Calories in Lentils 🫘

Per 1 cup cooked (198g)

230 calories
Protein 30% Carbs 67% Fat 3%

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 1 cup cooked (198g)

Calories230
Total Fat0.8g
Total Carbohydrates40g
Dietary Fiber16g
Sugars3.6g
Protein18g
Sodium4mg
Potassium731mg

About Lentils

Lentils is a powerhouse legume providing 18g of protein and 16g of fiber per 1 cup cooked (198g) at 230 calories. With a earthy mild flavor, it is a staple in cuisines around the world. Lentils is particularly noted for plant-based iron, offering an affordable and sustainable protein source. Whether in soups, salads, or as a side dish, lentils is endlessly versatile.

Health Benefits of Lentils

Excellent Protein Source

Lentils delivers 18g of protein per serving, making it an outstanding choice for muscle repair, immune function, and satiety. Protein is the most satiating macronutrient, helping you feel full longer after meals.

Heart-Healthy Nutrients

Lentils contains a combination of fiber, healthy fats, and plant compounds that support cardiovascular health. Studies link regular consumption of legumes to improved cholesterol levels and lower heart disease risk.

Potassium for Heart Health

With 731mg of potassium per serving, lentils helps regulate fluid balance, nerve signals, and muscle contractions. A potassium-rich diet is associated with lower blood pressure and reduced stroke risk.

Dietary Versatility

Lentils can be incorporated into numerous recipes and meal preparations. Its versatility makes it easy to maintain a varied diet, which nutritionists consistently recommend for meeting all your micronutrient needs.

Calories by Serving Size

Different serving sizes of lentils and their nutritional values:

ServingCaloriesCarbsProteinFat
Half serving (99g)11520.0g9.0g0.4g
Small (148g)17230.0g13.5g0.6g
Regular (198g)23040.0g18.0g0.8g
Medium (248g)28850.0g22.5g1.0g
Large (297g)34560.0g27.0g1.2g
Double (396g)46080.0g36.0g1.6g

Is Lentils Good for Weight Loss?

Lentils at 230 calories per 1 cup cooked (198g) is a moderate-calorie food that can fit into a weight loss diet with proper planning. The high protein content (18g) makes it particularly useful during weight loss, as protein helps preserve muscle mass and boosts metabolism. Rather than eliminating lentils from your diet, focus on balancing it with lower-calorie vegetables and staying within your overall daily target. Complete restriction often leads to cravings and binging. Use a calorie tracking app like Calory to find the right portion that fits your goals.

Lentils and Popular Diets

How lentils fits into common eating plans:

Keto Not recommended for keto. At 40g of carbs per serving, lentils would consume a large portion of the typical 20-50g daily keto carb allowance.
Paleo Not paleo-compatible. Legumes are excluded from the paleo diet, which focuses on foods available to pre-agricultural humans. Look for paleo-friendly alternatives.
Vegan Yes, lentils is fully plant-based and suitable for vegan diets. It provides 18g of plant protein per serving.
Low-Carb Not ideal for low-carb diets. Lentils contains 40g of carbs per serving. If you are following a low-carb plan, consider smaller portions or lower-carb alternatives.
Diabetic-Friendly Generally compatible. Lentils has a low glycemic index (32), meaning it causes a slower rise in blood sugar. Pair with protein or fat for even better blood sugar stability.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many calories in lentils?

Lentils (1 cup cooked (198g)) contains approximately 230 calories. The exact count can vary slightly based on size, preparation method, and specific variety. Use the Calory app for precise tracking based on your actual serving.

Is lentils good for weight loss?

Lentils can fit into a weight loss diet with portion awareness. At 230 calories per 1 cup cooked (198g), it provides nutritional value and good protein for satiety. The key is accurate tracking: measure your portions and log them to stay within your daily calorie target.

How does lentils compare to similar foods?

At 230 calories per serving with 18g protein and 40g carbs, lentils is comparable in calories compared to similar options in its category. Comparing nutrition labels helps you choose the option that best aligns with your goals.

How can I track lentils calories accurately?

Use a food scale for the most accurate calorie tracking. The Calory app lets you scan barcodes, search its database, or use AI food recognition to log lentils quickly. Consistent tracking is the single most effective habit for weight management, according to multiple research studies.

Track Lentils in Calory

Scan, search, or snap a photo. Calory makes logging lentils instant with AI-powered food recognition.