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How To Lose Weight With The Help of These 7 Foods
Regular exercises are essential in every weight loss plan as they promote burning of fat and build muscle, but there is another secret—what you eat plays the most significant roles. When it comes to shedding the extra pounds, it does not mean depriving yourself, but rather choosing the right foods to keep you satisfied without accumulating fat. If your goal is to lose weight, start by overhauling your diet. Efforts towards your weight loss goals will only be visible if you make dietary changes. Here are 7 foods that can help in your weight loss journey:
1. Water
Water is life! Most functions in your body cannot place in the absence of water. Water facilitates metabolism, digestion, blood circulation, brain function, and the nervous system, just to mention a few. Most of these features are essential when it comes to weight loss. In reference to research at the University of Tokyo, people who eat food with high water content have lower body mass indexes and smaller waistlines. It is speculated that water helps you eat less food per sitting. Try some fruits and veggies, which have high water content.
2. Cinnamon
Several studies have found that people who consume even a small amount of cinnamon have controlled sugar levels. In addition, cinnamon improves metabolism and avert food cravings. It has been shown that cinnamon ability to regulate insulin level in the blood prevents storage of fat, which leads to weight loss. In addition, cinnamon speeds up metabolism, lowers cholesterol levels and helps to lose belly fat. Sprinkle a little amount of cinnamon in your breakfast to help shed those extra pounds.
3. Apples
Apples are a good source of fiber and also contain ingredients essential in the fight against obesity and associated conditions like heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, type-2 diabetes, and sleep apnea. Fiber plays important roles in curbing changes in sugar levels, which lead to craving for unhealthy foods. In addition, fiber prevents the build-up of cholesterol in the arteries and promotes digestion while avoiding problems like diarrhea and constipation. Improved digestion is the hallmark of every successful weight loss diet.
4. Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are rich in dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals. You can get as much as 5 grams of fiber from a sweet potato slightly larger than a computer mouse. Though rich in calorie content, sweet potatoes contain vitamin A, vitamin C, Vitamin E, iron, magnesium, and phytochemicals like zeaxanthin and beta-carotene. These nutrients are essential for boosting metabolism, improving recovery of muscles and increasing body’s resistance against pathogens.
5. Raspberries
Raspberries contain natural chemicals, which are effective in firing up metabolism. In addition, this gorgeous berry also has high fiber content that increased satiation. A single cup of raspberry provides about 30% of the recommended daily intake of fiber. In a Brazilian study, it was found that dieters who took raspberries for six months lost significant weight than those who ate low-fiber snacks. You can combine raspberries with a smoothie or yoghurt.
6. Lima Beans
Lima beans are often overlooked when it comes to weight loss. Other than being higher in fiber, lima beans are great sources of calcium, a mineral that has natural diuretic properties in flushing out sodium and fluid from your body. In addition, several studies have shown that people who eat whole grain foods, like beans, have smaller waistlines than those who rely on processed rations. You can add lima beans to your garden salad, or marinate with chopped red onion, sliced grape tomatoes or minced celery.
7. Kefir
Kefir refers to a drink made from fermented milk obtained from sheep, cow or goat. You can also prepare this drink from plant-based versions like coconut milk. Milk (Kefir) is loaded with probiotics, beneficial bacteria that improves digestion and helps in weight loss. In reference to a recent study conducted by researchers in Japan, it was found that participants who drank fermented milk for 12 week lost up to 5% of their belly fat. You can find kefir in the refrigerated dairy cases at your local supermarket. Alternatively, you can reach for a low-fat version and make your own preparations. Add frozen fruits, seed butter and some spices to improve taste.
Conclusion
These seven healthy foods are the best ways of losing weight and maintaining it. They are natural and offer essential minerals and nutrients that are renowned to boost metabolism and promote burning of fat. In addition, their ingredients support the removal of toxic substances from your body, which is essential for weight loss. They are also rich in fiber to keep you satisfied for the better part of the day. Incorporating these foods into your diet combined with regular workouts will help in the realization of your weight loss dreams.
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Author Bio
Adonia Dennis (@adoniadennis), by profession a Health, Beauty and Skin Care adviser. She provides solutions related to beauty and skin care problems such as skin hyperpigmentation, eye skin aging, sensitive skin, etc. She is an independent researcher who researches for all type of skin related issues. She is a passionate blogger who loves to write and share her views on health, fitness and diet. To know more about Adonia, follow her on Facebook, Google +, and Pinterest.
