Monday, January 26, 2015

"SuperFoods" That Aid in Weight Loss

According to Health.com there are some foods that have been labeled as "Superfoods" or foods that are naturally high in nutrition. These superfoods  can aid in building bones, preventing chronic diseases, improving eyesight, improving your mind, and most interestingly keeping you slim.

Black Beans

Black beans are a great alternative for vegetarians and carnivores alike. A cup of black beans contains 15 grams of protein, but doesn't contain the saturated fat found in other protein sources, like red meat.

Oats

In terms of fiber, oats really are super! Just a half cup of oats has 4.6 grams of resistant starch, a healthy carb that works to boost metabolism and burns fat. 

Avocados

Avocados are known for being fatty, but the right kind of fatty that benefits your body rather than hurts it. Rich in oleic acid, avocados may trigger your body to actually quiet hunger and also contain large amounts of fiber and protein. 

Salmon

Salmon is a great example of a lean source of protein that helps you feel full, but doesn't add fat to your body. Salmon is rich in MUFAs with have been proven to increase weight loss.

Blueberries 

Blueberries are a great snack or treat, with one cup only equaling 80 calories. Blueberries also help you feel full with 4 grams of fiber. 

Broccoli

Broccoli is known for it's cancer preventing properties, but is also very full of fiber and is less than 30 calories. 

Brown Rice

Brown rice a healthier, more fiber packed alternative to its counterpart, white rice. A half cup serving contains 1.7 grams of resistant starch, that boosts metabolism and burns fat. Brown rice is also low in calories but is heavy to make you feel full. 

Pears

Pears are full of fiber, just one pear equals 15% of your daily recommended amount of fiber. However, avoid peeling your pears because the skin is where all the fiber is located! 

Wine

Consumed in moderate amounts, wine has actually proven to increase weight loss. Resveratrol, the antioxidant found in grape skin stops fat storage. Studies have shown that wine drinkers have narrower waists than liquor drinkers and that downing a glass can boost your calorie burn for 90 minutes.

Grapefruit

Studies have shown that eating half a grapefruit before each meal has helped people lose up to a a pound a week. A compound in the fruit can lower insulin, a fat-storage hormone, leading to weight loss. It is a good source of protein and is good at filling you up while being 90% made up of water. 

Kidney Beans

Kidney beans offer protein and fiber, more than 5 grams per serving and are also very rich resistant starch!

About the Author: Susan is a guest contributor from The Center for Optimal Health, a center for integrating healthy life style habits with the best of conventional and alternative medicine.