Are you looking to shed some pounds while still enjoying the rich flavors of Nigerian cuisine? You’re in luck! Many traditional Nigerian foods are not only delicious but can also be part of a healthy weight loss plan. In this blog post, we’ll explore five Nigerian foods that can help you on your weight loss journey.
Read: Eat Healthy By Maintaining a Calorie Deficit
1. Efo Riro (Vegetable Soup)
Let’s start with Efo Riro, a popular Yoruba dish that’s perfect for weight loss. This nutrient-packed vegetable soup is low in calories and high in fiber, thanks to its leafy green ingredients like spinach or ugwu (fluted pumpkin leaves). It’s also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious choice for those watching their weight. To make Efo Riro even healthier, use lean meat or fish instead of fatty cuts, add more vegetables for increased fiber content, and use minimal palm oil to reduce overall calorie content.
2. Okra Soup
Next on our list is Okra Soup, a dish enjoyed across Nigeria that’s another excellent option for weight loss. This low-calorie soup is high in fiber, which aids digestion and promotes feelings of fullness. Okra also contains nutrients that may help regulate blood sugar levels, making it a great choice for maintaining a healthy weight. When preparing Okra Soup, opt for lean proteins like fish or shrimp, add plenty of okra and other vegetables to increase the fiber content, and use minimal oil in preparation.
3. Moi Moi (Steamed Bean Pudding)
Moi Moi, a protein-rich dish made from black-eyed peas, is our third weight-loss friendly Nigerian food. High in protein, Moi Moi helps build lean muscle and boosts metabolism. It also contains fiber, promoting fullness and improved digestion. When steamed instead of fried, Moi Moi is low in fat, making it an excellent choice for weight loss. To make it even healthier, steam your Moi Moi in leaves or foil instead of plastic bags, add plenty of vegetables like bell peppers and carrots, and consider limiting or omitting egg additions to reduce calorie content.
4. Edikang Ikong Soup
Fourth on our list is Edikang Ikong Soup, a nutrient-dense dish from the Efik-Ibibio people of Akwa Ibom and Cross River States. This soup is packed with leafy greens, providing essential nutrients and a high fiber content that promotes satiety. When prepared with lean proteins, Edikang Ikong Soup is low in calories, making it a weight loss superstar. To maximize its health benefits, use smoked fish or lean meat instead of red meat, increase the proportion of vegetables to protein, and use minimal palm oil in preparation.
5. Unripe Plantain Porridge
Unripe Plantain Porridge is perfect for weight loss. It contains resistant starch, which may help burn fat. It’s also high in fiber and lower in calories than ripe plantain dishes.
Make it even healthier: Add leafy greens like spinach, use lean proteins like fish and limit palm oil
Remember, portion size matters too. Pair these foods with exercise for best results. By choosing these Nigerian dishes, you’ll enjoy great flavors while working towards your weight loss goals.
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Which of these yummy dishes will you try first?