When losing weight, selecting the foods that will best allow you to achieve your goal is imperative. Fill your plate with vegetables that are low in starch and carbohydrates, and have a low glycemic index. Flavorful, colorful vegetables choices abound, so even though you are on a weight loss program your food can still be delicious and leave you feeling satisfied. Preferably select vegetables that are organically and locally grown for maximum taste and nutritional value. Even better, grow some or all of your own vegetables in your backyard or container garden.
Greens
You can eat greens at any meal, any time of the day, and they are highly versatile while being loaded with nutrients. You can include spinach with your scrambled eggs for breakfast, some sauteed kale for lunch or steamed chard for dinner. Other greens include beet greens, collard greens and turnip greens. Mixing up greens in your juicer or blender along with other healthy vegetables is another excellent way to get them into your diet.
Lettuces and Herbs
Leafy lettuces are beneficial and colorful additions to your weight loss plan. These include red and green leaf lettuces, as well as arugula and spring salad mixes. You can buy some of these already washed and packaged at the store, if you need something quick and convenient. Mix up a variety of greens for a flavorful salad, then toss in a variety of healthy vegetables such as raw cucumbers, celery, carrots, red peppers and red onions. Herbs such as parsley and cilantro are also quality additions as vegetables that can aid weight loss.
Cruciferous Vegetables
The category of cruciferous vegetables includes broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts and cabbage. You can steam these and include them with any meal of the day. For a tasty Brussels sprouts dish, chop each piece in half and saute the halves with the flat side down in olive oil over medium heat. Add some Celtic salt as you finish cooking the vegetables. Also try keeping snacks of raw broccoli and cauliflower on hand or packed as a take-along quick bite.
Garlic and Onions
Not only are garlic and onions super healthy, but they also boost flavor of dishes that you pair them with. Taste is important when you are trying to lose weight, because you do not want to feel deprived. Onions come in numerous varieties, including yellow, red and green. You can eat onions and garlic raw, steamed or cooked into recipes, so they are highly versatile as well.
Beans and Zucchini
Green beans and zucchini are delicious and healthy side dishes while being lower in calories. You can serve them alone or mixed with a variety of other vegetables. For an easy, quick dish, steam the vegetables until they are still slightly firm. Drizzle a little olive oil over them, and sprinkle on Celtic salt. Also toss some sliced almonds and fresh ground pepper in with the green beans.
References
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; James F. Balch, M.D. and Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C.; 1997
- "Prescription for Natural Cures"; James F. Balch, M.D. and Mark Stengler, N.D.; 2008
- "The Primal Blueprint"; Mark Sisson; 2009
- "The Maker's Diet"; Jordan S. Rubin; 2005
- "Healthy Healing"; Linda PageN.D., Ph.D., 2000
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