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.
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.
