Lentil diet: beneficial properties and recipes
If you are looking for an effective way to lose weight that is also healthy, you may want to consider the lentil diet. This diet is based on the consumption of lentils, a rich source of protein, fiber and other nutrients.
Opting for lentils
Lentils are a vegetable that is high in protein but low in fat and cholesterol. It is also rich in fiber, which helps improve digestion, control blood sugar and lower cholesterol. Lentils are high in folic acid, which is important for the health of pregnant women and prevents the risk of heart disease, stroke and even cancer.
Lentils are also rich in antioxidants, which help prevent cancer, especially colorectal and breast cancer. Research shows that regularly eating lentils may reduce the risk of developing these types of cancer.
Some examples of the daily menu
You can start a lentil diet without any special preparation. For breakfast you can choose one of the following options:
- one yogurt, 50 g muesli, one pear and a teaspoon of honey;
- two toasts with low-fat cottage cheese and two teaspoons of honey;
- one piece of coarse bread with butter and two pieces of ham.
For lunch, you can choose one of the lentil dishes, for example, lentil soup or rice with lentils in tomato. Between meals, you can snack on fruit, a glass of tomato or other juice with pulp, or a glass of low-fat kefir. Green tea and mineral water - in unlimited quantities.
For dinner you can choose one of the following options:
- one of the lentil dishes;
- 1 artichoke and a portion of vinaigrette with a piece of coarse bread;
- 1 piece of bread with lean cheese, onions and radishes;
- a bowl of vegetable soup.
Tasty and healthy: lentil dishes
Lentils can be used to prepare many delicious dishes. Below we will look at some examples.
Lentil soup
To prepare soup for two people, you will need 200 g of lentils, 100 g of carrots, 100 g of potatoes, 50 g of onions, 150 g of rabbit fillet, vegetable oil and low-fat sour cream. The lentils need to be boiled and drained. Then add finely chopped carrots, potatoes and onions to boiling water and cook until tender. In another frying pan, fry the chopped rabbit fillet until golden brown. Then you need to add it to the soup. You can serve the soup with sour cream.
Rice with lentils in tomato
To prepare this dish for two people you will need 200 g of rice, 100 g of lentils, 1 onion, 2 tomatoes, 1 clove of garlic, olive oil, salt and pepper. Lentils need to be boiled until tender. Rice needs to be cooked in a separate pan. In another pan, fry the chopped onion and garlic in olive oil until golden brown. Then you need to add the diced tomatoes and simmer over medium heat until you get tomato paste. Then you need to add boiled lentils and cooked rice to the pan. Mix all ingredients, salt and pepper to taste.
Lentil hummus
To prepare hummus for two people, you will need 200 g of boiled lentils, 1 clove of garlic, 2 tablespoons of tahini, 1 lemon, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt and pepper to taste. All ingredients must be placed in a blender and mixed until smooth. You can serve hummus with vegetables or bread.
conclusions
The lentil diet can be an effective way to lose weight that also has health benefits. Lentils are rich in protein, fiber and other beneficial substances that help improve digestion, control blood sugar and lower cholesterol. Lentil dishes can be delicious and varied, and can be prepared in a variety of ways.