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The Mediterranean diet is a popular weight-loss method used by many dieters. It blends the basics of healthy eating with the traditional flavors and cooking methods of the Mediterranean. If you are looking to speed up weight loss, try this easy Chicken and Chickpea Soup that’s full of Mediterranean flavors.
The Mediterranean diet is typically high in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, nuts and seeds and, of course, olive oil. Although the diet is not strictly plant-based, the bulk of what you consume should be plant-based with moderate amounts of dairy, poultry, eggs, and seafood.
This recipe uses key ingredients that not only gets a green light from the Mediterranean diet food list, but it also features known metabolism boosters.
Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, are a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber and are high in protein. They offer a variety of health benefits, such as improving digestion and aiding weight management. Combining the beans with additional lean protein such as chicken will give you plenty of protein to keep your hunger at bay. Protein and fiber work together to slow digestion, which promotes fullness without a bunch of empty fat and sugar calories.
For a bit of kick, this soup also features cayenne pepper. Hot peppers are also known as metabolism booster due to capsaicin—the chemical in peppers that causes the heat. The capsaicin increases the amount of heat your body produces, making you burn more calories per day.
What’s a Mediterranean dish without olives? Not only are they delicious, but they are also low in calories, rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory phytonutrients. Olives are a great source of the heart-healthy mono-saturated fat, which can help lower cholesterol and reduce inflammation.
Slow-Cooker Mediterranean Chicken & Chickpea Soup
This soup is a set-it-and-forget-it recipe that’s perfect for a lazy weekend dinner.
You’ll need:
- Dried chickpeas
- Yellow onion
- Diced tomatoes
- Tomato paste
- Garlic
- Bay leaf
- Ground cumin
- Paprika
- Cayenne pepper
- Ground pepper
- Chicken thighs
- Artichoke hearts
- Pitted oil-cured olives
- Salt
- Fresh parsley or cilantro
