Life has become quite a rat race, and eating has become a hurried ritual we perform each day just for the sake of sustenance. We simply stuff ourselves with anything and everything, not thinking about the consequences while doing so. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that maintaining a healthy weight under such circumstances is tough, and losing weight is even tougher.
Eating right is always the right way to begin when it comes to losing weight. Studies have revealed that there some foods that can help you along your weight-loss journey, when incorporated into a healthful and active lifestyle. The secret is to opt for nutrient-dense foods, such as those rich in protein and fiber.
Here is the list of 10 weight-friendly foods that you should consider including in your diet:
Grapefruit
Grapefruit can suppress your appetite, so eating a grapefruit half an hour before your next meal can prevent you from overeating.
Moreover, grapefruit can also reduce insulin resistance (a metabolic abnormality) and prevent the occurrence of chronic diseases.
Egg Yolks
Egg yolks are one of the most nutrient-dense sources of food.
Having an egg as part of breakfast can help in suppressing your appetite later during the day – helping you eat lesser than you would if you had chosen a refined carb breakfast.
Nuts
Contrary to popular opinion, nuts are not fattening, if consumed in moderation. Containing the perfect balance of proteins, fiber and healthy fats, nuts must be your go-to evening snack!
Moreover, since nuts improve metabolic health, including nuts in your diet can help you stay both healthy and slim.
Avocados
While most other fruits are loaded with carbs, avocados are loaded with healthy fats. But that is just one reason why avocados are great to include in your weight-loss diet!
Avocados are also high in water and fiber, and also contribute to an increase carotenoid antioxidant absorption when consumed with other vegetables.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal is another ideal breakfast choice due to its rich fiber content, which gives you the feeling of being full later during the day – helping you skip the need for a mid-morning snack.
Oats are also low in calories, and compliment your calorie-restricted diet well.
Tuna
Here’s another low-calorie, high-protein food for all you non-vegetarians out there. What’s more, this lean fish is rich in amino acids required by the body for growth and maintenance of lean muscle tissue!
Choose tuna that has been canned in water, not oil. And remember, as with all foods, moderation is key because the mercury in tuna is not recommended for everyday eating.
Leafy Greens & Leafy Vegetables
Leafy greens like kale, spinach, collards, and swiss chards and cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage and brussels sprouts increase the quantity of your meals, without contributing to too many calories.
Moreover, being low in carbs and high in fiber, they make a great choice for a weight-loss diet.
Beans/Legumes
Beans and other legumes including lentils, black beans, kidney beans and some others are also ideal for you if you are looking to shed some pounds.
With a high protein and fiber content, they make you feel full and help you avoid the unnecessary calories.
Soups
The high content of water in soups makes them a filling food, but with a low energy density.
Studies have also shown that, by adding water to your regular meal and turning it into a soup, you are likely to feel more satisfied with a lesser quantity of food and fewer calories.
Yogurt
Yogurt that contains probiotic bacteria can enhance the functionality of the gut, protecting the body against inflammation and leptin resistance, one of the major hormonal causes of obesity.
Having said that, remember to choose full-fat yogurt with live, active cultures as other types of yogurt contain virtually no probiotics and can be high in sugar content.
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