One of the secrets of losing weight is to know which types of foods to eat. We all know that binge eating will definitely make a person bloated. Junk foods like sodas, chips and processed foods are packed with calories and sugar which could quickly lead to obesity when not acted upon. Not eating any food is also not healthy. The body needs food to function properly. The best advice is to eat healthy and balanced food. Knowing what foods to avoid and what to consume will also contribute to a successful and natural weight loss. To give you an idea, here are the top ten foods that you should include in your healthy and balanced meal:
1. Beans – Beans, especially black beans are packed with protein. A cup will give your body the protein requirement it needs for the whole day. Unlike other protein sources like red meat, beans don’t have unhealthy fats which mean that you will be consuming a totally healthy protein source without any setback. Aside from being a high protein source, beans are also rich in fiber which will aid in healthy digestion. Beans will also make you feel fuller longer because they take a long time to be fully digested. This means that you will have fewer tendencies to munch on unhealthy food to keep you full until your next meal. Slowly cooked crock pot beans for lunch will definitely keep you full until dinner that you will never notice you skipped to eat snack in the afternoon.
2. Apples – Many consider apple as the king of fruits. It could be a healthy substitute for coffee to keep you awake longer. Apples are even used for detox diets. One can consume just apples for the whole day in 3 days. While we don’t totally recommend that, there are other ways to maximize the health benefits apples offer. Apples are rich in fiber and are packed with healthy sugar that can power up your day. Just don’t consume apple sauce and apple juice. They have a lot of sugar that the body can handle. Eating apples in breakfast for instance will make you feel fuller and stop your craving for other foods. The fruit also contains phytonutrients that help regulate a person’s blood sugar level.
3. Almonds – Almonds are also little wonders packed with fiber which will keep you fuller for a longer time. They are also rich in Vitamin E which is good for your skin and hair. Almonds, together with other nuts are also great sources of protein. So every time you crave for some sweet treats to satisfy your sweet tooth, munch on almonds instead.
4. Leafy green vegetables – Aside from fruits, adding leafy greens to your meals will also ease your weight loss efforts. Kale, spinach and lettuce are rich in fiber that also aids water retention in the body. They are also high in minerals and vitamins only leafy greens will offer. These greens are perfect for salads and soups and are very versatile that you can include them in a lot of recipes.
5. Oats – Oats are packed with fiber and carbohydrates that will keep you energized for a longer time which will make you feel fuller. Having a bowl of oats for your breakfast topped with healthy fruits like bananas, berries and apple with almonds on the side will complete your nutrient requirement for a meal.
6. Avocados – One of the healthiest fruits is avocado. This delicious fruit is full of nutrients from fiber to protein. It also contains fat. Yes, avocado contains healthy fats which contain a compound called oleic acid, the same fat found in olive oil, that helps burn excess fat in the body. It also quiets down hunger pangs. For breakfast, consuming half an avocado fruit will provide your body complete nutrients from protein, fiber and fats needed to power up your day.
7. Salmon and tuna – You don’t have to avoid fish and meat to keep your body lean. Just make sure you are eating the right kinds of fish. Cold water fish like salmon and tuna are examples of healthy fish that you can add to your healthy diet. These contain healthy sources of protein for muscle development and omega 3 fatty acids that promote healthy heart and it also helps stave off food cravings. Consume grilled tuna or salmon for a filling dinner and steamed broccoli on the side.
8. Tomatoes – Who would have thought that tomatoes are weight loss food? Aside from the fact that these beautiful vegetables are rich in Vitamin E and antioxidants that keep the skin healthy, they also have phytochemicals and omega 3 that keeps the heart in check. A recent study also proved that tomatoes have leptin, a protein that curbs appetite and wards off excess fats in the body.
9. Blueberries – Known as the super fruit, blueberries were proven to have lots of healthy chemicals packed in very small sizes. It is best known to contain anti-oxidants that keep the cells healthy and young making you look younger and healthier. Blueberries also contain few calories and lots of fiber that will aid you in keeping a healthy weight.
10. Broccoli – Known as a cancer-fighting veggie, broccoli is also a healthy food to add to your weight loss diet plan. Either cooked or raw, there are a lot of recipes you can experiment with broccoli. Eating a bowl of this healthy vegetable will provide your body enough fiber with low calories.
1. Beans – Beans, especially black beans are packed with protein. A cup will give your body the protein requirement it needs for the whole day. Unlike other protein sources like red meat, beans don’t have unhealthy fats which mean that you will be consuming a totally healthy protein source without any setback. Aside from being a high protein source, beans are also rich in fiber which will aid in healthy digestion. Beans will also make you feel fuller longer because they take a long time to be fully digested. This means that you will have fewer tendencies to munch on unhealthy food to keep you full until your next meal. Slowly cooked crock pot beans for lunch will definitely keep you full until dinner that you will never notice you skipped to eat snack in the afternoon.
2. Apples – Many consider apple as the king of fruits. It could be a healthy substitute for coffee to keep you awake longer. Apples are even used for detox diets. One can consume just apples for the whole day in 3 days. While we don’t totally recommend that, there are other ways to maximize the health benefits apples offer. Apples are rich in fiber and are packed with healthy sugar that can power up your day. Just don’t consume apple sauce and apple juice. They have a lot of sugar that the body can handle. Eating apples in breakfast for instance will make you feel fuller and stop your craving for other foods. The fruit also contains phytonutrients that help regulate a person’s blood sugar level.
3. Almonds – Almonds are also little wonders packed with fiber which will keep you fuller for a longer time. They are also rich in Vitamin E which is good for your skin and hair. Almonds, together with other nuts are also great sources of protein. So every time you crave for some sweet treats to satisfy your sweet tooth, munch on almonds instead.
4. Leafy green vegetables – Aside from fruits, adding leafy greens to your meals will also ease your weight loss efforts. Kale, spinach and lettuce are rich in fiber that also aids water retention in the body. They are also high in minerals and vitamins only leafy greens will offer. These greens are perfect for salads and soups and are very versatile that you can include them in a lot of recipes.
5. Oats – Oats are packed with fiber and carbohydrates that will keep you energized for a longer time which will make you feel fuller. Having a bowl of oats for your breakfast topped with healthy fruits like bananas, berries and apple with almonds on the side will complete your nutrient requirement for a meal.
6. Avocados – One of the healthiest fruits is avocado. This delicious fruit is full of nutrients from fiber to protein. It also contains fat. Yes, avocado contains healthy fats which contain a compound called oleic acid, the same fat found in olive oil, that helps burn excess fat in the body. It also quiets down hunger pangs. For breakfast, consuming half an avocado fruit will provide your body complete nutrients from protein, fiber and fats needed to power up your day.
7. Salmon and tuna – You don’t have to avoid fish and meat to keep your body lean. Just make sure you are eating the right kinds of fish. Cold water fish like salmon and tuna are examples of healthy fish that you can add to your healthy diet. These contain healthy sources of protein for muscle development and omega 3 fatty acids that promote healthy heart and it also helps stave off food cravings. Consume grilled tuna or salmon for a filling dinner and steamed broccoli on the side.
8. Tomatoes – Who would have thought that tomatoes are weight loss food? Aside from the fact that these beautiful vegetables are rich in Vitamin E and antioxidants that keep the skin healthy, they also have phytochemicals and omega 3 that keeps the heart in check. A recent study also proved that tomatoes have leptin, a protein that curbs appetite and wards off excess fats in the body.
9. Blueberries – Known as the super fruit, blueberries were proven to have lots of healthy chemicals packed in very small sizes. It is best known to contain anti-oxidants that keep the cells healthy and young making you look younger and healthier. Blueberries also contain few calories and lots of fiber that will aid you in keeping a healthy weight.
10. Broccoli – Known as a cancer-fighting veggie, broccoli is also a healthy food to add to your weight loss diet plan. Either cooked or raw, there are a lot of recipes you can experiment with broccoli. Eating a bowl of this healthy vegetable will provide your body enough fiber with low calories.