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.

Healthy Lentil Recipes For Weight Loss - RecipeMagik (2)

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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INSTRUCTIONS

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Healthy Lentil Recipes For Weight Loss - RecipeMagik (2024)

FAQs

What to eat with lentils for weight loss? ›

For a complete meal, add naan (flatbread) or a rice dish and a vegetable curry dish. Per serving: 193 calories, 8g fat, 24g carb, 9g protein, 490 mg sodium, 4g fiber. This nutrition information is for the dal only. You need to add any flatbread, rice, or vegetable curry if eaten.

How many lentils should I eat a day to lose weight? ›

Eating about 3/4 cup (130 grams) each day of these foods known as pulses led to a weight loss of 0.34 kilograms (just over half a pound), in a systematic review and meta-analysis of all available clinical trials on the effects of eating pulses.

Will I lose weight if I only eat lentils? ›

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.

Do lentils burn belly fat? ›

Lentils and beans are rich in soluble fiber, which is the single best carbohydrate to help you burn belly fat. "Soluble fiber forms a thick gel when it binds with water in the body," Tracy said. "This gel that forms therefore slows digestion in the body, which keeps you feeling full for longer!

When should you not eat lentils? ›

If you have any existing gut issues (such as irritable bowel syndrome) or autoimmune conditions (such as Crohn's or Hashimoto's), lectins are likely to be far more problematic for you. Raw or undercooked lentils are exceedingly harmful and can even result in death for some people.

Which color lentil is healthiest? ›

Black Lentils (Beluga lentils)

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.

Can I eat 1 cup of lentils a day? ›

Eating lentils every day is generally not harmful and can actually be beneficial for your health. Lentils are a good source of protein, fiber, complex carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. They are also low in fat and calories, making them a great food to include in a healthy and balanced diet.

Can eating too much lentils be bad? ›

Lentils, like some fruits and vegetables, contain fiber that's difficult for your body to break down. It also helps produce good bacteria in your gut. But too much can cause cramping and gas. To minimize these symptoms, Homan recommends gradually increasing your fiber intake.

What is healthier than lentils? ›

However, because they are good fats, we're willing to declare Chickpeas as the winner when it comes to fats. Fats from plants and vegetables in particular tend to be healthy. Chickpea and lentils both only contain what scientists consider "good fats." Therefore, Chickpeas are better as they have more "good fats."

Are lentils better for you than potatoes? ›

Lentils can also help reduce blood sugar. In a study that included 48 healthy adults, replacing half of the carbs from rice or potatoes with carbs from cooked lentils at a meal led to significant decreases in post-meal blood sugars compared with eating rice or potatoes alone (12).

Which is healthier green or brown lentils? ›

Experts consider green lentils healthier than the other varieties. One-half cup of cooked lentils has: Calories: 140. Fat: 0.5 grams.

Do lentils clean your gut? ›

Lentils are especially rich in prebiotic fibre which promotes digestive function and 'fuels' the beneficial gut bacteria which are so important for our health. A diet rich in fibre is associated with a number of health benefits including a reduced risk of colorectal cancer.

What are the disadvantages of eating lentils? ›

Lentils are a healthy choice for most people and aren't associated with significant health risks. However, since they are so high in fiber, people who aren't used to eating fiber-rich foods may experience bloating and gas after consuming lentils, especially in large portions.

How many times a week should you eat lentils? ›

Many people aren't aware that they need at least 2 – 3 serves of legumes per week to get the health benefits these fabulous seeds provide.

What do you pair lentils with? ›

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's the healthiest way to eat lentils? ›

The Bottom Line

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.

Do lentils make your waist smaller? ›

The benefits of lentils for weight loss are that they can help you lose belly fat. The protein in lentils takes a long time to digest and suppresses your hunger pangs and, in turn, supports fat burning.

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