If you are on a weight loss diet, you must realize that legumes can greatly benefit you. Rich in fibre, protein, and nutrients, they can work wonders for weight management and overall health. Many types of legumes are commonly found in Indian kitchens, so you don't have to worry much about availability either. There is a way to take advantage of their benefits in a different manner: by sprouting them. Bean sprouts can help you lose weight when consumed in the right manner. They can be bought ready-made or formed at home and then turned into yummy and healthy dishes. We have provided some recipes below to get you started.
Also Read: Cooking Hack: 6 Simple Tips To Keep Sprouts Fresh For Longer
Why Are Sprouts Good For Weight Loss?
Sprouted beans tend to be richer in nutrients than unsprouted ones.
- Sprouts provide fibre that keeps you full for longer. This satiety is especially necessary for those on a weight-loss diet.
- The protein content of sprouts also helps curb appetite. Furthermore, the process of sprouting is said to enhance the protein content of beans.
- Sprouts are said to promote gut health and also help manage blood sugar levels. These can indirectly help those on a weight loss diet.
- When legumes are soaked, their tannin and phytic acid content is said to decrease. This enables better nutrient absorption.
Sprouts are also known to boost immunity and manage cholesterol levels. They are a wholesome source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Here's how you can include them in your diet in a healthy manner:
Also Read: How To Sprout Methi Seeds I Benefits Of Sprouted Methi For Diabetes
6 Easy Ways To Consume Sprouts For Weight Loss:
1. Make Them The Protein In Your Salads
Add sprouts to your salad to take them to the next level. Photo Credit: iStock
Most of us add some key sources of protein to our salads: paneer, tofu, chicken, egg, etc. You should also consider adding bean sprouts. They will give a hint of freshness and a unique texture to your salad. They would also absorb the flavour of the dressing well. Check out this weight-loss-friendly desi salad recipe that includes sprouts.
2. Use Sprouts For Preparing Idli/dosa Batter
Fibre-rich idlis and dosas are beloved South Indian delicacies that are also healthy. You can make them even more nutritious by incorporating sprouts into the batter. It can be combined with some amount of rice flour, sooji, and/or chana dal. Click here for the sprouts dosa recipe. You can similarly make a batter for idlis.
3. Add Them To Your Cheelas
Protein-rich cheelas are a wholesome breakfast dish. Take them to the next level by mixing in sprouts. You can grind them with the other batter ingredients or simply mix them in. You can use rava, besan, or millets for the cheela base. If you want a nutritionist-approved recipe, watch the video here.
4. Give Your Poha A Sprouts Twist
This is yet another way to add sprouts to your breakfast. Poha is packed with healthy carbs and gives you a sustained energy boost in the morning. Adding some mixed sprouts to it will only increase its benefits and enhance the taste. Try it for yourself and see. Find the complete recipe here.
5. Use Them For Making Curries
Sprouts can be used for making yummy curries. Photo Credit: iStock
Relish sprouts for lunch or dinner in the form of flavorful curries. For instance, here's a recipe for an onion-tomato-based sprouts curry you will love. You can also make traditional Maharashtrian usal with mixed sprouts. It can be a dry preparation or a curry-like one. Click here for the recipe. If you want a unique dish, try Sprouts Jalfrezi - full recipe here. Pair these dishes with rice or bhakris.
6. Add Them To Your Pulao
Yes, you read that right. Sprouts can also be a part of rice dishes. You can mix them with your veg pulao or make another kind altogether. We have a special recipe that combines the goodness of sprouts and spinach in a pulao. Read it here.
Sprouts are a simple and convenient way to bring some variety to your weight loss diet. Start savouring them soon!
Also Read: Dinner Mistakes That Are Making You Gain Weight. It's Time To Stop
Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.