Lentils are extremely nutritious, which makes them part of the staple diet in any cuisines around the world. They are positively powerhouses of nutrients, and should positively be included in your daily diet. But lentils are heavy foods, so they might not be suitable for every stomach with every meal of the day. For that reason, you need to know for certain which the best time is to eat lentils so as to get the maximum benefits out of them. So without further delay, let us find out when we should and should not be eating lentils, those great sources of a bunch of nutrients that our body needs to function well.
Around a workout
Lentils can basically be eaten any time of the day, but the best time to eat them would be right before and after a workout. Lentils contain a lot of protein and carbohydrates, and that makes it ideal as a workout food. The carbohydrates are broken down into energy, and that allows you to work out for longer durations. Also, there is no chance for the carbs to turn into fat since you will be burning off the energy during the workout. The post workout meal should also contain lentils because of their protein content, which will help to kick off the tissue repair process after the wears and tears of the workout. Proteins also help in building muscle and burning fat, so it is a win-win situation.
For lunch
Lentils are very good as lunch options. A bowl of lentil soup, with a side of rice, vegetables and some lean meats or fish makes for a very healthy and filling lunch. The carbohydrates and proteins in the lentils help you have a lot of energy for the rest of the day, and keep you full enough so that you don’t have to act on the hunger pangs that strike mid evening.
As a snack
Lentils are also great as snack foods, so you can eat them in the evening or mid morning. Lentil soup is filling and nutritious, and is especially good for the convalescent. It is a mild food that can be used to promote digestion, thanks to the dietary fibers in lentils, and enabling smoother bowel movements.
For dinner
Lentils can be safely eaten at dinner time, unless you are prescribed otherwise. The protein in them works into the muscles of your body, and do not get the chance to turn into fat even when you are sleeping. The carbohydrates are mostly indigestible, so they do not turn into fat either. However, it is to be noted that the indigestible carbohydrates mostly stay in the system for a long time before being expelled, so that might cause some flatulence.
Lentils are basically good for any time of the day. They are packed with vitamins and proteins, and that makes them perfect for all the meals. All you have to be careful about is that you do not overdo your intake, just like everything else. Lentils can be pretty heavy foods, and excessive consumption is linked to a rise of uric acid in the system, and can prove too much for the liver to process. Balance your lentil intake with other foods every time, unless you are going for a light snack on the way in the form of lentil soup.