Best Foods for Weight Loss!

Not all calories or foods are created equal.  Different foods go through different metabolic changes in the body.  The following foods have scientific support to help with weight loss.  But listen people…it doesn’t have to be about only loosing weight.  By no means am I trying to loose weight.  But I do live every day as healthy as I possibly can.  I think about what I eat and what that food can and will do for my body and mind.  And yes I will mindlessly eat chips and sweets when I am in the mood.  Why because I am human and at that moment that’s what I want to eat.  You know what I say:  It’s all about living a balanced lifestyle and if you can do that you will always live happy.  So here goes and enjoy:

They’re high in protein, healthy fats, and can make you feel full with a very low amount of calories.  Eggs are also incredibly nutrient dense and can help you get all the nutrients you need on a calorie restricted diet. Almost all the nutrients are found in the yolks.

Leafy greens include kale, spinach, collards, swiss chards and a few others.  They are low in both calories and carbohydrates, but loaded with fiber.Eating leafy greens is a great way to increase the volume of your meals, without increasing the calories. Leafy greens are also incredibly nutritious and very high in all sorts of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. This includes calcium, which has been shown to aid fat burning in some studies.3. SalmonOily fish like salmon is incredibly healthy, very satisfying, loaded with high quality protein, healthy fats and also contains all sorts of important nutrients.  Fish, and seafood in general, supplies a significant amount of iodine.  This nutrient is necessary for proper function of the thyroid, which is important to keep the metabolism running optimally.Salmon is also loaded with Omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to help reduce inflammation, remember I talked about inflammation and its major role in obesity and metabolic disease.  Feel free to also give these fish a try:  Mackerel, trout, sardines, and herring .4. Cruciferous Vegetables

Cruciferous vegetables include broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage and brussels sprouts.  Did you read my article on meatless protein?  As a reminder from my Beyond Meat protein article these veggies contain a good amount of protein.  They are also high in fiber, tend to be incredibly fulfilling, highly nutritious, and contain cancer fighting substances.

5. Lean Beef and Chicken Breast

Its true folks meat is a weight loss friendly food, because it’s high in protein.  Protein is the most fulfilling nutrient, by far, and eating a high protein diet can help you burn more calories. Of course meat is not for everyone but if you can get it in, you’d be surprised what it will do for your body when it’s grilled, steamed or sauteed, not fried and covered in gravy.

6. Boiled Potatoes

Did I just say Potatoes!  Yes You read correctly.  They contain an incredibly diverse range of nutrients, a little bit of almost everything we need.  They are particularly high in potassium, a nutrient that most people don’t get enough of and plays an important role in blood pressure control.  Sweet potatoes, turnips and other root vegetables are also excellent.  But don’t go throwing on lots of butter and sugar.  I’m just saying. 😉

7. Tuna

Tuna, as a lean fish is another low-calorie, high protein food.  If you’re trying to emphasize protein intake, then make sure to choose tuna canned in water, not oil.

8. Beans and Legumes

Some beans and legumes can be beneficial for weight loss like lentils, black beans, kidney beans and some others.  Due to the high volume of protein and fiber, which are two nutrients that have been shown to lead to satiety.  AKA that feeling full feeling. To avoid  stomach/gastro concerns it is important to prepare them properly.

9. Cottage Cheese

Yes, cottage cheese, it is mostly just protein with very little carbohydrate and fat.  Man I wish I liked it….I’d totally add it to my eating plan. But I can’t get over the consistency and taste.   Dairy products are also high in calcium, which we need for strong bones and more.

10. Avocados

Avocados are a unique type of fruit, as they are loaded with healthy fats.  Avocados are perfect as additions to salad or a smoothie.  I like to drop half of an avocado in to help make it creamy.  They also contain many important nutrients, including fiber and potassium.

11. Nuts

Despite being high in fat, nuts are not fattening. They make an excellent snack, containing balanced amounts of protein, fiber and healthy fats.  Be sure not to go overboard, as they are still pretty high in calories. If you tend to binge and eat massive amounts of nuts, then it may be best to avoid them.

12. Grapefruit

One fruit that deserves to be highlighted is grapefruit, because its effects on weight control have been studied directly.  So… eating half a grapefruit about a half hour before some of your daily meals may help you feel more satiated and eat fewer overall calories.  As for me I like to have grapefruit as a mid day snack.  I usually cut up a few wedges throw them in a zip lock bag and take them with me.

If you missed my blog on Herbs for Weight Loss click the link and read on.