You can lose weight by eating smarter: you'll lose weight if you choose foods that are filling, and that contain macronutrients (like fat and protein) and micronutrients (various vitamins and minerals) that your body needs. Here are ten foods to help you lose weight, while gaining energy and health.
There are a few pointers you should keep in mind before you start any initiative to lose weight.
First, remember that changing habits is hard and takes time, so don't expect to be able to completely change your lifestyle overnight. Start small: small dietary changes, small additions of activity to your life, small goals. Also, be realistic in the goals you intend to achieve. To get a realistic idea of what might be a healthy goal weight for your body type and size, check out this BMI Calculator at the Mayo Clinic's website.
Finally, if you want to lose weight, consider which foods need to be eliminated from your diet; but, even more importantly, consider which foods should be added to your diet. Here are ten healthy foods that will help you lose weight while still being well nourished and feeling satisfied.
1. Grapefruit - How can grapefruit help you lose weight? It's delicious, juicy, filling, and only 80 calories. Eating a whole grapefruit can help you feel satisfied for a long time. In addition, red grapefruit helps lower your body's triglycerides and provides cancer-fighting liminoids and lycopene, along with a substantial does of Vitamin C.
2. Quinoa - It looks like a grain, but quinoa actually the seed of a green leafy plant. Quinoa is an excellent source of complete protein, which makes it a filling substitute for rice and a much lower-calorie substitute for high-protein meats. It is also an excellent source of iron, potassium, and B vitamins. Quinoa has a light, nutty flavor and can be cooked up with broth or water and eaten alone, or can be incorporated into soups for nutritious bulk. One-half cup of quinoa contains only 111 calories.
(Continue reading on page 2 for more of the "Top Ten Foods for Weight Loss")