In fitness and weight loss, there is usually one common denominator for either to be useful – nutritious food. In the world of nutrition, we’ve all heard of the term ‘super-food,’ but what types of foods considered as ‘super-foods’? Some are far less exotic than you might expect, and they are quite easy to incorporate into your everyday diet. These foods will help to fulfill various bodily nutrition needs while at the same time leaving you full without the need to overindulge, and they can help you to supercharge your weight loss and get the body that you deserve. The following are the 5 best super-foods for weight loss that you should include in your everyday diet.
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Weight loss foods – Avocados
Avocados are very trendy at the moment, and they are a staple of the middle class and hipster diets all over the world. However, many people believe that avocados are unhealthy because they contain a lot of fat. They would be mistaken about this, as they don’t know is that the fat in avocados is monounsaturated, which is the healthy kind. Avocados can help with weight loss for three main reasons. Firstly, they contain healthy fats, which help you feel full for longer; next, their high fiber content also stops you feeling hungry; finally, they may help keep belly fat at bay by effectively controlling blood sugar levels. Apart from being rich in potassium, fiber and essential vitamins like Vitamin B, C, E and K, avocados contain a compound known as Oleic acid which prevents the body from hunger pangs.
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Weight loss foods – Grapefruit
This citric fruit is believed to have individual enzymes that when eaten before any meals, assist in burning fat and helping in weight loss. Studies have also shown that this fruit resulted in a decrease in lipid levels associated with obesity and therefore it is excellent for weight control. The most significant benefit of grapefruit is the variety of nutrients that you get from consuming its juices, peels, and pulps. Besides, the fruit is also great for your skin. Grapefruit has been a staple of diets since the early part of the twentieth century, and while some put this down to the simple fact that if you consume grapefruit, which is low calories, you will feel full and not overeat, others have said that the way grapefruit interacts with the enzymes in your body increases metabolism and prevents fat buildup.
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Weight loss foods – Beans
There are different varieties of beans in the market: Pinto beans, Kidney beans, Lima beans, and so on. No matter your choice of beans, you are bound to get a significant amount of satisfying protein, iron, potassium, and magnesium. Beans classified as complex carbs which means they take longer to digest and are very nutritious, leaving you feeling full for a long time. They are high in fiber and are a great alternative to red meats which have unhealthy fats. Beans can also help to reduce blood sugar (which is an excellent way to lose weight and mainly minimize belly-fat), they can improve your cholesterol, and they can also help to improve your general health. The most significant benefit of beans is that you can incorporate them into any of your daily meals: breakfast, lunch or dinner.
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Weight loss foods – Nuts
Nuts contain monounsaturated fats which considered very healthy when consumed in their natural form. Different nuts offer various nutritional qualities. For example, walnuts are an excellent source of omega 3, and almonds help in curbing hunger and boosting your energy between meals. Other nuts such as peanuts, macadamia nuts, Brazil nuts and pine nuts are an excellent source of potassium, magnesium, folate, calcium, zinc, and antioxidants. You may imagine that because nuts often contain quite a lot of fat and because their calorie content is usually high, that you should stay away from them if you are trying to diet. However, this is not the case. Nuts can increase your metabolism, and can this help you to lose weight. As well as this, nuts have a low glycemic load. Foods with a low glycemic load keep your blood sugar stable, which can help with weight loss. As well as this, a small portion of nuts prevents you from snacking on junk foods, and the high fiber keeps you feeling full for longer periods.
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Weight loss foods – Oats
Oats are whole grain, and they contain a substantial amount of carbs, proteins, fats, and fiber. They are the most nutrient dense foods of all. The carbs in oats consist of fiber and starch, and a unique type of fiber called beta-glucan connected to a wide variety of health benefits. Most people consume oats as their breakfast option, but it is good to note that oats are consumable even at other times of the day, as it makes a great snack as well. The main reasons why oats are so beneficial for weight loss are that anything can consume them, they are filling, and they are low in fat. Just don’t add too many sugary toppings to your oats, and add some protein, as this will keep your metabolism firing and will help you to lose even more weight.
Nutritionists all over the world have various sayings for example abs are made in the kitchen, or weight loss is 20 percent exercise and 80 percent nutrition. This notion is predominantly true because most people attempting to lose weight struggle with the types of foods to eat in order to rush their weight loss and reach their goals. If you use this adage in your meal and lifestyle choices, then surely you will start to lose weight, will feel more vital and you will become healthier week by week. Furthermore, if you incorporate some of the above foods, then this task will become even easier, and they will also power your workouts, which makes it a win-win situation.
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James is the community manager at Superfoods Australia. James is obsessed with nutrition and likes nothing more than learning about new foods and supplements that help to improve health and overall well-being.