When attempting to lose weight, it’s many people’s first instinct to simply cut down on how much they eat each day. But, much more importantly, we should be focusing on what foods we’re eating–not how much.
Your body processes all different sorts of carbs and calories and fats in all different ways. Certain foods–while high in fats–might provide your body with lower calories and higher energy densities that it really needs in order to help you to shed the pounds.
The fact is, you don’t need to stop buying food at all–you just need to head to the grocery store to stock up on the types of foods that will support your body through its weight loss journey!
To help get you started, we’ve compiled a list of 10 weight loss friendly foods you’ll want to stock your cupboards with on your journey to a trimmer waistline.
Have a look!
1. Eggs
For years, health snobs everywhere were dedicated to avoiding eggs entirely because they were said to be high in cholesterol. However, recent studies have disproved this view, showing that eggs don’t really raise cholesterol or have any clear part in heart attack risk.
Eggs are a super nutrient-dense food that helps you to feel full–despite delivering very few calories. Remember to eat the yolk, too! This is where the egg holds most of its nutrients.
2. Salmon
Salmon and other fatty fish are equal parts healthy and delicious. Salmon supplies your body with iodine, a nutrient which plays a major role in thyroid function and regulating metabolism–thus reducing risks of obesity and metabolic disease.
Prepare salmon with eggs for breakfast, or pair it with a serving of steamed vegetables for lunch and dinner; whichever meal you choose, you’re sure to feel great when running on salmon’s proteins and nutrients.
3. Tuna
Whaaat, more fish?! Well, yeah. But hear us out.
Tuna is a super-popular choice among bodybuilders and fitness models because it makes a great protein-packed substitution for carbs and fats, as it’s low-fat, low-calorie, and deliciously flavored so it can tide you over for hours without loading you up with the bad stuff to do so.
Tuna in water (not oil) is the perfect substitute in a protein-rich diet, and it can serve as a delicious alternative to chicken and lean red meats–providing a little much-needed variety in your diet.
4. Leafy Greens
Leafy greens like kale, spinach, and collards are low in calories and carbs, but jam-packed with nutrients, including calcium–something that’s been linked to fat burning. They also contain high levels of energy density, which means you’ll need to eat less throughout the day to sustain yourself.
These little green leaves are the perfect addition to any meal since they add bulk without adding many calories at all. Plus, the fiber found in leafy greens helps you feel full for longer!
5. Chicken Breast
Meat tends to get a bad wrap in the health community–but the fact is, it’s so high in protein that lean meats make for the perfect weight loss tool. Chicken is an especially reliable weight-friendly food because it’s reliably lean and clean.
Studies have shown that a high-protein diet, like one that’s rich with chicken, can help you to burn between 80 and 100 additional calories each day. And chicken does a great job of keeping you full for hours after you’ve finished eating!
6. Boiled Potatoes
First chicken, now potatoes?! See, this whole “healthy foods” thing isn’t so bad after all! Potatoes, when prepared in a healthy way, have a whole host of benefits for your overall health.
Potatoes carry awesome amounts of potassium, starch, and fiber–each of which is necessary for a well-tuned metabolism. While potatoes aren’t crazy-low in the calorie-department, a little bit can go a long way toward filling you up and curbing your appetite from there.
7. Beans
Beans and legumes, such as lentils, black beans, kidney beans, and others can make a great low-calorie addition to your weight-friendly diet. They’re high in protein and fiber, which means they’ll keep you full, and they’re packed with lots of other nutrients most of us don’t get enough of.
Do some research into the different ways in which you can prepare and serve beans and legumes; much of the negative reputation these foods have comes from lack of knowledge as to how to properly prepare them.
8. Soups
As we descend into the winter months, your weight-loss routine may find itself lacking in the department of “warm soul food perfect for thawing your body after a blizzard.” The good news, however, is that there’s a whole host of soups and broths that can warm you up and help in weight loss!
Studies have shown that foods prepared with low-fat and -oil broths or water tend to do a better job keeping us full for longer. So consider tossing that meat and those vegetables into a broth instead of serving traditionally!
9. Yogurt
Many varieties of yogurt contain probiotic bacteria that help to regulate the digestive system, thus aiding weight loss. Yogurt also helps to protect against inflammation and leptin resistance, which can play a central role in obesity.
Choose yogurts that are full-fat, as these are normally much lower in sugar content than low-fat yogurts, and they actually aid in the resistance of diabetes and fat retention.
10. Nuts
Now, you may be thinking, “Well, actually– nuts are extremely fatty.” And you’re right–but only kind of. Nuts are a fatty food, but they aren’t nearly as fattening as they’ve been cracked up to be. They contain loads of protein, fiber, and healthy fats that help to improve digestive health and promote weight loss.
Nuts are the perfect snack food since they’re low in sugar and other negative ingredients, and consuming them in moderation is the perfect way to reap the benefits these little guys have to offer.
Want More Weight Loss Friendly Foods?
It’s absolutely true that you can lose loads of weight without starving yourself. Lots of the process of achieving and maintaining a healthy weight has to do with simply consuming the right foods–not the right (tiny) amount of foods.
For more weight loss friendly foods and tips to help you lose weight safely, check out our page!