One of the frequently searched terms on many search engines is “Weight Loss“. The popularity and the frequency of this search reflect the inherent desire of humans to look fitter, stronger and attractive. Flab looks good only when carried by babies. Adults are expected to be role models of good physique.
So how does one accomplish this goal, which remains one of the top three resolutions of millions of individuals every year? Exercise or diet; actually, there is a third option to get rid of those ugly bulges. That option is weight reducing food.
Broadly speaking carbohydrates and sugar are the top two culprits followed by junk food which are high in fat content, especially saturated fat. Meat, cheese and butter are some of the examples which can create havoc with your body.
Mentioned below are 10 best superfoods that can help you to lose weight.
1. Berries and Grapefruit
The above mentioned fruits are loaded with phytochemicals, the super antioxidant. They typically lower insulin levels. Berries such as strawberries, cranberries and blueberries are known to neutralise free radicals. It means your system is forced to burn away calories, reducing body fat, the cause for flabbiness. Grapefruit also exhibits same qualities. Both these fruits also lower the risk of heart attack and type II diabetes. Some of the ways to consume these sweet, rich foods are;
- Off the shelf – Eat them raw.
- Morning breakfast – Mix with oats or cereals.
- Or simply toss them in fruit salads.
2. Broccoli
Broccoli is a green flowery vegetable belonging to the cabbage family. It is high in fibre which is partially soluble offering the best of both worlds. Apart from high fibre content it is also rich in Vitamin A, beta carotene type and vitamin C. Beta-carotene and vitamin C are great antioxidants which prevent cancer and cataract.
Broccoli is also filling, which means it kills hunger and thereby extra intake of food, although it keeps your metabolism rate in top gear. Yet another benefit of this vegetable is its ability to reduce cholesterol level and the reason once again is due to its fibre content. It is also a great substitute for milk as it is rich in calcium. Broccoli is tagged as one of the healthiest foods on our planet.
3. Oats
Oats is loaded with dietary fibre which can be consumed as porridge, cookies or bread. It is extremely filling because of its high fibre percentage. Its “Healthy” carbohydrate offers energy in small doses over a lengthy timeline resulting in enhanced metabolism, which in turn allows you to burn extra fat. It is highly recommended to patients who suffer from high cholesterol.
It contains both soluble and insoluble fibre, and one of the components of the soluble fibre called beta-glucan helps reduce cholesterol. No wonder then oatmeal is highly recommended by doctors, The scientific term for oat is Avena sativa.
4. Avocados
An avocado is synonymous with high fibre and protein. While the former contains good fat, called MUFA or mono-saturated fat which gives a nice satiated feeling, the latter helps promote growth of lean tissue mass. Good fat also means reduced levels of cholesterol and heart disease. Apart from being low on sugar, and high in vitamin B, C and E it also helps promote weight loss. Add it to your diet and see the flab melt away.
5. Soup
Soups have this magical property of making you feel more satiated per calorie than its dry counter part. The reason is because of its liquid state which typically occupies more space.
It is proven clinically that people who start off with a healthy soup containing chunks of salmon or pieces of egg eat less meal and remain satiated for a longer duration.
Another soup which can make you feel happy, appetite wise, and still provide the satisfaction of having a full meal are various vegetable soups. They are delicious, nutritious and great alternative to regular meals. Strict diet causes severe side effects whereas soups help shed weight the healthy way.
6. Garlic
Garlic is the powerhouse of my benefits. It is used exclusively as a natural antibiotic and possesses several medicinal qualities. And now research has proved that it can reduce weight because its consumption gives a feeling of “appetite” gratification. Garlic contains Allicin, a compound which is responsible for this feeling.
This unique vegetable actually helps burn fat apart from suppressing hunger. Now isn’t that wonderful? Apart from reducing weight it also helps cure persistent and chronic illnesses such as flu, asthma etc.
7. Dark Chocolates
Phenols in dark chocolate brim with antioxidants offering a protective shield from number of illnesses. It also helps reduce weight because it keeps the stomach happy for longer time. Mentioned below are some of the other benefits.
- Improved cardiovascular and vascular functions.
- Feeling of fullness.
- It changes your mood and makes you feel joyful.
- Reduces body inflammation.
- Suppresses lipid oxidation.
- The flavonoids in dark chocolate are great UV radiation protector.
8. Salads
Unlike diet in its pure form, a salad diet is a great option for people who feel the urge to munch something during lunch or dinner. Vegetables such as lettuce greens, carrots, tomatoes are full of fibrous carb which are filling, and fortunately devoid of calories. Apart from its fibrous advantage they also contain macronutrients, providing necessary vitamins and supplements that your body requires on daily basis.
9. Fish
Fish is yet another excellent diet food in spite of its high fat content. This fat is not produced by human body and hence translates into a necessary supplement. Omega-3 is low in calories and good for heart. It also keeps cholesterol at optimum level. Fish such as salmon is one stop shop for protein. It is a better option than red meat. Salmon is also suggested to patients suffering from arthritis, psoriasis and migraines.
10. Green Tea
Phytochemicals, typically epigallocatechin, found in green tea increases metabolism and reduces hunger pangs which stimulate the body to burn more calories. It means, over a period of time you will find remarkable changes in your body weight. It also contains antioxidants that provide shield against several diseases.