If you’ve ever tried to lose weight, you’ve probably heard that a healthy diet can help you shed pounds. But what exactly is a healthy diet?
First, it’s essential to understand that “healthy” doesn’t mean “low-calorie.” Many so-called “diet” foods are loaded with calories and sugar but low in nutrients. Instead of counting calories, start counting grams of fiber and total carbohydrates (including fiber). Both are indicators of whether a food is nutritious.
The following foods are loaded with nutrients and have few calories:
Apples
The apple is a fruit that can be eaten raw or cooked, and it’s also an excellent source of fiber. Apples are low in calories and carbs but high in vitamins and minerals. They contain pectin, a soluble fiber that may help with weight loss by helping you feel fuller for longer. They’re also high in antioxidants called polyphenols, which may help boost your metabolism.
Black beans
Black beans are very high in fiber and protein while low in calories, making them an excellent choice for weight loss. They’re also a source of antioxidants, which may help prevent heart disease and cancer. The best way to enjoy black beans is as part of a meal or snack rather than on their own so that you can get the most out of their nutritional benefits.
Chicory root
Chicory root is a great food to add to your diet because it helps you to feel fuller. It also contains inulin, which helps you to absorb more nutrients from other foods.
Green tea
Green tea is rich in antioxidants that can help fight off inflammation and protect against disease. It also contains caffeine, which can help increase metabolism and reduce body fat.
Raw Cacao
Cacao is a superfood used by the Maya and Aztec cultures for centuries. Cacao is full of antioxidants and is one of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet. The issue is that most of us don’t know how to use it properly. You can overeat this stuff if you’re not careful! Raw cacao powder is an excellent addition to smoothies, but be sure not to overdo it. There are tremendous cacao benefits for weight loss so if you haven’t tried out yet then give it a try.
Oranges
These juicy fruits are packed with nutrients that help you stay full for longer. They contain fiber, vitamin C and antioxidants that have been shown to boost metabolism. Oranges have high-water content, which will help prevent cravings for other less healthy snacks.
Quinoa
Quinoa can be eaten as part of the main meal or used in side dishes like salads or stir-fries. It takes longer than other grains to digest, which means it will keep you feeling full longer than other foods with a similar calorie count. Quinoa is also a source of protein and fiber, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to lose weight.
Salmon
Protein helps build muscle mass and boost metabolism, so you burn more calories daily. Salmon is a great source of lean protein; one serving provides nearly 20 grams! That makes it ideal for weight loss because it helps prevent muscle loss when cutting calories for weight loss.
Final Words
If you’re having trouble losing weight, there’s a good chance you might be overeating unhealthy food. As the saying goes, everything is in moderation. Those who struggle most with weight loss often go overboard on the wrong diet components while under-eating others. You should include a few essential staples in your daily diet if you want to shed pounds. Make sure to follow all healthy diets by getting the right amount of protein, fat and carbs daily.