No-flour & No-sugar Diet Foods

The weight loss industry markets pills, supplements, shakes, diet foods and special diet plans to make weight loss seem complicated and impossible to do on your own. However, losing weight is very simple and all you need is to eat fewer calories than your burn. Although it may be easier said than done, if you can stick to just two simple rules, like eliminating flour and sugar from your diet, you are very likely to succeed and achieve and maintain your target weight. To make it easier, stock up on healthy foods that are free of sugar and flour.

Carbohydrates

Since most Americans get most of their carbohydrates from foods that are rich in flour and sugar, you need other options to get your carbs. Ideally, carbohydrates should be slowly digested and absorbed to help stabilize your blood sugar and energy levels, while keeping cravings at bay. Good examples of healthy and slowly digested carbohydrates include whole fruits, barley, legumes, quinoa, old-fashioned or steel-cut oats, wild rice, millet, sweet potato, pumpkin and other winter squashes, as well as plain yogurt. Include plenty of non-starchy vegetables, such as asparagus, cauliflower, onions, broccoli and mushrooms, to meet your fiber, vitamins and minerals requirements.

Protein

A no-flour and no-sugar diet should also include a source of protein at all of your meals and snacks. Protein is the nutrient that will keep you satiated between your meals, so you are not tempted with unhealthy foods. At breakfast, opt for eggs, cheese, smoked salmon or nut butter. At lunch, have a serving of chicken breast or canned tuna. Dinner could include pork chops, shrimp or a steak and for your snack, have a handful of nuts, hard-boiled eggs, cheese or a few slices of deli meat.

Fats

Include sources of healthy fat in your diet. Fats not only add flavor to your foods, but can make you feel more satisfied with a no-flour and no-sugar diet. Oils like olive oil, avocado oil and macadamia oil work well to prepare homemade dressing, with equal parts vinegar, to drizzle over your vegetables or a salad. You can also complete your meals with a few slices of avocado or a side of guacamole. A handful of nuts, whether it is almonds, cashews, walnuts, macadamia nuts or pistachios can be added to a salad and make a convenient snack option. You can even use almond meal to prepare your own flourless breaded chicken.

Beverages

To quench your thirst without any sugar, avoid specialty coffees, energy drinks, soft drinks, fruit punches, alcoholic cocktails and sport drinks. Water is the best way to keep hydrated. Add a little bit of lime or lemon juice if you find plain water boring. Green tea, black tea or herbal teas, as well as black coffee, also are good alternatives.

Seasonings

To ensure that your meals are tasty, fun and varied without needing sugar nor flour,make sure you have plenty of seasonings in your cupboards. Spices, fresh and dried herbs, curries, vinegar, sea salt and freshly ground pepper can transform the most boring dish into a real feast. Try fresh basil and oregano in a tomato sauce, balsamic vinegar over your salad and red curry in a chicken and vegetable stir-fry.