Many people struggle to lose weight (and keep it off) due to the dietary changes which are often required. However, eating right doesn’t necessarily mean eating boring. There are plenty of healthy foods that can help you lose weight while opening up a multitude of satisfying recipes and meal options. Here’s a healthy handful to get you started.
1. Blueberries
Weighing in at less than a single calorie per berry, this is one fruit that packs a flavorful punch without the guilt. Mix blueberries in with your morning yogurt or fold them into batter for pancakes or muffins for a sweet treat anytime.
2. Grapefruit
Grapefruit is another capable fruit among those healthy foods that can help you lose weight. Carrying less than 80 calories each, grapefruits are high in vitamin C and can contribute to improved digestion as well as reducing heart disease risk. Slice one up for easy snacking or try one broiled with cinnamon and sugar for a sweet, savory breakfast idea.
3. Eggs
The International Journal of Obesity found that eggs for breakfast helped women lose weight more effectively than those who started their days with bagels alone. Cook these protein-heavy goodies any way you like—hard boil them for a stand-alone snack that’s easy to pop in the fridge for a convenient craving-buster anytime.
4. Black Beans
Perfect as part of a salad, salsa, or used in any number of Mexican-inspired dishes, black beans provide a bevy of health benefits. They’re high in protein, so they fill you up. They’re also high in fiber, which keeps your digestive system running smoothly. Throw in some complex carbs for added energy and you’ve got yourself a weight-loss winner.
5. Almonds
Delicious on their own or sliced and sprinkled over salads, almonds are a great source of fiber as well as protein. They’ll cost you less than 10 calories apiece and they also offer monounsaturated fat, one which is beneficial to heart health when consumed in moderation.
6. Lean Beef
Didn’t expect to see red meat on a list of healthy foods that can help you lose weight, did you? Select 85-95 percent lean ground beef to give your tacos, spaghetti, or casserole dish the hearty flavor you know and love. When eaten in moderation, even lean red meat can be part of a balanced diet, providing protein that your body needs to retain muscle mass.
##MN_RESP##
7. Olive Oil
For a healthy option when cooking, olive oil rises to the top. It features healthful antioxidants as well as monounsaturated fat to fight flab at your waistline. Also makes a great base for healthy salad dressings!
8. Quinoa
This hip new grain is all the rage for a reason. It’s protein-packed and every bit as versatile as rice, making it perfect for any number of lunch or dinner recipes. It also offers mucho magnesium, which has been shown to improve the quality of sleep, a vital aspect of a healthy weight loss plan.
9. Avocados
Similar to almonds, avocados deliver a boost of dietary fiber and monounsaturated fat—and they’re mighty tasty, too. Mix slices in with your salad, spread it on to your sandwiches, or whip up a fresh guacamole for guests.
10. Greek Yogurt
Another newer force in the world of healthy eating, Greek yogurt adds a shot of protein to many dishes. Use it for egg or tuna salad, for making dips, in dessert recipes, or punch up your smoothies. You can also just stir in some of your favorite fruit and keep it simple, too.
There are many more healthy foods that can help you lose weight and it’s just a matter of getting creative in the kitchen to bring out their four-star flavor. Always be sure to mix up your diet to keep things interesting and you’ll be well on your way to your ideal target weight.
Photo Copyright © 2006 Scott Schopieray/Flickr
