Reduce Belly Fat with Moong Dal

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Moong dal is an Indian staple. From khichdi to pongal; tadka dal in the North to Kerala-style parrippu with ghee in the South, and even in salads like koshambari, this lentil is eaten in a variety of ways across the country. It's easy to cook, easy to digest and easily available. But is moong dal for weight loss a good idea? In particular, is yellow moong dal good for weight loss?

The answer is - yes! Moong dal is good for weight loss, particularly to reduce belly fat, and is a perfect fitness fix for calorie counters. Whether it’s soaked, sprouted or cooked, it offers ample nutrition and can help you get fit and slim in a healthy way. Here’s how.

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How Do You Eat Moong To Lose Weight?

Moong can be considered a natural weight-loss food, thanks to its potent nutritional benefits. It’s light on the stomach and good for digestion, making it an ideal food for vegetarians and across all age groups, from toddlers to adults.

High on protein and fibre, eating moong leads to an increase in the satiety hormone called cholecystokinin, which helps you stay full for longer and keeps junk food cravings at bay.

There are a variety of ways to eat moong dal - from chila to tadka dal and khichdi. It can even be soaked overnight and ground into a watery paste to prepare a vegan omelette!

Moong sprouts are also a healthy option. Sprouted moong dal is high on antioxidants and offers increased nutrition. When it comes to the health of your digestive system, it fights constipation due to the high insoluble fibre. One bowl of sprouted moong dal meets 14% of the daily requirement of Vitamin C. You can have it as a mid-day or evening snack. Throw in some veggies and it can double up as your dinner – light and healthy.

Is Boiled Moong Good For Weight Loss?

Eating moong dal for weight loss is a good idea - and if it’s boiled, all the better, since it becomes even easier to digest.

Regarded as a superfood, one of the significant benefits of moong dal is its role in facilitating weight loss. It is packed with dietary fibre, potassium, manganese, calcium, iron, folate, and several other vitamins. Including nutrient-dense moong dal in your lunch or dinner menu helps you feel full and keeps your digestive system stress-free, while also giving you plenty of carb-free energy for workouts.

Benefits Of Moong Dal For Weight Loss And Beyond

As we mentioned above, moong dal is high in protein and fibre and low in fat, it gives satiety for a longer time - so you don’t feel the urge to snack in between on junk food, which leads to weight gain.

Moong dal for weight loss - gut health: Moong dal is easy on the stomach, it has insoluble fibre, which multiplies the rate of digestion and softens the body's waste. So your gut stays clean and your digestion is on track, helping you maintain a healthy weight and avoid bloat.

Moong dal for weight loss - blood sugar: Low in glycemic index and made of complex carbohydrates, moong dal doesn’t spike the blood sugar levels, making you hungry after consuming it.

Moong dal for hair fall: In addition, moong dal also fights hair fall. Being a rich source of protein, Vitamin A and folic acid, it significantly reduces hair fall.

Moong dal for cell growth: Folic acid is another important nutrient that is contained in moong dal. It helps maintain new cells of the body. Folic Acid is an important nutrient during and before pregnancy as it prevents birth defects in the baby's brain and spinal cord.

Moong dal for immunity: Moong dal also has anti-inflammatory properties, which help fight away various harmful bacteria and viruses. It is also a good source of magnesium, which is needed for boosting immunity.

Moong Dal For Weight Loss: Something We Believe In At Nutrition By Lovneet

At Nutrition By Lovneet, we believe in ancient Indian food wisdom, and consuming local and traditional desi foods that are intrinsic to our landscape. And moong dal falls in that category!

There are a number of healthy recipes available on our blog which will aid in weight loss and leave you feeling full and satisfied. Choose from:

Moong Dal Sprouted Palak Pakodi Kadhi
Moong Idli
Moong Dal With Nutri Nuggets
Quinoa Khichdi

If you are looking to lose weight and would like further advice on how to go about it, you can always sign up for our weight management program.

The program, designed by celebrity nutritionist Lovneet Batra, focuses on the right food combinations that help boost your metabolism - and you will see yourself losing fat and gaining muscle mass at the same time. No fads, no starvation, no shortcuts - just a scientifically proven approach that is customised to your needs, lifestyle and routine.

To learn more, write in to lb@nutritionbylovneet.com

Or call us at +91 8447002584

Frequently Asked Questions

All You Need to Know, Here

Can we eat dal during weight loss regimens?

Yes, moong dal for weight loss regimens works well. Its nutritional benefits make it a potent weight-loss food. It’s light and good for digestion. High on protein and fibre, eating moong leads to increased levels of the satiety hormone cholecystokinin, which helps you stay full for longer and keeps junk food cravings at bay.

Can we eat moong dal daily?

Yes, you can eat moong dal for weight loss on an almost daily basis. Since it is an easily digestible dal, that is also rich in protein and fibre, it’s easy on the digestive system and can be had daily. It also helps regulate blood sugar levels.

How do you eat moong dal sprouts for weight loss?

Whether it’s cooked or sprouted, moong dal for weight loss can be taken in a variety of forms. You should sprout the moong dal overnight. The next morning, wash the sprouts thoroughly. Then, they can be eaten with a bit of salt, either raw form or lightly steamed/boiled. Those who have high flatulence issues and sensitive gut, especially, should cook it properly before consuming it. Cooking it breaks down those sugars, which cause excessive flatulence or create stomachache.

Can we eat moong dal at night?

Yes, it is ok to have dal at night, especially the easily digestible dals like moong dal. Just be sure to eat dinner 2-3 hours prior to bedtime so that your system has enough time to digest food. And, keep dinner light - don’t combine your dal with a lot of cream/butter or fried foods. Khichdi or dal chawal is a great option as it is rich in protein.