The foods you consume have an undeniable effect on how you look, how you feel and most importantly how much you weigh. Certain foods are especially helpful with helping you to lose weight and after thorough research and discussion with nutritionists, RevitaliseYourHealth.com has compiled this list of the top 10 foods that you should eat to help you lose weight.
1) Apples
Apples contain pectin. Pectin is a soluble fibre that breaks down slowly, helping you to feel fuller for longer. A study performed in the late 1990′s revealed that just 5g of pectin is enough to help you feel full for up to four hours. Just two reasonably sized apples provided over two thirds of this amount.
2) Grapes
Grapes are a very sweet, tasty snack that should be used as a substitute for those biscuits you may otherwise be eating. 100g of grapes contain just 70 calories. Grapes are a fantastic detoxification fruit. They help to cleanse the system which aids with weight loss.
3) Burdock Root
Burdock is a root vegetable that contains inulin. Inulin is a carbohydrate that regulates blood sugar levels and is able to control hunger and reduce cravings. Burdock root also heps to improve fat metabolism and act as a diuretic (an agent that helps the kidneys to pass urine more often).
4) High fiber cereals
Research has shown that those who eat high fibre cereals in the morning for breakfast traditionally eat less at lunch time. Cereals contain insoluble fibre. Insoluble fibre provides volume to food without adding too many calories. For best results, try to eat cereals that contain over 6g of fibre per serving.
5) Bladder Wrack Kelp
Technically a herb, but this should still be considered. Kelp is a variety of seaweed and it can be taken as pills, tinctures or dried. Research has shown that it is capable of strengthening the thyroid which can help to boost metabolism and aid weight loss. It also works by feeding the body with easily absorbed important nutrients on a cellular level. This reduces hunger and prevents cravings. Bladder wrack kelp can be taken as a snack between meals and can be used as a salt substitute.
6) Barley
Barley is a low fat complex carbohydrate which increases your metabolism – the rate at which your body burns calories. One cup of barley contains 6g of fibre. 25g is the recommended daily allowance.
7) Sugarless Gum
I don’t know if this can technically be classified as a food, but none the less sugarless gum is a fantastic way to quench cravings, contrary to popular belief. Gum is a great way to give your taste buds a burst of flavour and prevent yourslef from consuming a sweet, caloric snack.
8) Water
This definitley can’t be considered a food, but still, water is vitally important if you’re attempting to lose weight. Research has shown that people often mistake thirst for hunger, and thus end up eating when they should be drinking. Water contains zero calories so does not contribute to weight gain, and has plenty of other health benefits which I’m sure you are aware of. Many dislike the taste of plain water – I’m one of them. To add a bit of flavour I squeeze a little lemon.
9) Dairy products
Dairy products contain a number of important nutrients, most famously calcium. Calcium is not only capable of keeping the bones strong and healthy, it’s also a proven aid in the weight loss process. Researchers have found that in a study of eight normal weight women who each had 1000mg of calcium every day managed to lose approximately 6lbs over the course of two years. 1000mg of calcium is equivalent to around one and a half pints of milk per day.
10) Chocolate
I thought it would be good to end this list on a high and what better way than with chocolate! By indulging yourself with a bar of chocolate once in a while it prevents massive binges which can lead to massive weight gain. Chocolate (especially dark chocolate) contains other health benefits, including a high concentration of antioxidants which help to fight free radicals. In moderation, there is no harm in the occassional bar of chocolate.
This article has revealed ten of the best foods that aid weight loss. They are not magic pills, they need to be incorporated into a balanced diet with regular exercise. Then, and only then, will you start to notice significant weight loss.