Losing weight can be stressful when you only focus on what you can’t have vs. what you can have. Variety is key in losing weight, but you may not know what foods are good for helping you reach your goal. Focusing on nutrient-dense foods can give you the nutrients your body needs without weight gain.
Sprouted Wheat
Sprouted whole wheat uses the berries of wheat to make breads, tortillas and other baked goods. The berries are soaked in water until they begin to grow again and then are made into wet, mushy dough. No flour is used in making foods from sprouted wheat, which still contains all the enzymes to pre-digest the complex sugars and enhance nutrient absorption, so they're easier on your digestive system, according to Alvarado Street Bakery.
Kale
Kale receives the highest-ranking ANDI score (aggregate nutrient density index), which was developed by Dr. Joel Fuhrman. The ANDI score is based on the number of vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients in comparison to calories that a food item has. Fuhrman believes that eating foods with a low ANDI score has contributed to Americans becoming overweight. Focusing on foods with a high ANDI score gives you health protecting compounds and nutrients in the lowest number of calories.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a plant-based saturated fat that has been used by Asians and Pacific Islander natives. Claims are made that coconut oil boosts metabolism and promotes weight loss, according to the Coconut Research Center. Often when you diet, fat is the first nutrient cut out to reduce your calorie intake. By adding coconut oil, you can increase your satisfaction with meals and possibly burn more calories in the process.
Meats
Meats contain protein, but no one single source is superior to the other. All lean meats contain little visible fat and are packed with protein, which is essential in building muscle and your immune system. Make sure you choose lean cuts such as venison, sirloin, tenderloin, flank steak, chicken and turkey without skin, ostrich and coldwater fish such as salmon. Strive for 3 to 4 oz. of meat with lunch and dinner as the minimum number of servings.
Fermented Yogurt
Fermented yogurt contains live bacteria cultures that have benefits in protecting your stomach. A benefit of fermented yogurt is the predigested milk sugars for lactose-intolerant individuals. Calcium has been identified in helping with weight loss programs, and lactose-intolerant individuals may exclude dairy products because they normally do not tolerate them.
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