If you are focusing on weight loss when considering planning your year of good foods then these are all the foods and drinks you need to ensure are in your diet regularly!
Experts say there are two basic categories of foods that can be considered “keeping it off superfoods” because they fill your tummy without piling on the calories: fruits and vegetables.
Two main nutrients
The nutrient that gives fruits and vegetables that ‘staying power?’ is fibre. So, if fruits and vegetables are the “keeping-it-off superfood groups,” fibre may well be the “keeping-it-off super-nutrient.”
Protein is another super nutrient. It’s becoming more scientifically accepted that protein may help to curb appetite. Protein also offers staying power, and can slightly boost your metabolism in the process. It’s imperative, however, that you choose your proteins wisely, because like all other foods, if you’re eating more than your body needs, it’ll show up on the scales as a weight gain, instead of a loss.
Low calorie perfect choices for weight loss
The following superfoods are smart, low-calorie choices that will benefit your weight loss efforts:
Green Tea
Researchers suspect that the catechins (helpful phytochemicals) in green tea may trigger weight loss by stimulating the body to burn calories and mildly decrease body fat. So indulge in either a hot cup or a nice tall iced glass of green tea.
Broth or tomato-based soup
Soups can help reduce hunger before meals and increase your feeling of fullness. Avoid creamy options though as these are frequently high in fat and calories.
Low-calorie green salads
Having a low-calorie salad – which is not defined as one that’s loaded with croutons, high-fat dressings, and cheese – as a first course can help you feel full, thereby reducing how much you eat with your main course.
Wisely choose your ingredients, and its high fibre content can be the key to helping you fight cravings later in the day.
Yoghurt
Including dairy products as part of your healthy diet may promote your weight loss efforts. Choosing a light yoghurt or low fat/fat-free variety may help you fight off hunger pangs due to its combination of protein and carbohydrate.
Beans
A great combination of fibre and protein, beans help you feel full longer, which means they may work to curb your between-meal appetite. A great alternative is chickpeas which are also high in protein and fibre.
Water
Water is your body’s lifeblood, and you should be drinking it throughout your day. It’s a great no-calorie beverage, and you can get it by drinking unsweetened tea, flavoured unsweetened mineral water, regular water with lime or lemon, or even in your cucumber.
In addition to helping flush toxins from the body, it can also help you feel full. So when those hunger pangs strike, try drinking a glass of water before grabbing that snack.
High-Fibre Whole-Grain Cereal
Whole grains in general help boost fibre and the nutritional value of your meal. One of the easiest ways to give your daily diet a whole-grain boost is to have a bowl of higher-fibre whole-grain cereal as breakfast or a snack. This simple swap from a sugary cereal can ensure you stay full until lunchtime!
