Are Cooked Dried Lentils Keto-Friendly?
As the ketogenic or 'keto' diet becomes increasingly popular, many food enthusiasts are left pondering whether their beloved meals can be incorporated into this high-fat, low-carb diet regime. Today, we shed light on the realm of cooked dried lentils. This humble legume holds a special place in our heart, a comfort food that hugs our taste buds and bellies with its nourishing warmth. But the million-dollar query always arises: Are cooked dried lentils keto-friendly?
Understanding the Keto Diet
Before we plunge into the particulars of cooked dried lentils, it's essential to comprehend the fundamental tenets of the keto diet. This diet predominantly prioritizes high fat (approximately 70-80% of daily caloric intake), moderate protein, and minimal carbohydrate intake (typically under 50 grams of net carbs per day). The objective? To transition your body into a state of ketosis, where it resorts to burning fat as its main energy source instead of carbohydrates.
Nutritional InformationPer (1 Cup (200.0g)):
Per 100g:
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Cooked Dried Lentils is not keto-friendly. It's best avoided if you're trying to maintain ketosis. |
Cooked dried lentils are a pulse that are not only a rich source of protein but also packed with dietary fiber and complex carbohydrates.
Beyond their macronutrients, these lentils boast a wealth of micronutrients including B vitamins, iron, potassium, and folate, among others. However, with approximately 40g of carbohydrates per cup, cooked dried lentils fall into the 'not keto-friendly' category. Although they are extremely nutritious, their high carb count makes them unsuitable for a strict ketogenic diet. For those following a less stringent version of the keto diet, a smaller serving of lentils could be integrated sparingly.
