Losing weight can be a tricky and challenging venture, especially if you are making your first attempt at dieting. Suddenly, a lot of the foods you have been eating are off limits. Now, your diet will revolve around foods that can help boost your metabolism and help you burn fat. Choosing the right foods will make your meals and snacks healthy and delicious at the same time.
Berries
Blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, cranberries and most other berries are loaded with fiber, which is essential for dieters. As a dieter consumes more fiber, her body begins to absorb fewer calories from the other items she consumes. This is due to fiber trapping the particles of food that you eat and eliminates it from your system before it has had a chance to be completely digested. Berries are also full of antioxidants that protect you from various diseases and help you improve your workout results. One half cup of berries contains just about 30 calories. If the more familiar berries begin to bore you, try gooseberries or boysenberries.
Fatty Fish
Varieties of fatty fish such as mackerel, tuna and salmon are all very good sources of omega-3 fatty acids. The incredibly healthy fats increase the efficiency of your metabolism, allowing your body to burn more fat than normal. Consuming these types of fish aid in slowing the digestion of the foods you eat, which helps you remain full and keeps your cravings at bay. Fish is also a good source of protein. To get the most from your seafood, especially salmon, opt for the wild version. Although wild salmon is more expensive than the farm-raised variety, it contains more omega-3 fatty acids.
Broccoli
Broccoli is full of calcium, which helps you lose weight. It is also packed with vitamin C, which increases the amount of calcium your body can absorb. Aside from these nutrients, broccoli is loaded up with fiber, folate and vitamin A. A full cup of chopped broccoli is only 20 calories, so you can eat a lot of it. Broccoli not only helps you fight fat but it also had phytochemicals that give your immune system a boost, protecting you from disease.
Yogurt
Low fat and fat fee varieties of yogurt provide you with the perfect combination of fat, protein and carbohydrates, making it a good choice to prevent hunger and ensure that your blood sugar levels remain stable. Adding yogurt to your diet can give you something sweet to eat when you are tempted to reach for the ice cream. Read the labels on the yogurt you buy to make sure it is free of sugars and other additives.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Dietary Fiber: Essential For A Healthy Diet
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Calcium
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Omega-3 Fatty Acids
- "The World's Healthiest Foods"; George Mateljan; 2007
- "The 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth"; Jonny Bowden; 2007



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