Super Foods That Encourage Weight Loss

Experts say there are two basic categories of foods that can be considered "keeping it off superfoods" because they fill your tummy without piling on the calories: fruits and vegetables.

Image via WikipediaAnd the nutrient that gives fruits and vegetables that ‘staying power?’

Fiber. 

So, if fruits and vegetables are the "keeping-it-off superfood groups," fiber may well be the "keeping-it-off super-nutrient."

Protein is another super-nutrient. It's becoming more scientifically accepted that protein may help to curb appetite. Protein also offers staying power, and can slightly boost your metabolism in the process. But it’s imperative that you choose your proteins wisely, because like all other foods, if you’re eating more than your body needs, it’ll show up on the scale as a gain, instead of a loss.

The following superfoods are smart, low-calorie choices that will benefit your weight loss efforts: 

Green Tea - Researchers suspect that the catechins (helpful phytochemicals) in green tea may trigger weight loss by stimulating the body to burn calories and mildly decrease body fat. So indulge in either a hot cup or a nice tall iced glass of green tea.

Broth- or tomato-based soup – Soups can help reduce hunger before meals and increase your feeling of fullness.

Low-calorie green salads - Having a low-calorie salad – which is not defined as one that’s loaded with croutons, high fat dressings, and cheese - as a first course can help you feel full, thereby reducing how much you eat with your main course. Wisely choose your ingredients, and its high fiber content can be the key to helping you fight cravings later in the day.

Yogurt – Including dairy products as part of your healthy diet may promote your weight loss efforts. Choosing a yogurt may help you fight off hunger pangs due to its combination of protein and carbohydrate.

Beans – A great combination of fiber and protein, beans help you feel full longer, which means they may work to curb your between-meals appetite.

Water – Water is your body’s lifeblood, and you should be drinking it throughout your day. It’s a great no-calorie beverage, and you can get it by drinking unsweetened tea, flavored unsweetened mineral water, regular water with lime or lemon, or even with cucumber. In addition to helping flush toxins from the body, it can also help you feel full. So when those hunger pangs strike, try drinking a glass of water before grabbing that snack.

Image via WikipediaHigh-Fiber, Whole-Grain Cereal - Whole grains in general help boost fiber and the nutritional value of your meal. One of the easiest ways to give your daily diet a whole-grain boost is to have a bowl of higher-fiber whole-grain cereal as breakfast or a snack. However, don't be tricked by the sugary cereals on store shelves - even Fruit Loops and Lucky Charms boast "whole grain!" on the label these days, if you can believe that. (Don't believe me? See picture to the right.) You might as well drink a bowl full of high-fructose corn syrup! Instead choose a low-sugar high-fiber choice such as grape nuts, or other all-natural cereals that are unsweetened. One of my recent favorites is an organic whole grain cereal from Trader Joe's which you cook like oatmeal, but it contains several whole grains, and the result is a nutty, chewy, and tasty treat. Combined with a ripe banana and some whole milk, and sweetened with a bit of maple syrup, it's a great balanced breakfast that will fill you up for quite a while.

For more healthy tips to help you balance your body and life, including fun ways to exercise, where to get the freshest and most nutritious foods, cooking healthy and tasty meals from scratch, and more, visit http://www.newholisticliving.com/holisticwellness.html.