There are a lot of factors to consider as you work towards the body of your dreams, but one of the most important factors of any weight loss journey is, of course, your diet. In addition to working up a sweat with a great workout routine on a regular basis, it’s also crucial to ensure you’re nourishing your body with everything it needs to thrive and blast fat. While your mind may immediately jump to low-calorie salads or protein smoothies when you think of the best meals for weight loss, we’re here to tell you that beans are also a fantastic addition to your diet. In fact, there’s one type in particular that experts swear by for helping you take inches off your waistline: chickpeas.
To learn more about why chickpeas (a.k.a. garbanzo beans) make some of the best beans around for weight loss, we spoke to registered dietitian Kierra Brown. She broke down a few of the flat belly-friendly benefits of this ingredient. Read on for all of her expert insight.
Chickpeas for weight loss
If you haven't hopped on the chickpea train, now's a good a time as any to start reaping the benefits of this beloved pantry staple. "One of the best beans for weight loss are chickpeas or garbanzo beans because they are high protein, high fiber, low-fat, low sodium and salt and cholesterol free," Brown confirms.
She notes that a one cup serving of canned chickpeas provides just 210 calories while packing in 10 grams of protein and 10 grams of fiber. This great for anyone who's looking to take a few inches off of their waistline, because, as Brown tells us, "Increased protein and fiber are important nutrients for weight loss." Just remember to rinse your chickpeas (and any other canned bean) before eating them to get rid of some of the sodium.
Wondering how to work this food into your diet? The possibilities are practically endless! Brown says that these beans are a "plant-based protein that can be a substitute for animal-based proteins in sandwiches, stews, soups or salad."
"Chickpeas can be oven roasted or air-fried as a snack, pureed into hummus, paired with quinoa for a salad or wrapped in a tortilla," Brown lists. It's true that roasted chickpeas are a great snack; they make a fantastic healthy alternative to highly processed, fattening choices.
Plus, there's just about no healthier (or tastier) snack to bring to a party than some delicious homemade hummus to dip veggies in. Yum!
Regardless of how you consume these small but mighty beans, your body will thank you for it in the long run. On top of other great, nutritious superfoods, a killer workout routine, and a dedication to healthy habits, you'll reach your goal weight in no time.
