When it comes to weight loss, diet is crucial. But although much of the advice around weight loss centres around what you shouldn’t eat and drink, clearly the foods you do consume are equally important.
As well as helping you abstain from the stuff you shouldn’t be eating, some healthy foods help to boost your metabolism, keep you full and provide the nutritional support your body needs to thrive.
So, to help point you in the right direction and make your weight loss journey that little bit easier, here are five foods that should help you start shedding the pounds in no time.
Leafy Greens
Leafy greens, such as spinach, kale and Swiss chard should be included on your shopping list if your goal is weight loss. Low in calories and carbs but jam-packed full of essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, pound for pound they’re some of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet.
They also provide a healthy dose of fibre, which helps you feel full and satisfied while keeping calorie intake under control. Additionally, leafy greens are abundant in chlorophyll, which studies have suggested can aid in weight loss by reducing hunger and cravings.
Lean Protein
Lean protein promotes weight loss by increasing feelings of fullness, boosting metabolism and aiding in the preservation of muscle mass. All of this can help your weight management and fat loss goals.
The best sources of lean protein include chicken breast, turkey and lean cuts of beef. If you’re a vegetarian, then tofu and legumes are your best sources of lean protein.
By including protein-rich foods in your diet you can boost your metabolism, helping your body burn more calories throughout the day. Aim to incorporate lean protein into each of your meals.
Berries
Delicious and great for enjoying as a treat to satisfy your sweet tooth when you’re trying to ditch the desserts, berries not only taste amazing but they’re also packed full of antioxidants and fibre. This makes them a powerful ally in your battle against weight loss.
Berries, including blueberries, strawberries, blackberries and raspberries can be added to your breakfast cereal or yoghurt. Or alternatively, if you’re in a hurry you can just grab a handful and eat them while you’re on the go!
Wholegrains
Wholegrains release energy slowly, ensuring you feel full and satisfied for longer. They’re also brimming with fibre and can help stabilise blood sugar levels which reduces the likelihood of energy crashes and subsequent cravings for sugary snacks.
Wholegrains include foods such as oats, quinoa, brown rice and whole wheat, so there are many different options for anyone looking to include more of these in their diet.
Avocados
When we see something described as “high in fat”, we immediately assume it’s bad for weight loss. But it all depends on the type of fat.
You see, healthy fats aid weight loss by promoting a feeling of fullness and satisfaction, which reduces the likelihood of overeating and helps to control calorie intake. Healthy fats also support our bodies’ metabolic processes.
Avocados are a prime example of a food that’s high in fat – monounsaturated fat, that is – which could assist you in your weight loss goals. They’re also rich in fibre, potassium and various vitamins.
Another benefit of avocados is they’re extremely versatile, so they can be included in salads, mashed up to create a topping or dip or, if you prefer to keep it simple, they can just be enjoyed on their own.
Putting It All Together
So those are five foods that can help turbocharge your weight loss. If losing weight and shedding fat is at the top of your priorities list, eating these foods should help you in your journey towards a slimmer, healthier you.
Eating balanced meals by incorporating these foods into your diet can soon set you on the path to success. But although these foods can usually be incorporated into quick and simple meals, if you’re a busy bee who’s always on the go, keeping on top of your meal prep might be a bit of a challenge.
If you’re someone who struggles to find the time to create healthy, balanced meals two to three times a day, or you don’t fancy yourself as much of a cook and you’d prefer someone else to do it for you, meal prep services offer the ideal solution.
As well as saving time, with meal prep you’ll know your nutritional needs are being taken care of, providing peace of mind and taking much of the hard work out of your weight loss journey. What’s more, with delivery companies like us dropping your meals off at your front door, you don’t even need to leave the house!