Non carbohydrate foods in Nigeria
A no-carb diet in Nigeria has become a point of interest for many people recently. The lifestyle of the recent decades has caused a tendency for weight gain in many people. Now, low-carb and no-carb diets are popular as the most effective plan for weight loss.
What for do we need carbohydrates?
Carbs or a source of energy for the body. They are processed quickly by the body and give us the strength to do physical work, think clearly and quickly, to stay in a good mood, and feel no weakness or tiredness. However, the excess energy is not wasted. It’s stored by the body in the form of fat. Too many carbs in one’s eating plan is an easier way to obesity than eating much fat.
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Diets that contain plenty of proteins and few carbs are thought to be very effective for weight loss. Enough protein doesn’t let the body lose muscles and strength while the energy is taken from the body’s own fat depots. It’s a healthy and effective way of losing weight but remaining fit and attractive.
Traditional Nigerian cuisine is quite nourishing and it’s quite hard to find carb-free Nigerian food among traditional dishes. This is why if you want to reduce carbs in your menu, you should look for another eating plan that will include more pure products that contain only a little or no carbs.
Let’s see, the foods available in Nigeria that are suitable for those who want to lose weight with the help of such a diet.
10 Nigerian no-carb foods
- Vegetables with plenty of fibers. There are numerous garden plants that contain plenty of food fiber and practically no carbs. These are garden egg, watermelon, salad, cabbage, carrots, and so on. They are easy to find and always available
- Pap porridge. Though pap is made out of maize that contains carbs, this porridge is one of those, which make you feel full with a very small amount. If you eat pap regularly, you will quickly regulate your weight and feel satiated at the same time
- Different types of fresh salad. You definitely can’t eat plenty of it but the amount you can consume will contain mostly water and practically no calories. Salads are a great thing for filling your stomach but eating practically no carbs
- Diverse nuts. Although nuts do contain carbohydrates, they are still on the list of the best no-carb food in Nigeria. They contain plenty of protein and are very nourishing. The amount one can eat at a time is not able to provide much carbs but they do can provide you with proper nutrition and a lot of good
- Amala. This food made out of yam is a great thing for those who are losing weight or want to control the level of blood sugar. It is satiating and very tasty but when you eat it, you don’t receive a lot of calories and carbs
- Tuwo or fura. This is one of the lightest foods in the Nigerian cuisine. It’s made out of corn but you shouldn’t worry about the carbs. It’s very satiating and you will only eat a little of it at a time
- Rice. Rice in its natural peel and all those sorts that have undergone only a little procession are extremely good for health and low in carbs. If you eat dark rice in moderate amounts, you shouldn’t worry about your waist because it will get only more and more slender
- Pepper soup. When it’s cooked with meat or fish, it contains practically no carbs at all. Instead, it’s able to supply you with a lot of protein. What’s more, the hotness of pepper will help your body burn more fat. It’s one of the best non carbohydrate foods in Nigeria
- Beans of different types. They are a source of proteins and amino acids. Soya beans can replace all possible kinds of meat or fish for those who don’t want to eat animal flesh. Beans contain a little carbs and are very nourishing and satiating
- Semo. That’s another traditional Nigerian food that’s made out of corn or maize but serves as a means of losing weight. It will supply you with a very little amount of carbs because you will hardly eat a lot of it: it’s very satiating and nourishing, too
Some simple Nigerian no-carb recipes
If you want to stay slim and strong, here we have several simple recipes for you:
A cucumber African salad
Chop 2 cucumbers, a big cup of garden egg leaves (if you have none, replace them with spinach), ½ of a big red onion, and ½ of a smoked mackerel. Put all this into a big bowl and add the following: 2 tablespoons of palm oil, a pinch of salt and red pepper, 1 tablespoon of ground crayfish, and 1 teaspoon of ground ehu seeds. Give all the salad a good stir and enjoy!
A Nigerian egg stew
Cut 4 tomatoes and 1 medium onion into thick slices. Het up palm oil in a pan and add the onion. Keep it in the hot oil for a couple of minutes, add tomatoes and put on the lid. Keep stewing for about 5 minutes. Then, add pepper, salt, and a seasoning cube. Slowly add beaten up eggs but don’t stir the stew. Keep under the lid on a very slow fire until the eggs, say, cake.
Soya milk
Rinse soya beans and leave in water for the night but not longer. After the night, rinse the beans and cut them into pieces. Rub portions of the beans between your palms to remove the soaked peel. When all the skins are removed, blend the beans with some fresh clean water. Then, strain the mass through a sieve. The milk should be put into a big pot now.
Cook the milk until it’s ready to boil and stir it often to prevent sticking to the pot. When the milk is ready to boil, catch the foam, remove it, and reduce the heat. Add vanilla pods and keep on cooking for 5 minutes more. Strain the milk again through some cheesecloth. Keep the milk in the fridge and use in 2 to 3 days.
Eating little carbs is not only easy. It’s also tasty and healthy. Enjoy your meals!
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Source: Legit.ng
