Healthy Lentil Recipes For Weight Loss - RecipeMagik (2024)

Lentils are rich in protein and helps in weight loss. You can make so many recipes with lentils. Starting from healthy lentil soup recipes to lentil recipes that are not soup, brown lentil recipes, red lentil recipes, green lentil recipes, vegan lentil recipes, instant pot and slow cooker the list is never-ending.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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)QuantityProtein ContentCarb Content
Green Lentil100g25.8g60.08g
Red Lentil100g23g60.5g
Brown Lentil100g23.5g61g
Black Lentil100g25g59g

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.

Healthy Lentil Recipes for Weight Loss

Lentils are rich in protein and helps in weight loss. You can make so many recipes with lentils. Starting from healthy lentil soup recipes to lentil recipes that are not soup, brown lentil recipes, red lentil recipes, green lentil recipes, vegan lentil recipes, instant pot and slow cooker the list is never-ending.

4 from 1 vote

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Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes

0 minutes minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes minutes

Servings: 4 servings

Author: Anjali

INGREDIENTS

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Healthy Lentil Recipes For Weight Loss - RecipeMagik (2024)

FAQs

Can I eat lentils everyday to lose weight? ›

Eating more lentils may help people maintain a healthy weight or lose weight. Replacing energy-dense (or high calorie) foods with legumes such as lentils can help people prevent or manage obesity and lose weight. Research suggests that regularly eating lentils may help with the management and prevention of diabetes.

What's the healthiest way to eat lentils? ›

Lentils are a nutritious food that's low-fat and high in protein and fiber. While they make a delicious addition to a soup, stew or salad, you should not eat them raw. No matter which type of lentils you buy, you can easily cook them by boiling your lentils in water on the stove.

How do you cook lentils without losing protein? ›

Boil, then simmer

Once you've got your liquid and aromatics in, bring it all to a boil. Then immediately turn down the heat and simmer the mixture, covered, for 15 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning, then continue to simmer, uncovered, for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the lentils are just tender.

Do lentils reduce belly fat? ›

At Spatz we know that lentils for weight loss are nutritious foods high in protein and fibre and low in fat, which are a tasty addition that helps reduce belly fat.

Do lentils clean your gut? ›

Lentils are rich in a type of fiber that helps your digestive system work as it should and fuels good bacteria in your gut. Fiber may also help reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. “Fiber plays an important role in regulating our bowels and protecting the immune system,” says Homan.

Which color lentil is healthiest? ›

Black Lentils (Beluga lentils)

Thanks to the robust flavor, these lentils pair well with meaty veggies and marinated proteins like mushrooms, tofu, and seitan. Best of all, black lentils are the most nutritious variety of lentils, boasting the highest amount of protein, plus high levels of calcium, potassium, and iron.

Are lentils better than chickpeas for weight loss? ›

Cooked lentils have fewer calories than cooked chickpeas. If you want to lose weight, both are great options. However, you can eat more lentils than chickpeas for the same amount of weight gained. Calories measure the amount of energy in food.

Are lentils carbs or protein? ›

Lentils are high in fibre, and complex carbohydrates, while low in fat and calories. Their high protein content makes lentils a perfect option for those looking to boost their protein intake. They are naturally gluten-free, making them a delicious staple in a gluten-free kitchen.

Do lentils cleanse the liver? ›

Detox Value and Health Benefits of Lentils

Lentils are one of the most nutritious foods that cleanse the liver. In fact, their detox properties aren't the best thing about this particular legume.

How to avoid gas after eating lentils? ›

How Can You Eat Lentils Without Getting Gassy?
  1. Add fiber-rich foods slowly. ...
  2. Drink water. ...
  3. Avoid other behaviors that might make you feel gassy if you're adding more fiber to your diet, like chewing gum.
  4. Soak lentils before cooking them to minimize the gas they might cause.

What tastes good with lentils? ›

If you have a few root vegetables hanging out in your fridge, those are also great with lentils, like in this warm lentil and root vegetable salad with parsnips and carrots. Lentils are particularly nice with cheese, as in this grilled halloumi and lentil salad.

What pairs with lentils to make a complete protein? ›

Alternatively, a full complement of amino acids can be achieved by pairing lentils with whole grains such as rice or wheat. Lentils are also a great source of fiber, vitamin B1 and folic acid, and are naturally gluten-free.

Can I eat lentils every day? ›

However, it's worth bearing in mind – if you are planning on eating lentils every day – that the fibre they contain can be difficult to break down and can potentially cause gas and cramping if you eat too much of it.

Will I lose weight if I only eat lentils? ›

Lentils, pea-sized, disk-shaped legumes, can be brown, reddish-orange or green in color. No foods, including lentils, can make you lose weight or burn fat. Nevertheless, lentils are a diet-friendly food that can be a part of your weight loss eating plan.

Can eating too much lentils be bad? ›

Lentils are a good source of potassium, however, too many lentils in the diet can cause hyperkalemia (symptoms may include vomiting, fatigue, irregular heartbeat and difficulty breathing) in people with poor kidney function.

How many times a week can you eat lentils? ›

In terms of how often you should be eating lentils, enjoying them a few times per week is ideal to reap all their amazing benefits.

Can I eat 1 cup of lentils a day? ›

Dietary fibre helps fuel our healthy gut flora, which is responsible for reducing inflammation, fat build-up around the waist, and overall weight gain, among many other things. Just one cup of lentils provides more than half the recommended daily intake of fibre.

Are lentils too high in carbs? ›

Lentils are not suitable for those following a strict low-carb or keto diet. While they are rich in protein and fiber, they contain a high number of total and net carbs, with one cup of cooked legumes having 39.8 grams of total carbohydrates — that's already 50% of the daily carb allowance of a keto dieter.

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