While weight loss is important, what’s more important is the quality of food you put in your body – food is information that quickly changes your metabolism and genes. Here are some of the best foods for healthy weight management:
Cucumber: Composed of 97% water, the cucumber is the number-one diuretic food. It encourages and even accelerates weight loss. Rich in vitamin K, it has one of the lowest calorie counts with 12 calories/100g.
Tea: Tea has virtually no calories (1 calories/100g) and has a very low satiety level. In addition, the polyphenols found in tea aids in burning off fat while its diuretic properties help eliminate toxins. Avoid adding sugar.
Oats: Oats are rich in fibre, so a serving can help you feel full throughout the day. Just half a cup packs 4.6 grams of resistant starch, a healthy carb that boosts metabolism and burns fat.
Salmon: Lean sources of protein help you feel full without adding fat. A 2001 study found that dieters eating a MUFA-rich diet lost an average of 9 pounds, while their low-fat diet counterparts gained, on average, 6.
Carrot: Carrots contain a high concentration of carotenoids (vitamin A), beta and alpha carotene. A 100g is enough to meet more than half of the daily requirements for an adult. It also contains both vitamins B and K and provides a significant quantity of potassium, calcium, magnesium and iron. Carrots have a calorie count of 36 calories/100g.
Chili Peppers: Researchers from the University of Wyoming found that capsaicin, the compound that makes chili peppers hot, may help turn white fat into brown fat, stimulating thermogenesis to combat weight gain.
Brown rice: Brown rice is a heartier, fibre-packed alternative to white rice because it’s heavy and filling but low in calories. A half-cup serving contains 1.7 grams of resistant starch.
Wine: Resveratrol, the famed antioxidant found in grape skin, stops fat storage. Studies show that moderate wine drinkers have narrower waists and less belly fat than liquor drinkers. Downing a glass can boost your calorie burn for a good 90 minutes.
Green tea: The antioxidants in green tea will up your fat burn and calorie burn. One study found that five cups a day could help you lose twice as much weight, most of it around your middle.
Lentils: Lentils are a great source of satiating protein and fiber. A half-cup serving delivers 3.4g of resistant starch that boosts metabolism and burns fat.