Don’t we all wish we had a magic wand to make those extra pounds disappear? Since life isn’t a fairytale, it is essential to remember that there are no quick fixes for weight loss.
The best way to reach and maintain a healthy weight is to have a balanced diet. While it’s easy to wonder which foods are healthiest, dieting can be difficult, especially if it includes meals you don’t enjoy. The good news is that many foods are healthy, taste great, and can help you stick to your weight loss plan.
Research has revealed that foods high in protein and fiber are helpful for weight management. They will help you feel fuller longer, preventing cravings and keep you full straight through your usual afternoon snack.
Here are 10 best foods to help achieve your weight-loss goals while maintaining a healthy overall diet and lifestyle.
1. Eggs
Eggs are one of the most nutritious foods on the planet. Popular food, very filling and nutrient-dense, particularly for breakfasts, are just what you need for weight loss.
They are high in protein, fats, and choline and vitamin D. Protein controls hunger and appetite hormones, it helps prevent cravings until lunchtime.
2. Oatmeal
A bowl of oatmeal is an ideal morning meal for anyone looking to lose a few pounds. Although it contains the same amount of calories as a bowl of cereals, after eating oatmeal, you will feel fuller and less hungry. The oatmeal will provide more protein, more fiber, and less sugar than cereal.
3. Berries
High in fiber, berries are naturally sweet, high in antioxidants, and disease-fighting nutrients. One cup of berries provides 8 g of fiber.
4. Avocados
Avocados provide fiber and beneficial fats, as well as many other nutrients. A study in Nutrition Journal showed that people who eat avocados have lower BMI and body weight than people who skip this green superfood.
Although avocados are higher in calories than other fruits and vegetables, their satisfying fat and fiber combo may help you slim down.
5. Salmon
Salmon is loaded with high-quality protein and provides plenty of “good” fats: omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids help reduce inflammation, which plays a significant role in obesity and metabolic disease.
Fish — and seafood in general — provide a significant amount of iodine. This nutrient keeps your metabolism running optimally by assuring a proper thyroid function.
6. Leafy Greens
Leafy greens are full of vitamins, minerals, and fiber but low in calories.
Studies have shown that eating more greens, like spinach, can help you lose weight, but also reduce the risk of diabetes, keep your brain young and help fight off cancer.
Kale, collards, spinach, swiss chards, and a few others are low in calories but also high in fiber that will keep you feeling full.
7. Sweet Potatoes
According to the Cleveland Clinic, when it comes to weight loss, sweet potatoes are hard-to-beat sources of scale-dropping fiber. You have to watch what you load it with — instead of cheese or sour cream, opt for fillings like black beans, tomatoes, and bell peppers.
Sweet potatoes are full of antioxidants and all sorts of healthy nutrients. The body converts their alpha and beta carotene into the active form of vitamin A, which helps keep bones, eyes, and immune system healthy.
One medium sweet potato provides almost four times the recommended daily value of vitamin A, vitamin C and B6, manganese, potassium, and lutein and zeaxanthin.
8. Nuts
Nuts are an excellent snack, containing balanced amounts of protein, fiber, and healthy fats. Despite being high in fat, they are not as fattening as you would expect. Just make sure not to go overboard.
Many studies have shown that eating nuts can improve metabolic health and even promote weight loss. Full with important nutrients for a healthy heart, nuts provide insoluble fiber, which studies show that helps you stay healthy by feeding beneficial gut bacteria.
9. Broccoli
Broccoli is an excellent source of fiber and vitamins C and K and contains a decent amount of protein compared with other vegetables.
Different cooking methods alter the vegetable’s nutrient composition, especially reducing vitamin C, but broccoli is an excellent addition to your diet, whether cooked or raw.
10. Yogurt
Rich in calcium, yogurt also contains probiotics or “good bacteria” that help keep our guts healthy. Starting your day with just 1 cup of yogurt provides nearly half the recommended daily value of calcium.
Your gut health can affect your weight, and eating more fiber and probiotics helps keep your gut bacteria under control, which can be good for your metabolism.
According to “Appetite”, Greek yogurt has more protein, which is linked to reduced appetite and increased satiety. Instead of flavored yogurts, use fresh fruit to sweeten plain yogurt. Now, let’s consider another food choice: Is ham healthy for you? You can read this article for more insights and gain knowledge on the topic.