10 Key Foods To Add To Your Weight Loss Plan

10 Key Foods To Add To Your Weight Loss Plan

We are all aware of the foods that cause weight gain, but many people are unaware there are foods that can aid in weight loss. Many people tend to focus on the foods they need to cut out of their diet, instead of focusing on the foods to add.

While cutting unhealthy foods from your diet is essential to weight loss, adding foods into your diet is easier to do and can be just as essential in your journey into weight loss. Below, we are going to cover ten foods that are not only key in promoting healthy weight loss, but easy to access and prepare.

1. Pistachios: These nuts are the perfect snack when you are trying to lose weight because they are high in protein, fiber and healthy, unsaturated fats which are good for your brain and heart. Even though shelled pistachios are convenient, the longer amount of time you spend shelling them yourselves, the more satisfying the snack is going to be.
2. Mushrooms: The Weight Management Center at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health reports a study that found substituting mushrooms for meat ca lead to significant weight loss. Mushrooms are actually very similar to meat with their rich and dense texture, and they hardy and filling making them an ideal substitute for meat. Mushrooms are indeed nature’s perfect food, loaded with nutrients of various kinds, versatile in cooking, can be eaten raw or cooked and they are very low in calories.
3. Yogurt: Scientists aren’t yet 100% sure why yogurt is linked with weight loss and thinness, but it is possible that it is because yogurt contains high amounts of beneficial probiotics. These probiotics promote a healthy gut flora, which could lend to why people who regularly eat yogurt don’t tend to gain weight.
4. Oat Bran: Oat bran is high in fiber, which will make you feel full and aids in speedy elimination. Oat bran also absorbs fats, which is why it is recommended to lower cholesterol and will help aid you in your weight loss journey.
5. Olive Oil: It probably seems odd to find a fat among a list that is supposed to help you cut the foods that cause weight gain. However, olive oil is monosaturated, which makes it a healthy part of a diet. In fact, the oleic acid that is found in olive oil is transformed in the small intestine to a compound calls oleoylethanolamide, or OEA. OEA relieves hunger and suppresses your appetite by sending signals to your brain telling it that you are full.
6. Spinach: High in protein and low in calories, spinach is full of vitamins A and C, antioxidants and folate. Steaming your spinach will help you retain the vitamins and absorb the calcium in spinach. You can add spinach to stir fries, pasta, soups and omelets, or eat it as a salad. The protein in the spinach will help you feel full without loading you down with calories.
7. Light Canned Tuna: Loaded with protein and DHA, canned light tune is one of the best, not to mention affordable, fish for losing weight especially from your belly area. A study that was published in the Journal of Lipid Research found omega 3 fatty acids and especially DHA to be able to turn off belly fat genes.
8. Eggs: Eggs are probably the cheapest, easiest, and most versatile way to increase your protein and help you feel full. Eggs are loaded with iron, amino acids, and antioxidants. Even though it’s been said that the whites are healthier than the yolks, don’t skip out on the yolks. Eggs yolks contain a nutrient called choline, which is known for having fat fighting properties. When you are shopping for eggs, we aware of the labels and try to purchase organic eggs that are free from antibodies, hormones, and vaccines.
9. Peanut Butter: Eating too much peanut butter is going to wreak havoc on your waist line, but keeping to the standard two tablespoon serving is going to give you a great dose of muscle building protein and healthy fats. Look for peanut butter that is unsalted, and without added sugars and hydrogenated oils to reap the most benefits. If you aren’t a fan of peanut butter and jam, you can also stir the spread into hot oatmeal, add it to a smoothie, or enjoy it with fresh produce.
10. Sprouted Whole Grain Bread: Most people hear bread, and automatically think it’s a carbohydrate nightmare that is going to ruin every effort they have put into weight loss.

Sprouted whole grain bread is not only delicious, it is also loaded with folate rich lentils, proteins, and the very healthy barley and millet.

This bread is low in calories and high in protein, making it a great way to fill your craving for a sandwich in a healthy way.

Final Thoughts

It is important to remember that calorie counts can be misleading.

Not all calories are created equal and it is essential to ensure you are getting your calories from foods that are going to make you feel full and boost your health.

By incorporating the foods listed here into your diet, you are sure to lose additional weight and see results.