4 Foods That are Effective for Weight Loss

As we all know, food is a major part of whether we put on or lose weight. Some foods truly make it difficult to lose weight like hamburgers and fries. Even though these bad foods are tempting, they can create cravings that are self-sustaining, destroy your blood sugar levels, and pack pounds around your waistline.

However do not despair – there are actually food and beverages which can assist you in losing weight! This is fantastic as although they are not magic bullets formulated by Scientists in a lab, they are natural foods.

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Most people associate healthy food with having a bad taste. The truth is that many of these healthy and natural foods that help you to lose weight actually taste good and you can easily add them to your diet.

Here are the top 4 food and drinks for weight loss:

Grapefruit

In the early 2000’s, there was a hit fad of the grapefruit diet. This was based on a study conducted in 2004 at the Scripss Clinic in California, where Researchers discovered that grapefruit meets its reputation as a superfood as they found that those who simply ate just half a grapefruit before a main meal dropped weight. If you are not into eating grapefruit or your city or country does not have fresh grapefruit all year round, then the grapefruit juice and capsules also work. However, the fresh grapefruit is best. In addition, it is great for your future health as it contains lycopene and liminoids which are compounds that help to fight cancer. Bonus!

Pumpkin

People may love it with their Sunday Roast or on special occasions like Thanksgiving, but did you know it is actually one of the best weight loss superfoods? Even just canned pumpkin has plenty of fiber and is only 40 calories. What’s best is that it is also really easy to prepare – regardless of whether it is bought fresh or canned.

A great treat to go with either your Sunday Roast or just in time for Thanksgiving is to sprinkle the sliced pumpkin with a bit of nutmeg, artificial sweetener, and cinnamon. Add some almonds, and there you have a delicious and filling treat

Sardines

Easily found in any supermarket, sardines are fantastic for weight loss. They contain lots of protein which will assist you in feeling full, and stimulate both your blood sugar and your metabolism. They are also an excellent source of Omega 3, which will assist in boosting your mood and strengthen your cardiovascular system. They are also cheap and free of heavy metals and mercury unlike other fish higher up on the seafood chain.

Green Tea

This drink is a slimming solution that has been backed by many studies around the world. It is great for promoting your health, regulating blood sugar, aiding in digestion, and is rich in antioxidants. It helps to boost your metabolism and also helps you to de-stress. It is recommended that people drink 5 cups of green tea per day.

How Superfoods Can Help with Weight Loss

Superfoods are the most nutrient rich foods available on the planet, and thus they are great for helping in weight loss. Many of them are quite filling due to the many healthy oils and proteins that they contain. As a result food cravings are dramatically reduced when superfoods are a part of the diet.

Some superfoods also contain high amounts of calories. Calories, however, are not always a bad thing, especially when they are loaded with important nutrients. An example of a calorie and nutrient rich superfood is the avocado. It contains all the amino acids that the human body needs to build its own protein. Plus, it contains many healthy fats that can keep the body feeling full for hours to come.

superfoods

Naturally, the more nutrients one puts into the body, the less one craves for food; for the body craves the nutrients, and not the calories. Empty calories on the other hand, can add up quickly, but still leave one feeling hungrier than ever, because there are no nutrients in those types of foods.

Therefore, superfoods, even though some of them might be high in calories, are a good substitute for any other food on the plate, as well as for any other snack, as they can help to dramatically reduce the amount of food that is consumed.

In addition, many superfoods such as the avocado, nuts and seeds, broccoli, blueberries and acai contribute to an alkaline environment, which is absolutely essential for losing weight effectively. An alkaline environment also helps to keep the weight off in the long run. When the body is acidic, it makes it nearly impossible for the body to lose weight, as the acids get wrapped up in fat cells, resulting in weight gain, rather than in weight loss.

Furthermore, many superfoods are also low in calories. These include broccoli, blueberries, acai berries, tomatoes, asparagus and leafy greens. These foods can easily be combined with higher caloric foods such as nuts and seeds, avocados and coconuts. Thus one can still have a full plate and feel full, and lose weight at the same time.

Simple Recipe Ideas

The superfoods can be combined in fruit smoothies with acai, pineapple, mango, blueberries and avocados. Combining the fruits in a smoothie creates a naturally sweet drink that most people enjoy, and are great at any time of day or season.

Another way to enjoy the benefits of superfoods is to combine them into a rich salad, sprinkled with nuts and seeds. Depending on the foods, one can make a leafy green salad to go with the main meal, or, a fruit salad to enjoy as a dessert.

To make a simple salad dressing using one of the above mentioned superfoods, simple take an avocado and mash it up in a food processor or with a fork. The squeeze in a bit of lemon juice and add sea salt to taste. This makes for a thick dressing, but it is easily massaged into the leafy greens. The taste is fabulous.

Another idea is for a smoothie. Avocados make for a great addition to just about any type of fruit smoothie, as they provide a nice rich and creamy texture. Fruits and berries that go well with avocados are blueberries, strawberries, pineapples, mangoes and banana.

As for superfood powders, they are excellent in hot smoothies, but also work great in cold fruit smoothies as well. To make a hot smoothie using the superfoods, simply heat some water, and blend it with a bit of coconut oil. Then add your superfood powder, a natural sweetener such as raw honey or agave and enjoy.

15 Weight Loss Superfoods

Here at Wonderfully Fit, we decide to combine a quick list of 15 superfoods to help with everyday weight loss. Of course there are more than listed below.

But we hope this list of Superfoods helps you along the proper path. Enjoy:

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1. Egg Whites

Egg whites are the perfect way to start out your weight loss day! They are low in calories and fat, yet high in protein. Add some peppers, onions, spinach, lean turkey, or tomatoes for endless meal possibilities!
Best for: Breakfast, or Dinner

2. Low Fat Yogurt

Yogurt contains bacteria that help to improve your digestion – flushing your system and aiding weight loss! Avoid yogurt with added sugar and fruits at the bottom. Can be mixed with berries & flax seeds for an extra boost.
Best for: Breakfast, or Snacks

3. Turkey

Turkey is a naturally very lean meat. It is high in protein and low in fat and carbs. Turkey breast is very versatile and can go well with soups, salads, veggies, and omelets.
Best for: Breakfast, Lunch, or Dinner

4. Broccoli

Broccoli contains soluble fiber and is a very low-calorie food – great for fat loss. It also contains iron and other vitamins to improve your overall health. Eat other green veggies too!
Best for: Lunch, or Dinner

5. Spinach

Spinach is a great substitute for the typical iceberg or romaine salads that everyone is used to. It is very dense in vital nutrients, low-calorie, and incredibly flavorful!
Best for: Lunch, or Dinner

6. Carrots

Carrots are a great snack or side dish. They are another low-calorie food that has a high nutrient content. Eating raw carrots taxes the digestive system which causes a greater calorie burn and faster weight loss.
Best for: Lunch, Snacks, or Dinner

7. Tomatoes

Studies have shown that tomatoes can prevent certain types of cancer. Not only that, but they are a great source of natural energy and pair nicely with most healthy meals.
Best for: Lunch, Snacks, or Dinner

8. Oranges

Oranges can naturally satisfy your “sweet tooth” cravings. They are refreshing, inexpensive, and are the perfect travel food. They contain vitamins and anti-oxidants which boost immune system function and even help to lower blood pressure.
Best for: Breakfast, Snacks, or Dessert

9. Apples

Apples contain pectin, which helps you to feel “full.” They contain vitamins and loads of anti-oxidants to improve your health as well! Another good travel food.
Best for: Snacks

10. Berries

Many berries contain relatively high amounts of fiber – causing you to feel full longer. They are also a great source of anti-oxidants.
Best for: Snacks, or Dessert

11. Quinoa

Many people still haven’t heard of quinoa… But it’s popularity is unsurpassed in the diet and weight-loss community. Quinoa is high in fiber and protein. It is gluten-free and is viewed as “healthier” than rice and oats.
Best for:  Lunch, or Dinner

12. Oats

Oats are a great source of fiber and healthy complex carbs for long-term energy. Oats fill you up much better than cold cereal and, with the addition of berries and spices, can make a delicious and satisfying meal.
Best for: Breakfast

13. Almonds

A handful of almonds can quickly put an end to any food cravings that might pop up throughout your day. They contain protein and healthy fats and are a great addition to your desk for snacks.
Best for: Snacks

14. Water

Your body retains water if you don’t drink enough of it… Drinking water actually prevents water retention! It also helps rebuild muscle and prevents dehydration. Be sure to drink at least two glasses of water at each meal!
Best for: Every Meal and Snack!

15. Green Tea

Strong antioxidant and natural diuretic. Green tea speeds up fat loss, prevents cancer, improves insulin levels, and increases circulation. Make the switch for coffee to green tea today!
Best for: Anytime!

So… Eat protein, veggies, fruit, and healthy fats every 3 hours, drink 2 glasses of water with each meal, and you’ll be a fat-burning machine in no time!

Weight Loss Foods to Eat for Energy

What are the best weight loss foods that act as fuel for your body? You want to make sure that you eat healthily, and that your diet is in the right proportions. This means that you need plenty carbohydrate foods such as potatoes, grains and pulses, enough protein foods such as lean meat, fish and poultry, and a little fat, preferably from fish or vegetable and seed oils. It also means plenty fruit and vegetables. It means cutting back on the ‘bad foods’ such as chocolate, potato crisps, cakes and pastries for example.

Some nutrients are very important to maintain high energy levels and those are obtained from what we like to call weight loss ‘superfoods’. Incorporate as many of these energy enhancing superfoods in your diet:

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Anti-oxidants

Anti-oxidants strengthen the immune system and fight free radicals, which cause cellular and tissue damage in the body resulting in accelerating the aging process. Vitamins A, C and E contain high levels of anti-oxidants as well as these foods: Red grapes, Garlic, Spinach, Broccoli, Berries, Green Tea and Carrots. Several degenerative diseases such as Alzheimers, heart disease and cancers can be prevented by including high quantities of anti-oxidants in your diet. Anti-oxidants are also beneficial for helping to counteract the effects of modern day pollutants in our foods, such as pesticides, chemicals and radiation.

Vitamins E and B

These are essential for maintaining healthy red blood cells. Some foods that contain vitamin E are: Nuts, Seeds, Sweet Potatoes, Avocado’s, Brown Rice, Asparagus and Green Vegetables. These are some of the foods that contain vitamin B: Wheatgerm, Soya, Oats, Banana’s, Wholegrains, Meat, Fish, Eggs, Mushrooms, Pulses, Soya and Yogurt.

Zinc and Iron

These are both vital for maintaining energy levels and healthy red blood cells especially if you are exercising more or if you menstruate heavily. These are some foods that contain these two mineral: Meat, Eggs, Wholegrains, Dark Leafy Greens, Dried Apricots, Peaches, Fish and Seafood, Nuts, Seeds, Wheatgerm and Pulses.

Magnesium

A deficiency in this mineral is linked to chronic fatigue, low energy levels and fluctuating blood sugar levels. Some foods that contain magnesium are: Green Vegetables, Nut, Seeds, Pulses, Meat, Fish and Seafood, Figs, Banana’s and Brown Rice.

You will note that many of these weight loss foods contain all of the above nutrients, so eat as much of those as possible to ensure that you have optimum levels of energy in your weight loss program.

Foods for an Easy Weight Loss

An easy weight loss can be aided by eating the right kinds of foods.

3 types of foods that will accelerate your weight loss are:

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1. Lean chicken & fish:

Chicken is one of the best weight loss foods you can eat! It contains a lot of protein with little fat (once you have removed the skin). Protein intake is essential to build muscle and one ounce of muscle burns three times as many calories as one ounce of fat. Not only is the fat burning rate of muscle higher than fat, increased muscle mass raises the body’s metabolic rate resulting in more calories burned. Turkey can be eaten as well as chicken to add a little variety to your diet.

The consumption of fish is also good for an easy weight loss. Fish such as salmon, tuna and trout contain Omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids are considered essential acids necessary for human health. These fatty acids cannot be manufactured by the body and must be added to the diet. Not only do these fatty acids help to lower the risk of heart disease, aid brain function and improve the mood, they have also been shown to increase the body’s sensitivity to Leptin. (Leptin is a hormone that makes the body feel full.)

The more obese a person is, the less sensitive the body becomes to Leptin, causing you to eat more to feel full. Eating foods with Omega-3 fatty acids causes the body to respond to lower amounts of Leptin, in turn, causing the body to feel full with less food.

2. Olive oil:

Replace your regular cooking oils with olive oil. Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats and its consumption promotes heart health by lowering the bad cholesterol without lowering the good cholesterol. (There are some health practitioners who also believe olive oil also acts to lower the risk of some cancers). There are several research studies that tend to indicate that consuming olive oil (instead of other types of cooking oils) helps people lose weight without changing any other part of the diet or increasing their exercise levels. (Of course, eating healthier and exercising will, unquestionably, make a quick weight loss plan even quicker.

3. Berries:

Berries are also good for losing weight. Eating strawberries, blueberries and blackberries, (among other types of berries) will help you to lose weight. (Studies have also shown that consumption of these berries appears to help reverse age related memory loss and other mental decline).

Blueberries are low in calories, low in sugar and contain no fat, sodium or cholesterol. Blueberries are also high in fiber which helps you feel full quicker. Studies have shown that eating blueberries aids in the reduction of belly fat.

Strawberries are low in calories, high in fiber and contain vitamin C. Studies have shown that eating strawberries increases the body’s production of hormones that make you feel full while as well as those hormones that increase your metabolism. In addition, eating strawberries helps regulate blood sugar spikes. Studies have also suggested that strawberries may aid in reversing age related brain disorders as well as inhibiting the growth of liver cancer cells.

Blackberries are also low in calories and high in fiber and have been alleged to have cancer preventing properties. They have also been shown to relieve menstrual and menopausal related symptoms.

As with all berries, the fresh fruit is much lower in calories than the frozen or canned varieties. Fresh fruits have higher vitamin levels too.

There is no diet easier to follow than one in which you can eat foods you like and not feel deprived. Adding these three types of foods to your diet will supercharge any diet you undertake or can even help you to lose weight without making any other radical changes. Not only will adding these foods to your diet help the pounds come off, you will be healthier for having added them to your meals. Note that these are only some of the weight loss “superfoods” that you want in your diet. In future posts, other foods will be discussed.

If you want an easy weight loss, add these foods to your diet today and watch that belly disappear.

Superfoods for Conquering the Pain of Arthritis

With some thought and planning, it’s easy to make these nutrient-dense foods part of your daily diet. With choices from virtually every food group, you’ll soon be well on your way to arming yourself to battle the pain of arthritis and begin to manage it from the inside out.

Salmon is among the richest sources of healthy fats, making it an ideal source of omega-3 fatty acids. In addition, salmon contains calcium, vitamin D, and folate. Besides helping with arthritis, eating salmon may protect the cardiovascular system by preventing blood clots, repairing artery damage, raising levels of good cholesterol, and lowering blood pressure.

arthritis

Commonly referred to as one of nature’s ‘perfect foods,’ bananas are perhaps best known for packing potassium, but they’re also good sources of arthritis-fighting vitamin B6, folate, and vitamin C. They’re easy for your body to digest, and since they’re a great source of soluble fiber, they are an important player in your weight loss efforts, because you fell full after eating one without consuming a large number of calories.

If you are in need of vitamin C but aren’t a big fan of citrus fruits, reach for a green pepper. A single green pepper contains 176 percent of your daily needs for vitamin C — and colorful red and yellow varieties have more than double that amount. That makes them richer in C than citrus fruits, but sweet peppers are also excellent sources of vitamin B6 and folate.

Vitamin D is a tough one to come by in foods, but shrimp fills that bill, since they have about 30 percent of the daily recommended amount in about three ounces – much more than a cup of milk. Shrimp also contains omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin C, along with other nutrients essential for general health, including iron and vitamin B12.

Hard or soft, fresh or ripened, cheese in all its variety is an excellent source of calcium for bones, and protein for muscles and other joint-supporting tissues. Cheese can be easily sliced to put on a cracker or a sandwich, grated into your favorite recipe, or eaten alongside an apple or pear for a fresh, quick snack.

Green tea contains hundreds of powerful antioxidant chemicals called polyphenols and has been cited for helping prevent problems ranging from cancer to heart disease. But studies also suggest green tea may help prevent or ease symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.

 

Superfoods for your Brain

We’ve all had days when we didn’t feel like we were ‘on our game.’ And as we age, both our bodies and our brain grow old as well. By making smart food choices though, we can preserve our precious gray matter longer and improve brain function. Here are some brainy choices for keeping our noggins in tip-top shape.

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Blueberries have been shown to shield the brain from stress, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease. Research has also shown that diets rich in blueberries significantly improved both the learning capacity and motor skills.

Avocados, though considered a ‘fatty fruit,’ contribute to healthy blood flow and decreased blood pressure, lessening the chances of developing hypertension, which can lead to a stroke.

Deep-water fish, such as salmon is a wise, freshwater fish choice. It’s abundant in omega-3 essential fatty acids, which are essential for healthy brain function.

Nuts and seeds are good sources of vitamin E, an important vitamin needed by your brain to stave off declining cognitive functions. Cashews, peanuts, walnuts, sunflower and sesame seeds and almonds are all great choices.

Whole-grain breads, brown rice, and oatmeal also contribute to a healthy brain by reducing the risk for cardiac disease. By promoting a healthy heart and improved blood flow, the brain is sure to thrive via excellent oxygen and nutrient delivery through the bloodstream. Complex carbohydrates also supply the brain with a steady stream of glucose that enhances brain function. It’s important to avoid simple carbohydrates often found in junk food because the glucose gives the brain a short-lived sugar high, often followed by a crash that makes you feel hungry and tired.

Freshly brewed tea also has potent antioxidants, especially the class known as catechines, which also promotes healthy blood flow. Since black teas do contain caffeine it’s important to use it sensibly.

Dark chocolate has powerful antioxidant properties, contains several natural stimulants, which enhance focus and concentration, and encourages the production of endorphin, which helps improve mood. Again, moderation is the key.

 

Super Foods for Super Weight Loss

Experts say there are two basic categories of foods that can be considered “keeping it off superfoods” because they fill your tummy without piling on the calories: fruits and vegetables. And the nutrient that gives fruits and vegetables that ‘staying power?’ Fiber. So, if fruits and vegetables are the “keeping-it-off superfood groups,” fiber may well be the “keeping-it-off super-nutrient.” Protein is another super-nutrient. It’s becoming more scientifically accepted that protein may help to curb appetite. Protein also offers staying power, and can slightly boost your metabolism in the process. But it’s imperative that you choose your proteins wisely, because like all other foods, if you’re eating more than your body needs, it’ll show up on the scale as a gain, instead of a loss.

The following superfoods are smart, low-calorie choices that will benefit your weight loss efforts:

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Green Tea – Researchers suspect that the catechins (helpful phyto-chemicals) in green tea may trigger weight loss by stimulating the body to burn calories and mildly decrease body fat. So indulge in either a hot cup or a nice tall iced glass of green tea.

Broth- or tomato-based soup – Soups can help reduce hunger before meals and increase your feeling of fullness.

Low-calorie green salads – Having a low-calorie salad – which is not defined as one that’s loaded with croutons, high fat dressings, and cheese – as a first course can help you feel full, thereby reducing how much you eat with your main course. Wisely choose your ingredients, and its high fiber content can be the key to helping you fight cravings later in the day.

Yogurt – Including dairy products as part of your healthy diet may promote your weight loss efforts. Choosing a light yogurt may help you fight off hunger pangs due to its combination of protein and carbohydrate.

Beans – A great combination of fiber and protein, beans help you feel full longer, which means they may work to curb your between-meal appetite.

Water – Water is your body’s lifeblood, and you should be drinking it through your day. It’s a great no-calorie beverage, and you can get it by drinking unsweetened tea, flavored unsweetened mineral water, regular water with lime or lemon, or even in your cucumber. In addition to helping flush toxins from the body, it can also help you feel full. So when those hunger pangs strike, try drinking a glass of water before grabbing that snack.

High-Fiber, Whole-Grain Cereal – Whole grains in general help boost fiber and the nutritional value of your meal. One of the easiest ways to give your daily diet a whole-grain boost is to have a bowl of higher-fiber whole-grain cereal as breakfast or a snack.

 

Superfoods that Squash Stress

Life has a way of getting the best of us some days. Whether it’s working too many hours, shuffling your kids all over town for their activities, taking care of your household, or dealing with personal or family matters, stress can take its toll on you physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. But there are simple steps you can take to combat stress, starting with the foods you eat.

Avoiding caffeine and alcohol is a good start when life’s particularly stressful. Stimulants and depressants like these can both zap your energy and rob you of the fuel you need to successfully cope with tension. Sugary foods should also be avoided as well, as they cause your blood sugar levels to spike then dip rapidly, which can in turn make your energy levels spike and dip at the same rate.

stress

However, there are several superfoods out there that provide you with the energy and nutrition your body needs to keep stress in check

Asparagus, which is high in folic acid, can help level out your moods. Folic acid and vitamin B are key players in producing serotonin, a chemical that gets you into a good mood.

And though we may hear negative things regarding red meat, it’s actually a wise dinner option for a stressed-out family. Beef’s high levels of iron, zinc and B vitamins not only help get you into a good mood, but help you stay there as well. Your local butcher can help you select lean cuts for the healthiest options

Milk really does a body good. Chock full of calcium, protein, antioxidants, and vitamins B2 and B12, it helps strengthen bones and promotes healthy cell regeneration. Paired with a healthy whole-grain cereal choice in the morning, low-fat milk is a great way to start your day and arm yourself to do battle with the stressors that await you. Cottage cheese is also another great dairy choice, and when coupled with a fruit that’s high in vitamin C, it helps the body battle free radicals that run rampant during your most stressed periods.

Almonds are also an awesome choice when it comes to arming yourself against stress. They’re high in magnesium, zinc, as well as vitamins B2, C, and E and unsaturated fats, all which are great warriors against free radicals, which have been shown to cause cancers and heart disease.

 

Superfoods that have your Heart in Mind

Heart disease is number one killer among both men and women in the United States. And though we all realize that eating nutrient-dense healthy foods help reduce the risk, we may not know which foods are the best choices to battle this deadly disease head on.

The key is stepping up fiber and choosing unsaturated fats. Eating unsaturated fats, like omega-3 fatty acids and olive oil, can help to reduce triglycerides. And a diet rich in soluble fiber, which is often found in legumes and some fruits and vegetables, helps to decrease LDL cholesterol levels.

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Sardines are an awesome source of omega-3 fatty acids, along with calcium and niacin. You can prepare fresh ones on the grill, or canned sardines work great in salads or sandwiches. Mackerel is another excellent source of omega-3s, and is full of selenium, which is an antioxidant mineral which may help protect the body from heart disease and cancer. A great way to get omega-3s on the go is by grabbing a handful of walnuts for an afternoon snack. Add some to your green salad, or give chicken salad a nutrition boost by adding ground walnuts.

Kidney beans are an affordable source of high fiber, are low fat, and have no cholesterol. Add them to salads and chili, as they truly are almost a perfect health food. Since canned varieties tend to be higher in sodium, try to use the dried varieties whenever possible.

Whole-grain barley is rich in soluble fiber and insoluble fiber, which is good for combating constipation. It’s also a good protein source and has a good supply of iron and minerals. Choose whole-grain barley cereals, or substitute whole-grain barley for rice and pasta side dishes once a week.

Oatmeal is a great way to boost your fiber content early in the morning, and it also has a low glycemic index, which helps to provide lasting energy stave off hunger. Choose rolled oats, and add some raisins, apples, and honey for flavor. Instant oatmeal isn’t a healthy option as it’s usually loaded with sugar.