What Foods Can I Eat to Lose Weight Fast?

What Foods Can I Eat to Lose Weight Fast?
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To lose weight quickly, it is optimal to eat low-calorie foods that are also alkaline-forming. The standard diet eaten in America and other western countries is highly acid-forming. When we eat too many acidic foods, the body will store excess acid waste in the fat cells and may even need to create extra fat cells for waste storage. To lose fat and excess pounds we need to burn more calories than we eat, and consume a high ratio of alkaline-forming foods.

Fruits

Fruits are excellent sources of nutrients and vitamins, and they also are low in calories. When you wish to lose weight quickly, eating an alkaline-forming, fruit-only breakfast is an ideal way to start the day. Fruit is also very rich in fiber, which will keep you feeling fuller for longer and helps the body eliminate waste. Make a daily morning smoothie from a mixture of two or three fruits and vegetables, and add a handful of leafy greens for a healthy, low-calorie breakfast.

Vegetables

To lose weight quickly, around 60 percent of your total diet should be made up of vegetables and salad ingredients. The only vegetables to avoid while on a quick weight loss plan are potatoes and corn. These vegetables are high-glycemic index foods, which means after you eat them, your body will release glucose very quickly into the bloodstream. In turn, this will cause insulin levels to spike, which may cause cravings for sugary foods, or you will possibly begin to feel hungry again in a short period. Eat all other vegetables in abundance; they can be steamed, boiled or eaten raw.

Protein Sources

Meats are acid-forming foods and therefore not ideal when you are trying to lose weight. Perfect protein sources when you are on a diet are vegetarian proteins such as tofu or soy products, as these are more alkaline-forming. If you do eat animal proteins, choose lean meat, skinless chicken, fish or eggs. Avoid processed meats such as sausages, salami, bacon and hot dogs completely.

Fats

Trans fats or partially hydrogenated vegetable oils have been linked to heart disease, cancer and many other life-threatening conditions. This type of fat should be completely avoided if you wish to lose weight. Trans fats are commonly present in fast food, fried foods, pastries, crackers and many other baked goods. Read all labels carefully, and when you are eating out, make inquiries to find out if the establishment uses products that contain trans fats. Healthy alkaline-forming sources of fats that should be eaten, even on a weight loss diet, are avocados, extra-virgin olive oil and nuts. Salmon, walnuts and flaxseed are a good source of healthy omega-3 fats, and can be eaten two or three times weekly on a weight loss diet.

Starches

Starchy foods such as white bread, muffins and commercial breakfast cereals are additional products to completely avoid; instead, opt for moderate consumption of rye or pumpernickel bread, oatmeal products and pinto beans or lentils.

References

Article reviewed by Matt Olberding Last updated on: Aug 20, 2010

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