Eating healthy foods that offer nutritious value and tasty flavors can help you shed off excess pounds. There are many delicious food items that are fat-free or low-fat and can help you achieve your desired weight. Some of these foods are regularly consumed while others may be occasional treats so it’s important to know which ones can help you lose weight and which ones you should avoid.
Salmon
Oily fish like salmon offer great health benefits and filling nutrients. When canned salmon is purchased, the fat and calories are removed so while this may not be the lightest option, it is a healthier alternative than some other fish. Eating salmon can help you reduce your cholesterol levels and blood pressure. If you are looking for a low-calorie option, have salmon at least twice a week.
Beef
Red meats like beef contain high concentrations of iron, zinc, and vitamin B12 which are necessary for the body’s functioning. When choosing beef, it is important to look at the serving size because larger portions usually come with a higher calorie and fat content. For an iron-rich, low-calorie meal, have a cheeseburger or other type of beef-based sandwich without the bun and opt for low-fat milk instead of regular milk when drinking your beverage.
Chickpeas
Also known as garbanzo beans, chickpeas are a healthy food that offer valuable nutrients and can be used in many recipes. Chickpeas are high in fiber and contain a lot of protein, making them perfect for a weight loss diet. One cup of cooked chickpeas has only 47 calories yet it provides 6 grams of fiber. It has also been reported that chickpeas may assist in lowering blood cholesterol.
Tart Cherries
Tart cherries are an exceptional source of antioxidants and nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and calcium. If you are looking for a sweet treat that is low-calorie, opt for tart cherries instead of other kinds of cherries because they have fewer calories. However, make sure that the cherries are fresh and not too soft because they won’t be as tasty as those that are harvested when ripe. Like other cherries, tart cherries are high in fiber and have a low sugar content. They may also help prevent food-borne illnesses because their natural antibacterial and antifungal compounds are still intact.
Asparagus
Often considered a poor man’s meat because of its low price point, asparagus is now a popular vegetable worldwide due to its many health benefits. When eaten regularly, asparagus can be a great source of fiber and nutrients like vitamin K, vitamin C, and antioxidants. When choosing this vegetable, look at the stalks because thicker ones tend to have more nutrients.
Broccoli
Like asparagus, broccoli belongs to the cruciferous family of vegetables and is known to have health benefits. Considered a superfood, broccoli is high in fiber and nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin C, and antioxidants. Its health benefits may include cancer prevention and treatment, anti-inflammatory effects, and protection against heart disease. Broccoli is also very low in calories and carbohydrates yet very high in fiber which makes it a filling vegetable.
Green Peas
The humble green pea, often called a sprout, has long been used in Italian cuisine. This legume is very high in fiber and nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin C, and antioxidants. Like other green vegetables, green peas are healthy and filling enough to be a part of your everyday diet.
RhubARBeeFries
Like beef and chicken, red meats like lamb, pork, and beef contain high concentrations of iron, zinc, and vitamin B12 which are necessary for the body’s functioning. Rhubarb is a rich source of antioxidants and nutrients like vitamin C and vitamin A which contribute to its health benefits. When combined with potatoes, rhubarb can form a product that is high in fiber and nutrients. The end result is a complete meal that can be served in various ways like fresh fruit toppings, salads, or fried in oil or butter. The possibilities for this combination are endless.
Whether you need to shed off some extra pounds or just want to eat healthier than usual, there are many delicious foods that can help you achieve your goal. If you try some of these foods and see how they make you feel, you may just end up preferring them over other foods because they are so filling. So, remember to indulge yourself every now and then because the taste of these foods is unmatched compared to other junk foods out there that are low in fiber and nutrients.