FOOD DIARIES: RED LENTIL CURRY SOUP

I have recently made a big change in my life. I have completely changed the way I eat and have lost 12 lbs in the last few months! I wasn't too big but I had that last stubborn 10-12 lbs that just wouldn't budge. Without any excessive exercising, and mostly changing the diet, I have truly transformed my body. I have recently discovered that some of the food groups have been bothering me, such as gluten and dairy. I have always felt tired and weak, even my sleep was terrible. I would wake up 3-4 times a night; and was just unable to get through the day without drinking 4-5 cups of tea/coffee. 

Since I have started my new clean (but delicious) diet, I have never felt better! I sleep like a baby, and wake up feeling refreshed. It keeps my caffeine cravings low which helps me sleep better at night. See how I was stuck in a vicious cycle?! Basically, I have eliminated ALL simple carbs from my diet, and of course no sugar at all, not even honey. On day 3 of this diet I knew I have done something amazing for myself. My skin was "glowing" according to everyone who met me. I was already sleeping better, I felt lighter and had already dropped a pound! I started this journey three months ago and have never looked back.
Having this diet been so successful to me, I have decided to share some of my favorite go-to comfort food recipes. I don't know about you, but I can't do salads for more than a week.I have about a week in a month when I, for some reason, crave salads (odd, I know), but then I want warm comfort food.

{I would recommend speaking to your doctor before making any drastic changes to your diet}

So, let's start with the Red Lentil Curry, it is easy, fast, and oh so good. This dish is vegan, vegetarian, carb-free, gluten-free, dairy-free, and high in protein!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Red Lentils
• 4 cups Water
• 1 tbsp of Turmeric Powder (a MUST)
• Salt to taste (I start with 1.5tsp, then add more if needed)
• 1 tsp Cumin seeds (optional)
• 1/2 chopped Onion
• 2 cloves of minced Garlic
• 1-2 green Chillies (if you like it hot!)
• 2 tbsp Cooking oil (vegetable oil, coconut oil, canola oil, etc.)

Directions:

• In a medium sauce pan add cooking oil and cumin seeds - Heat: Med-High
• Let the seeds sizzle and slightly brown, then add onion, garlic, chilies.
• Add salt and turmeric and stir - add a splash of water if they start to burn
• Wait 2 mins before adding the lentils and water
• Increase the Heat to High and bring it to boil, then reduce to med-low
• (But, honestly, if you don't have the time, you can get away with throwing all the ingredients in at the same time!)
• Keep heat on Medium, and let it cook for 25 mins

Easy as that. It is delicious and healthy. Garnish with cherry tomatoes or coriander/cilantro leaves.

TIP: Once cooked, you can puree the curry in a blender (once cooled) or with hand blender for a creamy soup look!