digestive tract clean, clear and in proper working order, but also in staving off hunger. Fiber lowers your blood cholesterol and gives your body that feeling of fullness. This means you'll eat less, consume fewer calories and, over time, lose more weight.
They're a low-fat protein: Lentils are full of protein, and they're extremely low in fat. In fact, a half cup of lentils has a whopping 9 grams of protein but only 115 calories total. That means you get that satisfied, full feeling without consuming too many calories doing it. Plus, protein helps you build up muscle mass, and the more muscle you have, the more your metabolism works at rest.
They create gels: Lentils have a high soluble fiber content, so they produce gels when digested by your body. These gels bind with bile and carbohydrates, slowing down the rate at which they're absorbed. Ultimately, this cuts down on hunger and reduces overall calorie consumption.
They increase energy: Thanks to the slow-burning carb effect that lentils produce, they're able to give you a long-lasting burst of energy. This energy is crucial to a healthy metabolism, and it's extremely vital if you're working out on a regular basis.
In addition to their weight loss-inducing properties, lentils also offer a number of other health benefits. They can ward off birth defects, heart disease, dementia and osteoporosis. Plus, they can lower your blood pressure and cholesterol, and stabilize blood sugar.
Cooking & preparing lentils: Lentils come in a variety of colors, the most popular being brown, red and green. Similar to rice, they're best cooked in boiling water, and seasoned with some salt or pepper. Lentils do tend to get mushy, however, so it's important not to overcook them. The majority of lentils will cook in 30 minutes or less, so be sure to test your batch often to ensure it doesn't over-cook.
You can also cook lentils in chicken or vegetable stock or add them to a soup or stew for a little extra flavor. They're also great on top of salads, as they add a quick and easy protein.
So get into lentils! If you're looking to slim down before swimsuit season, then consider working some lentils into your diet. These protein-packed legumes offer just what you need to get healthy, stay fit and feel great.
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