If you're dieting, be sure to eat weight loss foods. If you nosh on the right nutritious choices, you can boost your metabolism, stop cravings and feel satisfied, all while getting a good mix of healthy nutrients.
Proteins
Even though steak and eggs have traditionally gotten a bad rap in the diet world, they actually have made the recent list of hot weight loss foods.
Look to wild salmon for their omega-3 fatty acids. The heart healthy ingredient helps you build muscle-therefore burning more calories-and shrink the fat at your waistline.
Protein in beef helps your body hold onto lean muscle mass even as you lose weight while starting your day with an egg may help you feel fuller longer and leading to less overeating later.
Quinoa just may be the greatest whole grain around when looking for weight loss foods. Even though it's a grain, it has the same protein quality as meats along with it's high fiber content, which means you shouldn't feel a stomach rumbling urge to return to the kitchen anytime soon after eating it.
Dairy
Studies have shown that eating a serving of full fat milk or cheese every day can help prevent weight gain, possibly because of conjugated linoleic acid that may help burn fat. But if you indulge in too many whole milk dairy items, you'll do more harm than good to your diet, right? Try a sprinkling of parmesan on veggies or whole grain pasta. Another, good dairy option, even though it's not whole milk, is lowfat plain yogurt. Studies have proven yogurt's weight loss diet cred - the mix of carbs, protein and fat will keep blood sugar levels steady. Use it as a substitution for higher fat, higher calorie condiments like mayonnaise. Even better, choose Greek yogurt which often has more protein than traditional yogurt.
Healthy Fats
Studies have suggested that monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) can help reduce accumulation of abdominal fat. What's more, this healthy fat helps you feel more full and can curb your appetite. Look to weight loss foods like olive oil and avocado for a nice dose.
Fruits
Studies have found that an apple before a meal results in less calories consumed. Probably because they're high in filling fiber. Apples also contain an antioxidant that may help prevent metabolic syndrome. High-fiber berries like blueberries or goji berries are easy to pop when you're hungry and they'll keep you full. Plus, since fruits are usually sweet, they'll help you forget about any dessert cravings.
Seeds and Nuts
Sunflower seeds can help curb hunger and they're known to prevent inflammation. Almonds help you feel full not only because of their hunger taming protein plus fiber combination, but also because they contain MUFAs.
Is loading up your plate with superfoods doing your diet more harm than good? |
Within the last 10 years there has been an increasing interest in preventive health foods, organic food choices, and proactive health practices. |