10 Top Weight Loss Foods

 

 

Green Peppers

Green peppers are approximately 92% water, yet they provide a dense and hardy snack or ingredient for many delicious weight loss meals. They’re not only a great way to help with your weight loss efforts, but they also contain a significant amount of antioxidants for better health. Try some grilled green peppers with a piece of fish or chicken, or enjoy some raw green pepper slices for a nutritious snack.

 

Celery

A stalk of celery contains only 6 calories, and is made up mostly of water. Celery not only has almost no calories, but it has a lot of fiber, so it keeps you feeling satisfied. Celery contains vitamins A, C, and K as well as folate, so it’s a nutritious, filling snack or addition to a healthy meal. It’s no wonder celery is considered a weight loss superfood. It’s definitely one of the top weight loss foods for anyone trying to drop some excess weight.

 

Spinach

This leafy green vegetable is tender and full of flavor. It’s also rich in vitamin K, folic acid, and iron, as well as disease fighting antioxidants such as beta carotene and vitamin C. Spinach also contains the phytochemical lutein which helps protect eyes against macular degeneration. You can use spinach as a substitute for lettuce in a salad, or saute it lightly with a bit garlic, some sliced mushrooms, and shredded carrot, and use it as a savory filling for an omelet. Of course, it also makes a very tasty and nutritious side dish.

 

Grapefruit

Grapefruit contains folic acid, vitamin C, and potassium, as well as pectin, a type of soluble fiber that can help protect against atherosclerosis. It is also excellent for heart health; and both pink and red varieties contain vitamin A and lycopene, the phytochemical that is known to protect arterial walls. For the juiciest grapefruit, select fruit that seems heavy for its size. Grapefruit is not only delicious for breakfast, but it’s also a refreshing addition to a salad.

 

Cauliflower

Cauliflower is rich in cancer fighting phytonutrients, just like other cruciferous vegetables. It is also an excellent source of folate and vitamin C. To get the most benefit from the antioxidants in cauliflower, try eating it lightly steamed or even nibbling on them raw.

 

Broccoli

Like cauliflower, broccoli is a cruciferous vegetable and is full of phytonutrients and antioxidants. It is also a good source of folate and calcium, making it one of the top weight loss foods you should be eating on a regular basis.

 

Radishes

Brightly colored radishes are rich in antioxidants, folic acid, and potassium. They also contain sulfur compounds that can help with digestion. The green leafy tops contain more calcium, and 6 times more vitamin C, than the roots; don’t just toss them out. Slice radishes and use in a salad or julienne them to give your coleslaw a boost.

 

Lettuce

This is one of the weight loss foods that most people think of when they want to drop some extra weight. With just 60 to 70 calories per pound, it’s easy to see why it ranks so high as a diet friendly food. Romaine lettuce is rich in B vitamins, as well as folic acid and manganese, which is essential for proper functioning of your immune system. Manganese can also help regulate blood sugar. When choosing lettuce, look for the purple or dark green varieties, these darker lettuces have more nutrients.

 

Cucumber

This popular summer staple has one of the highest water concentrations of any other food. In fact, a cucumber is 96.7% water, and it’s super easy to to add to a variety of meals. Slice it and toss it with a salad or make a delicious and refreshing cucumber soup. You can even dip sliced cucumber in some hummus for a healthy and delicious snack.

 

Cabbage

Cabbage is a wonderful immune booster and is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants. It can be stir-fried with other veggies or shred it to enjoy with apple in a diet friendly salad.