Tuesday, February 10, 2015

Two Foods To Help You Shed Pounds


Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo bean, are a healthy addition to any diet. Chickpeas are naturally low in fat, high in dietary fiber and rich in vitamins and minerals.  Regularly adding chickpeas to your diet can help you manage your weight, boost intestinal health and reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Chickpeas are good source of fiber and fiber-rich foods in your diet plan can make weight loss more effective. Fiber distends your stomach, making you feel satiated for longer periods. If you eat legumes like chickpeas regularly you can expect more robust weight loss than you'd get from simply cutting calories.

Fiber-rich foods like chickpeas help promote a healthy intestine. The fiber in chickpeas lessens the strain on your intestine, reducing the risk of painful diverticulitis disease and constipation. According to a study published in the January "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition", people who eat legumes are less likely to become type 2 diabetic and eating soluble-rich foods like chickpeas and oatmeal can reduce your cholesterol levels naturally.

Eating avocados more often can have many health benefits, including a healthier heart, better skin, helping you lose weight and treating or avoiding serious health problems such as diabetes and arthritis. Avocados have a smooth and creamy texture that can be used in many dishes. As many people shy away from them because they are known to contain high amounts of fat but avocados have mostly monounsaturated fat, the “good fat”. Monounsaturated fats help lower your levels of bad cholesterol, keeping your heart healthy and strong. Avocados are also great for your skin and may even aid in weight loss.

I am sharing some of my quick ideas below that use both avocados and chickpeas to get you started. Always opt for fresh and organic ingredients to obtain the highest quality - including the highest nutrition - in your food.



1. Avocado toast Mash up 1 small avocado and spread on your favorite toasted bread (preferably sprouted or gluten-free), then sprinkle with a little sea salt.

2. Guaxamole a dip made from avocados, is originally from Mexico. In a medium sized bowl, mix the 1 medium sized avocado, mashed; 1 medium diced tomato, 1 handful of freshly chopped cilantro; 1 small diced red onion, juice from a ½ medium sized lime; sea salt and pepper to taste. You're ready to enjoy! Guacamole is traditionally served with tortilla chips, but it can also be served with vegetable sticks, crackers, on toast, inside dishes - the possibilities are delicious.

3. Avocado-Dill Salad In a medium sized bowl, mix the following ingredients: 1 diced avocado, 1 diced  cucumber, 1diced tomato, 1 diced sweet onion, 2 handfuls of freshly chopped dill; juice from 1 medium sized lime; 2 tsp turmeric; sea salt and pepper to taste.

Here's few quick serving ideas for chickpeas:

Always use dry chickpeas to avoid unnecessary added chemicals and large amounts of sodium. Soak a cup of dried chickpeas overnight in cold water, drain in the morning, transfer to a large pot and replace water. Set to boil for two and half hours, or until soft. If  you are using canned beans, always make sure you’re opting for BPA-free versions, no salt added.

1. Puree chickpeas, tahini, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, sea salt and pepper into blander to make a quick and easy hummus spread.

2. Simmer cooked garbanzo beans in a sauce of tomato paste, curry spices, and chopped walnuts and serve this dahl-type dish with brown rice. Adding garbanzo beans to your vegetable soup will enhance its taste, texture and nutritional content. When done, serve over your favorite organic rice.

3. Sprinkle garbanzo beans with your favorite spices and herbs and eat as a snack. Add garbanzo beans to your green salads. Having an idea of how to use avocados and chickpeas can help you to incorporate the foods into your daily diet, not to mention, enjoy good food and lose weight in the process.

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