What to Eat When Trying to Lose Weight?

A common problem dieters face is whether they should keep on eating in an effort to lose weight.

After all, the most common source of the blame game for the weight gain is overeating.

Why still eat then? The fact that we still need energy to function everyday should remind us that

nutrient intake should be given emphasis into. Remember that not eating would also mean

depriving the body the nutrition it needs to keep on functioning. It’s like a car engine that

constantly needed oil for daily use.

With the help of WebMD1, we found a nice list of foods to eat while in the middle of a

weight-loss program. Included here are facts that might encourage you to eat them especially if

you see items here that you don’t usually eat.

- Greek yoghurt

According to sports nutritionist Leslie Bonci, MPH, RD “Protein takes longer to leave the

stomach”. And protein is one content that is richly found in Greek yoghurt. When some nutrients

spend more time in your tummy, it gives you the thought that you’re full and makes you eat less

- Cinnamon

Bonci mentioned about cinnamon as an ingredient that could help curtail appetite. It’s often used

as a sweetener for folks suffering from type 2 diabetes. Sweetness without calories plus the

benefits of less food intake without the hassles of deprivation makes food intake guilt-free.

- Green tea

One of the best selling tea variants today, green tea is often credited for the weight loss

experienced by its loyal patrons due to its ability to stimulate the body to burn abdominal fat. But

it usually works best when taken several times a day in a warm cup no less. The catechin in

green tea affects body metabolism i.e.better chances of losing weight.

- Watermelon

The water content in watermelon takes up room in the gut enough to tell your brain that there is

not enough space for anything else that you feel like eating. This is supported by Bonci’s claim

that “Foods that are high in water content takeup more room in the gut”. Fruits for snacking are

highly recommended due to their low calorie content despite the high content in water and

nutrients.

- Grapes

There is a reason why grapes give you a full feeling compared to raisins. The drying procedure in

raisin caused the water content to get lost. This is why eating grapes compared to raisins get you

closer to a full and satisfied feeling.

- Raw vegetables

There is a reason why some folks preferred to snack on plain raw veggie cuts than on your

conventional vegetable salad. No dressing, no mayo, no additional calories - just the rich water

content in uncooked greens, celery sticks and carrot slices. It also caters to your need to munch

once in a while whenever the urge to eat arises.

- Eggs

Depending on how you like your eggs, of course it’s a low-calorie food rich in protein especially

in the morning. It keeps the appetite at bay compared to a carb-dependent breakfast. Even folks

suffering from high cholesterol are adviced to have at least 1 egg a day, preferably egg whites

since they are cholesterol-free.

- Oatmeal

The oatmeal referred to here is the one you prepare with hot water. Bonci mentioned what made

oatmeal a filling meal - whole-grain oats and hot water. Unsweetened versions are highly

recommended since low-calorie sweeteners like cinnamon and nutmeg helps bring in the flavor

anyway.

- Tabouli

Thinking about food low in fat and calories but rich in fiber and protein, tabouli is sure to come

to mind of nutritionists with a bevy of whole grains to recommend to you for better weight

management tips. Also, according to Bonci “It’s flavorful, so you don’t need to add a lot of oil”.

- Salad

Knowing that we just mentioned about how some dressings tend to ruin the reputation of salads

as a quick fix for weight management, no need to fret. Alternative mix-ins like salsa or black

bean provide healthier options when in need of salad dressing in an effort to make your salad

high in water content and low in calories.

- Nuts

Bonci actually recommended nuts in a shell like pistachio or walnuts since the time consumed in

peeling the nuts take enough time away from eating them. But more than the self-imposed hassle

it takes to eat them, the high amount of fiber and protein makes the effort worth it. It may contain

fats safe for your weight management regimen but still, these healthy nuts need to be taken in

moderation.

Eating healthy is makes it more like a shift into a healthier lifestyle than a foray into diet. It even

came to a point to make some health enthusiasts claim that “I’m not on a diet. I’m into healthy

eating” which is true at some point. Here’s to a healthy lifestyle and a brighter outlook for

personal wellness into better living. Thanks for reading.