Healthy Lentil Recipes for Weight Loss

Healthy Lentil Recipes for Weight Loss - The humble lentil is a versatile legume with a mild and nutty taste.

Whether you're cooking lentils for dinner, a potluck, or looking for other ways to incorporate the healthy legumes into your diet, we've got you covered. Here are some healthy lentil recipes.

Healthy Vegetarian Lentil Recipes

Talking about Healthy Lentil recipes, let me tell you some quick facts about lentils.

• Lentils are an excellent source minerals like of Magnesium, Folate, Iron, Potassium, and Zinc.
• Lentils are rich in fiber.
• Lentils contain zero Cholesterol.
• 100g of raw lentils contain about 25g of protein.
• Lentils contains just 1% Fat.

Are lentils good for weight loss?

Yes. Lentils are excellent for Weight Loss.

Lentils contain fiber. Fiber makes you feel full for a longer period of time, cutting out those hunger cravings.

This is especially helpful when you want to increase your metabolism and burn belly fat.

This brings me to your next question - Do Lentils cause belly fat?

If you ask me technically, then I would say yes and a no. Lentils contain high fiber. Therefore lentils can make you feel full.

This is especially true for people who are not used to having high fiber foods.

But, if you ask me if lentils cause belly fat? Then I would say NO.

Lentils cannot cause belly fat.

It increases your metabolism and actually provides you with sufficient energy that helps you burn that fat.

Easy Lentil Recipes

Slow Cooker Lentil Chili

Simple Dump and Forget Healthy Lentil recipe that is not soup. Just 10-minutes of prep and what you get is absolutely delicious.

Slow Cooker Lentil and Rice

One of the most easiest Lentil recipes with just 4-ingredients. Also known by the name - Egyptian Lentil and Rice, this basic lentil recipe is definitely something you are gonna love.

Instant Pot Lentil Soup

This quick and easy lentil recipe is hearty comforting and filling. Topped with crispy bacon this lentil soup recipe is super-tasty.

Vegan Lentil Coconut Curry

Looking for Healthy Lentil recipes that are vegan? Try this Vegan Lentil Coconut Curry. Since its a curry, therefore if you are looking for Indian lentil recipe, then this is it.

Vegan Lentil Loaf

Vegan Lentil Loaf or Vegan Meatloaf or Meatless Meatloaf is one of my favorite Lentil recipes. Thanks to the sticky Maple glaze this non-meaty and yet meaty Lentil Loaf recipe has always got a special place in my dinner menu.

Lentil Sloppy Joes

These delicious Instant Pot Lentil Sloppy Joes doesn't ask you soak your lentils. Instant Pot lentil recipes are one of my favorites. All that you have to do is just wash, rinse, and drain your lentils. Place them in the instant pot and you are all sorted.

Lentil Bolognese with Spaghetti

If you need a vegan lentil recipe that is equally healthy then try Lentil Bolognese with Gluten-Free Spaghetti. Hearty, Healthy, and Comforting this Lentil recipe is something that I often make for meatless mondays.

Brown lentil Soup

This traditional brown lentil soup is something that I attach with my childhood. My mom used to make it all the time. Creamy, Nutty, Hearty, Buttery, and with that delectable touch of Cumin this brown lentil soup is so healthy and absolutely delicious.

Baked Lentil Hand Pies

Crispy on the outside and meaty on the inside these Baked Lentil Hand Pies are one of the healthiest Lentil recipes. If you are wondering what to make with lentils then here is a quick snack that you'll love.

Dahi Vada

Dahi Vada or Lentil Balls Soaked in Spiced Yogurt Sauce is one of the most common Indian snack that can also be served as a dessert. This lentil recipe has been one of my childhood favorites.

do lentils needs to be soaked before cooking?

I personally like to soak my lentils before cooking. Although its not a rule that you should soak your lentils before cooking.

lentils are really small and unlike beans or chickpeas they don't require much soaking.

But, it is advisable that you soak your lentils before cooking.

WHY?

• Soaking lentils activates a compound called Phytate that increases the mineral absorption capacity of your body.
• When you soak lentils there is a far less chance that you'll feel bloating or gassy after eating it.
• Soaking lentils activates a compound called amylase. Amylase helps in digestion. Therefore it can be said that soaked lentils are easy on your digestive system.

do lentils make you poop?

Lentils contain fiber. And fiber makes you poop.

This is like the most common concept we all have. But do you know that lentil contain both insoluble and soluble fiber. Insoluble fiber increases bowel movements and prevents us from colon cancer.

On the other hand, soluble fiber maintains blood sugar levels and keeps our heart healthy (contains significant amount of magnesium and folate).

are lentils a protein or carb?

First lets see the facts:

Type of lentil (raw/uncooked)	Quantity	Protein Content	Carb Content
Green Lentil	100g	25.8g	60.08g
Red Lentil	100g	23g	60.5g
Brown Lentil	100g	23.5g	61g
Black Lentil	100g	25g	59g

As you can clearly see from the chart that Lentils (no matter which one you choose) contains 25% Protein and 60% carbs.

What do lentils go well with?

You can serve your lentils with the following:

• Rice - Plain Rice, Fried Rice, Jeera Rice, Cauliflower Rice, Coconut Rice, Curd rice and etc.
• Burrito - Make your own burrito such as Black Bean Quinoa Burrito Bowl or Buffalo Cauliflower Burrito and etc.
• Salads - Strawberry Chicken Salad or Vegan Tuna Salad or Cucumber Red Onion Avocado Salad can be an excellent combination with these healthy lentil recipes.