Weight Loss Friendly Foods
I read a great post from Health Magazine about weight loss “super foods.” The list isn’t too shocking, but there are some interesting little tidbits in there.
My favorites, plus some surprises:
Garbanzo beans (a.k.a. chickpeas) – Garbanzo always makes me think of Gonzo, dancing in a vat of hummus. Speaking of hummus, I had some DELICIOUS hummus as a snack. It’s a struggle to stick to the 2 Tbsp serving size, so I had to savor every dip. The hummus is made by Eat Well Enjoy Life, and it was their Sweet & Spicy Black Bean Hummus. So much yummmmm, especially for an accidental find. I need to learn how to make this hummus, because it is so good!
Black beans – I freaking LOVE black beans! Throw in some salt, pepper, cilantro, and chopped red onion, maybe even a little Sazón, and I am good to go! Sometimes, if I’m being especially lazy, I will just heat a can of Goya black beans (the only brand I ever use for black beans), and eat it as is. If you don’t know what Sazón is, you’re seriously missing out. ON LIFE.
Oats – Old faithful. If you don’t know the benefits of oatmeal, let me know, and I will have my shrinking gut tell you all about it! According to Health, “Oats are rich in fiber, so a serving can help you feel full throughout the day. Just a half cup packs 4.6 grams of Resistant Starch, a healthy carb that boosts metabolism and burns fat.” I had no idea what a resistant starch was before reading the article, but holy crap! Amazing!
Wine – I’m so glad this is on the list. I love me some wine! Of course, they say that wine is good compared to other types of alcohol, and not that you should be getting loose off the Franzia every day. But, who’s counting?
Grapefruit – I am not ashamed. I repeat, I AM NOT ASHAMED! I destroyed a grapefruit at my desk, and had to scrub my hands right after because they were sticking to everything, and the poor paper towel was not strong enough to battle the grapefruit juice. I’m almost certain I had grapefruit all over my face. Check out this info from Health about the superpowers of grapefruit:
Even if you changed nothing else about your diet, eating half a grapefruit before each meal may help you lose up to a pound a week!
A compound in the tangy fruit can lower insulin, a fat-storage hormone, and that can lead to weight loss. It’s also a good source of protein, and because it’s at least 90% water, it can fill you up so you eat less.
Lentils – Lentil soup is my favorite soup of all time. Once, when I was little, I told my mom that I wanted some lentil soup so that I would “be good.” That’s how serious it was.
Dark chocolate – Yes. Please, and thank you. Oh, there’s another reason to eat it, besides to celebrate any day ending with the word “day?”
Chocolate lovers, rejoice! A nibble of dark chocolate here and there can slow down digestion so you feel full longer and eat less at your next meal.
Dark chocolate is full of MUFAs; studies show eating a diet high in these healthy fats can rev your metabolism to burn fat and calories. It may also help by curbing cravings for salt, sweet, or fatty diet-wreckers.
Potatoes – When I saw this on the list, I raised an eyebrow and dished out a side eye. Health states the following about potatoes: “True, potatoes are high in carbs, but they are three times as filling as a slice of white bread, and top all the foods on the same satiety index as oranges. Plus, potatoes are also rich in Resistant Starch, which helps your body burn fat.” Okay, Potatoes. I guess you can stay.
Cheese – Is my boyfriend looking? <Looks left. Looks right.> I love cheese. It might be my true love. If it wasn’t actually on this list, I’d probably pretend it was anyway. Health suggests fresh goat cheese and feta, and to also look for cheeses that have a “grass-fed” label on them, because you will supposedly get more of a particular healthy fatty acid that way. I say, look for cheese that say “cheese” on them. Feel free to smile when you read it.
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| From the cheese tasting we did in Amsterdam last summer |
Other super foods that made the list:
- Avocado
- Salmon
- Blueberries
- Broccoli
- Brown rice (more of that resistant starch, y’all)
- Pears
- Kidney beans
- Almonds
- Green tea
- Bananas
- Eggs
- Oranges
- Potatoes
- Pine nuts
- White beans
- Low-fat milk
- Pearl barley
- Quinoa
- Plantains
What are your favorite superfoods? Any surprises on the list?