Losing weight can be a difficult task, especially if you're used to eating whatever you want. While your overall calorie intake is the most important consideration, you may find that eating certain foods makes losing weight easier. Instead of focusing on foods you can't eat, you may want to focus on foods that you should eat and that might enhance your weight loss efforts. Choosing low-calorie foods that make you feel full are your best options for dieting. Before beginning any diet, you should discuss your plans with your doctor.
Chicken
Chicken is an effective diet food because it is high in protein and low in fat. Protein is important for building muscles, but it also has advantages for weight loss. According to fitness and nutrition consultant Dr. John Berardi, reducing your carbohydrate to protein ratio--that is, eating fewer carbohydrates and more protein--but keeping calorie levels the same may help increase loss of body fat and weight while sparing muscle. When preparing chicken, be careful not to add too much fat or calories with rich toppings.
Whey Protein
One important factor in dieting is finding foods that keep you feeling full, as this can lead to reduced calorie intake overall. Whey protein comes in powdered form and is usually considered a supplement for bodybuilders and athletes. However, like chicken, whey protein is high in protein and low in fat. In addition, whey is convenient because it does not require cooking--it just needs to be mixed with water, milk or juice. In addition, research indicates whey protein may help you reduce your calorie intake. A December 2007 study from the Journal of the American College of Nutrition found that whey protein intake improved feelings of satiety, or fullness, and helped users reduce their calorie intake.
Artichoke
Artichokes may not be high in protein like chicken or whey, but they are high in fiber, which may assist you weight loss efforts. As the Mayo Clinic explains, fiber helps your digestive track function smoothly and may reduce the risk of diabetes in heart disease. Additionally, University of Iowa Health Care suggests fiber-rich foods are effective for weight loss because they increase feelings of fullness and tend to be low in calories. The Mayo Clinic notes that artichokes are one of the most fiber-rich foods available, with 10.3g of fiber per medium artichoke.
Member Comments