The mistake that many people make when they set off to lose weight is that they immediately cut calories. Of course, taking in fewer calories is the key to losing weight, but so too is taking in the right type of calories. There are foods that you eat that will make you feel full, and then there are those that can actually make you feel hungry. Foods that quickly turn to sugar in the body, like simple carbohydrates and sugars, are going to be the biggest weight loss sabotage. Choosing the right foods to eat will not only speed up your metabolism, it will also help to make you feel full longer. There are foods that are called “superfoods” because they not only help to make you healthy, they work differently in the body to fight aging, speed up metabolism and decrease your appetite.
If you want to lose weight it is important to cut calories, specifically those that are bad for you, but you also have to make smarter food chooses to get the best bang for your food buck. Below is a list of superfoods that will help you to maintain better health and to shed those extra unwanted pounds.
9 Superfoods To Speed Up Your Weight Loss Ambitions
1. Avocados
Many people who are on a diet stay away from high-fat foods like avocados. What they don’t know is that it isn’t fat that makes you fat. It is a combination of too much fat, and the wrong type of fat, that makes you fat. Avocados are an excellent source of food for those who are trying to lose weight. They are loaded with the right type of unsaturated fat that the body needs, and powerful antioxidants that help the immune system stay strong to fuel the metabolism. The best part about eating an avocado is that it helps you to feel satiated much longer and to eat less.
2. Almonds
Almonds and other nuts are an excellent source of protein and they contain the right type of fat. They are an excellent snack to hold you over in between meals. Although intimidating because they have a high-calorie content, they are loaded with protein, which is needed to build lean muscle mass. Muscle mass is the thing that makes the metabolism burn more efficiently leading to more calories burned overtime. Nuts also contain powerful anti-inflammatory properties, which help to repair the muscles when you are exercising for less recovery time and quicker muscle build. The best thing that they do is to make you feel full longer. Unlike other snacks that burn off quickly, they make you feel full for a long time after eaten.
3. Black beans
Black beans are not the usual suspects to reach for when you are hungry, but they should be. They are loaded with protein and the right type of unsaturated fat to help you stay full longer. They are also loaded with fiber, which is important to flush fats from the digestive tract. Eating just a handful can make you feel full for hours.
4. Broccoli
Not something that you would raid the refrigerator for, broccoli is a powerful antioxidant that is full of fiber. Being able to give you energy, for just 30 calories a serving you can eat a whole lot of this wonderful vegetable to satiate your hunger. Try it with some low-fat ranch dip for a tasty treat. One of the best superfoods, it is rarely thought of in a pinch.
5. Grapefruit
Grapefruit has been known as a powerful antioxidant and a superfood for many decades, but the true science behind how it helps you to lose weight is just now being realized. It works by helping to stabilize the insulin levels in the blood. That not only stops food cravings, it also helps to stop the sugar crash which can lead to depressed feelings. Low-calorie food it has everything that you need to get those extra pounds off quick. Loaded with fiber, it is also a great way to keep those intestines flushing fat.
6. Green tea
Green tea has been known for centuries as a great medicinal tool for inflammation and to boost the immune system. It is also a great way to increase your energy and to get your heart in good shape. Drinking green tea throughout the day is not only a great way to increase your metabolism and energy level, it will help to make you feel full. Filling the stomach with green tea at every meal will aid in quick digestion and help to make you feel full so that you don’t overeat.
7. Yogurt
Yogurt is one if the best snacks you can go for. It is packed with calcium, which has been shown to speed up weight loss. It also helps to strengthen your bones and repair muscle damage quicker from a strenuous workout. Stick to low-fat, or nonfat versions that are low in sugar. The Greek versions offer special probiotics, which will keep your digestive tract on track, and boost your immunity.
8. Bananas
There isn’t anything better for a pre or post workout snack than a banana. Wrapped in potassium, it aids in muscle soreness, and the fiber works to fill you up. Having the sensory feeling of a carb, it is the perfect substitute for the carb lovers of the world. Just one banana has an average of 80 calories and can keep you full for a long time afterward. It will also help to remove the post workout blues and get you back at the gym quicker.
9. Quinoa
Quinoa may not be a staple in your pantry, but it should be. A great whole grain substitute, it is a superfood that is packed full of antioxidant and fiber. Filling, it isn’t one of those foods that you will eat and feel hungry ten seconds later. Just one serving will keep you feeling satiated for hours afterward. Cook it with your favorite vegetables for the superbest meal that anyone can cook up.