Chickpeas and lentils on the LCHF diet – Are legumes allowed?

On this episode of the Ask Prof Noakes Podcast we talk about legumes on the LCHF Diet. Brad Brown asks Prof Tim Noakes if foods like chic peas and lentils are allowed when eating the low carb high fat way.

Link to podcast

http://talkfeed.co.za/chickpeas-lentils-legumes-lchf-diet/?utm_content=buffer26d5d&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer

We eat chickpeas, lentils and various types of beans (e.g. black eye, not orange ones in a sugary sauce!) on a regular basis and, following the "eat to your meter" rule, they are a very useful and safe part of our LCHF diet. (Husband's last HbA1c was 30, having fallen from 75 a year ago, so we can't be going too far wrong).

I haven't listened to the podcast, but did look at the site. Phrases like "anti-nutrients" and "seeds don't want to be eaten", tend to make me, how shall I put this, less receptive to the message. The word, bull-shit comes to mind.

On this intelligent and thoughtful site/forum, I shall look forward to hearing others' views and experience.

Sally

The original arguments by the early Paleo writers against grains/legumes/potatoes were based on phytates, lectins and saponins which were considered to be anti-nutrients - some still consider them problematic; some are taking a more relaxed stance on them. The debate goes on and it's not so much "bullshit" as the jury still being out. Plants did evolve various strategies to defend themselves and ensure propagation of their seeds.

Personally I avoid them because I don't like being the fart factory I used to be back in the days of IBS/SIBO and prior to cleaning up my diet after T2 diagnosis. If you like them and can tolerate them (both BG and digestion wise), no reason not to eat them if you enjoy them. As with all things dietary, personal sustainability has to be a factor.

Thanks for the link, Eddie.

I personally don't think the Prof was being fair lumping legumes in with grains. From a diabetic point of view, they are quite different. Reminds me of the phrase "fruit n veg"

I think that with healthy guts, safe preparation and regular bg testing, I will stick with legumes - particularly as my protein sources are limited.

I have no problems with small amounts of hummus (which I love) or red kidney beans in a chilli con carne but I wouldn't have regular portions of them. Scandichic swears by Puy lentils I believe, but I've tried them and a) I didn't like them very much and b) they did raise my BG more than (say) ratatouille as an accompaniment.

Reading Sanguines (Rod's) post ......

Red kidney beans in a chilli con carne with a green mixed salad and perhaps a glass of red wine   , one of my all time favourites ....obviously no rice, although you could have cauliflower rice.

I just love ratatouille too.

And Scandichic, I enjoyed that glass of wine with you in Thommo's the other week - where are you ? Come and say hello ...thanks.

All the best Jan