Types Of Foods To Help Lose Weight

Losing weight can be a frustrating process, especially if you're not dropping the pounds as quickly as you'd like. While you probably know that a balanced diet and lots of exercise are key to good health, you may not be aware that certain foods can actually promote weight loss. If you're struggling to shed those last few pounds or you're stuck in a dieting plateau, there are several foods that can give you a boost.

Whole Grains

Although you may be worried about counting carbs when dieting, eating whole-grain foods can actually aid in weight loss. Whole grains such as oats, wheat and bulgur are high in fiber, meaning you feel full longer and aren't as tempted to overeat. According to Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology, eating a high-fiber diet can help to aid in weight loss and improve your overall health by offsetting the insulin response in your blood stream and slowing the conversion of carboyhdrates into sugar.

Seafood

Seafood is high in lean protein, which can boost your metabolism and help your body to burn calories faster.
According to the Today Show, shrimp have just 8 calories apiece and despite their low calorie content, they can leave you feeling full for hours. Fish is also high in unsaturated fat, which Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology recommends eating fish two to three times per week to reduce your risk for developing cardiovascular disease and cancer.

Pumpkin

While you may only think of pumpkin as a holiday food, this vegetable can help you to lose weight year-round. Pumpkin is a low-calorie, high-fiber food that is also a good source of protein, helping to fill you up quickly and for a longer period of time. The Today Show recommends combining 6 ounces of nonfat vanilla yogurt with a 1/2 cup of packed pumpkin puree for a filling dessert that has less than 150 calories.

Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables are packed with vitamins and nutrients and they are also high in fiber. The Mayo Clinic recommends sticking to green vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, green beans and zucchini, which are low in calories but high in fiber-density which means you'll feel full longer after eating. Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology recommends two to three servings of fruit per day but stick to eating fresh fruits with the skin on to maximize your fiber intake.

Chicken

If you crave protein, choosing a skinless chicken breast over red meat can leave you feeling full without the extra saturated fat and calories. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, eating lean proteins like chicken or other skinless white-meat poultry can help you to feel full longer and give you more energy. If you have to have red meat, choose only the leanest cuts and avoid meats that have an excess of marbled fat.