FOOLPROOF FOODS FOR FAT LOSS: TEN FOODS THAT SPEED UP THE PROCESS

 

WHAT IS FAT LOSS?

For a lot of people, when the term ‘fat loss’(or weight loss) comes to mind, the first thing that pops up is exercise. While exercise is an important aspect of weight loss, what some people may not realize is that a huge per cent of weight is lost by changing our dietary habits. While fat loss is not an indicator as to whether one is healthy or not, it may be something you desire to achieve in order to feel your best. It is advisable to discuss your weight concerns with a healthcare professional just to ascertain what is best for you and your body. But, if weight loss IS your goal, then these 10 foods are sure to support a healthy weight loss journey!

1. LEAFY GREENS

Leafy greens such as kale, spinach, romaine lettuce, cabbage et cetera, pack fiber and nutrients that help keep you satisfied and hydrated. This is important as they reduce the rate at which we get hungry thus avoiding the need for constant consumption of snacks/extra meals which are, more often than not, junk foods or fatty foods. They also contain vitamins A,C,K and folate, which are crucial for healthy vision, immunity, bone health and cell growth which are all major bonuses! If eating all these in their raw form (i.e as a salad) does not appeal to you, leafy greens can also be incorporated into our meals like soups, sauces, stews, and even as extra filling in chicken wraps!

2. BEANS AND LEGUMES

A lot of people mistake these two terms for the same thing when in actuality they are quite different. Legumes are plants that bear fruit while beans are the SEEDS of such plants. While all beans are considered legumes, legumes aren't always classified as beans. These foods are affordable, protein dense and full of dietary fiber. Beans and legumes are a staple of the Mediterranean diet (the diet of people living in France, Spain, Greece and Italy) which some experts recommend as one of the healthiest dietary patterns in the world. More information on legumes as part of the Mediterranean diet can be found here. They also contain antioxidants that help prevent cell damage and fight skin disease and aging.

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3. OATMEAL

Oatmeal is usually seen from the perspective of weight gain (as it is packed with protein and other nutrients that help build muscle) but due to how much fiber it contains in so little calories, oatmeal is a great meal option when trying to lose weight. It is a good alternative to snacks when trying to stay full for longer, as it contains at least 4 grams of fiber and about 150 calories in just 1/2 a cup of uncooked oats, which when cooked will amount to about a full cup of oats. Oatmeal is a delicious meal that has proven to also be very diverse. Aside from being eaten for breakfast, oats can also be ground into flour and used for baking or depending on the toppings and garnishing used, they can also be eaten a savory meal for lunch. Other health benefits of oats include the reduction of LDL cholesterol, the prebiotics can be used to help the good bacteria in your gut proliferate, et cetera.

4.  EGGS

Like most of the foods that have been mentioned, eggs are also protein dense yet calorie deficit. Plus, adding a hard boiled egg to any meal can help keep one full for a while. Some may be tempted to do away with the egg yolk, using only the whites to make their eggs even more calorie deficit. This should be re-considered, as the yolk is extremely nutrient dense, containing filling healthy fats and special nutrients such as choline and vitamin D. Eggs are extremely versatile as they can be eaten in a number of ways and can be added as a protein boost to almost any meal.

5.  LEAN MEAT

Lean meats such as chicken breast and turkey are rich in protein, which is an important nutrient that is crucial to weight loss. High protein diets help to burn more calories per day while simultaneously keeping you full for a longer time (hence why protein has been a reoccurring topic in the foods mentioned).