Weight Loss: Add This Wholesome Chickpea Salad To Your Diet

When one speaks of health and nutrition, protein is one thing that is never missed. After all, it is indeed the building block of life. One of the three macronutrients essential for our body, protein helps to promote muscle and bone health as well as our overall strength and stamina. But did you know that it also helps with body weight management? 

A good amount of protein in our diet helps us stay full for a longer period of time, reduce hunger pangs, and accelerate weight loss. Hence, health experts around the world often recommend the inclusion of a generous amount of protein in our everyday meal, especially if you are looking to shed those extra kilos. 

While we have many popular protein options, did you know chickpeas are also one of the major sources of protein as well as fibre? A common food ingredient in almost every Indian kitchen, chickpea is loaded with several essential nutrients that boasts a plethora of health benefits. 

According to USDA, a 100-gm chickpea contains 19 gm protein, 17 gm fibre and just about 6 gm fat. It is also free of cholesterol and, thus, makes for an ideal addition to a weight loss diet. Chickpeas are also known to promote heart health and manage blood sugar levels. Now, while we have many chickpea recipes - including delectable curries and chatpati chaats - the best way to get the most out of chickpeas is to consume it raw, but with good flavours. 

Here we bring you a chickpea salad recipe that can be a healthy and tasty addition to your weight loss diet. Besides chana, this recipe also includes the goodness of apple, tomato and carrot - each of which is known to aid weight loss. All you have to do is, simply add all these ingredients in a bowl and season with spices and herbs - such as cumin powder, red chilli, black salt, lime juice, honey, coriander leaves, and mint leaves. 

Ingredients: 

• ½ cup chickpeas (soaked overnight) 
• ½ apple (finely chopped) 
• ½ carrot (grated) 
• 1 tomato (small, finely chopped)

For seasoning: 

• 1 teaspoon roasted cumin powder 
• ½ toasted red chilli (coarsely crushed) 
• Black salt, as per taste 
• Lime juice, as per taste 
• 1 tsp honey 
• ½ tsp coriander leaves 
• ½ tsp mint leaves

Method: 

• Add chickpeas, apple, carrot, and tomato in a mixing bowl. 
• Mix well and keep aside. 
• Prepare the salad seasoning with the ingredients.
• Pound the coriander and mint leaves in a mortar pestle. 
• Then, add the rest of the ingredients to it and mix well. 
• Drizzle the seasoning on the chickpea bowl and mix everything well. 
• Serve.