The former X Factor judge opened up about her diet before heading to the I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! camp. It involves one surprising legume
Tulisa Contostavlos has put a spotlight on the one food she could eat all week with no complaints, after claiming that I’m A Celeb mealtimes probably wouldn’t worry her too much. The former X Factor judge, who’s currently in Australia for the ITV series, also shared that fasting plays a big role in her diet, so modest camp portions aren’t too bothersome.
Speaking in a recent interview with Heat World, the 36-year-old said: “I always like fasting for health purposes. Sometimes, I spend a week eating lentils, so I don’t think it is going to bug me as much as others.”
Albeit an unusual choice, lentils actually boast a surprising number of health benefits, with previous research linking them to a slashed risk of cardiovascular disease and obesity. Other experts have even attributed these superfoods to a ‘longer life expectancy’, including Dan Buettner, an explorer of the Earth’s rare ‘Blue Zones’.
These regions include parts of Japan, Greece, California, Italy and Costa Rica, with residents reportedly 10 times more likely to live to 100 than those in the United States. However, their legitimacy is often debated, according to Al Jazeera.
“Eat lentils and I’ll see you when you’re 100 years old,” Dan said, according to a La Nacion report. “These humble legumes promote heart health, balance blood sugar levels, and keep you full and energised. Embrace the longevity secrets of the Blue Zones and add more lentils to your diet.”
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Helen Bell, a nutritionist at Help & Advice, also echoed this sentiment, explaining that lentils are not only ‘heart-friendly’ but help to regulate blood sugars levels ‘thanks to their low-fat content’. However, she added that eating them every day for a week ‘might not be ideal’, as a varied diet is always preferable.
Speaking exclusively with the Mirror, she said: “In my view, lentils are incredibly nutritious and can indeed be considered a superfood. They are packed with protein, fibre, and essential nutrients like iron and folate, making them a staple in many healthy diets.
“They also help in reducing cholesterol levels, which I’ve seen in many of my clients. Additionally, their slow-digesting carbohydrates provide sustained energy, which is crucial for maintaining focus and productivity.
“[But] consuming them every day for a week might not be ideal. In my opinion, it’s essential to have a varied diet to ensure you receive a wide range of nutrients.
“Eating the same food continuously can lead to nutrient deficiencies. Id always encourage people to mix up their meals with different proteins and vegetables for a more balanced diet.”
Beyond Tulisa’s snack choice, Helen warned that a typical I’m A Celeb diet of rice and beans is typically ‘quite basic’. While the ingredients may give you a protein and energy boost, eating this for months on end isn’t a good choice.
“Rice and beans provide energy and protein, but day after day, they lack the variety needed for long-term health,” Helen went on. “I’d say that moderation and variety are key to a healthy diet. Lentils are a fantastic part of that, but they shouldn’t be the only focus.”