According to "Fitness" magazine, the best foods for a flatter stomach and overall weight loss are those that keep you full, balance protein, carbohydrates, and fiber, and come from natural sources. These foods are typically packed with important vitamins and antioxidants, as well. Basing your diet around staple healthy foods will help you avoid packing on pounds with junk food and unhealthy alternatives that fail to fuel your body efficiently.
Almonds
Almonds have long been considered a great tool for weight loss. These protein-filled nuts keep your blood sugar at a healthy level with their high magnesium content. According to David Katz, M.D., at Yale University School of Medicine, "A stable blood-sugar level helps prevent cravings that can lead to overeating and weight gain." "Fitness" magazine suggests 1 oz. per day, enough almonds to fit perfectly into an Altoids container.
Tomatoes
Low in calories and full of vitamin A and C, tomatoes are a staple for your new weight loss menu. You can include them in egg dishes, pastas, salads or sandwiches and serve them cooked or raw. Experts suggest that you look for foods like tomatoes that are packed with flavor but light on calories. Coupling sliced tomatoes with an omelet rather than fried potatoes can save you more than 300 calories. A serving of fried potatoes, according to DailyBurn, has roughly 320 calories, while seven fresh tomato slices contain roughly 20 calories. Fill your plate with colorful slices rather than fattening starch for a quick and easy fat-burning substitute.
Apples
Not only are apples full of fiber, protein, and important vitamins, but they also help to fill you up and stave off hunger. Experts at FitDay suggest eating a small apple before each meal for a filling appetizer that will shave calories from your total consumption. For a healthy dessert, you can also bake apples with a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Oatmeal
Even with the low-carb craze, oats have never left top 10 lists for healthy, fiber-filled foods. Whole oats can be cooked in less than 10 minutes and provide a wealth of fiber and whole grains to keep you full throughout the morning. To top that, oats have also been proved to lower bad cholesterol. Don't just think of oats as breakfast staples -- add them to meatballs, meatloaf, or other dinner recipes to pack in fiber.
Broccoli
Broccoli, like apples and oats, is high in fiber and low in calories. Packed with folic acid, antioxidants, and vitamins A and C, broccoli can be added to salads, stir fried with lean meats in soy sauce, or steamed and served with Parmesan cheese. These are just a few of the many ways broccoli can be added to meals to raise the fiber content and cut calories. As a weight loss tool, broccoli is filling and serves as a great substitute for starches or high-calorie side dishes like pasta salad, mashed potatoes, or creamed corn.
Garlic, Thyme, & Rosemary
Besides being tasty, garlic is an herb that boasts plenty of benefits when it comes to your overall health. Experts suggest that garlic can lower blood pressure and cholesterol, making it a great addition to meals needing a flavor boost. Chop or mince garlic and saute it with olive oil to create strong flavors that won't need any extra salt or butter. Additionally, thyme, rosemary, and other herbs season and flavor dishes without adding extra calories. Use these three super herbs as a way to cut calories from meals and lose weight.
Blueberries
Humans have been ingesting berries for centuries, and for good reasons. A handful of blueberries can supply important vitamins and antioxidants that can't be found in such a small amount of other fruits and foods. Experts from the National Academy of Sciences, cited by researchers at The Blueberry Council, suggest that blueberries contain manganese, a mineral that is crucial in bone formation and the effective use of amino acids by the body. These small fruits also help the body metabolize carbohydrates. Toss a few blueberries into a smoothie, oatmeal, or fruit salad for powerful benefits.
Green Tea
You'll always find green tea on superfood lists, and for good reason. Green tea is known to help flush toxins from the body, provide energy, and clear the sinuses. Green tea is full of antioxidants and magnesium, and is known to boost the metabolism. Drink it hot or on ice, and add lemon, a dash of honey, or a bit of black tea for variety.
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