Cucumber, broccoli, and oats are extremely popular in weight loss circles as diet-friendly foods, but there are so many others that do not receive as much hype, but are weight loss friendly too and you can have them even on the strictest of diets. These foods receive less attention, but they can be excellent helpers in supporting weight loss goals. Pistachios, for example, are believed to be a calorie-dense nut, but according to a study, regular consumption of unsalted pistachios, led to reduced weight and waist circumference. Therefore, it’s important to not just count calories, you have to make those calories count as well and make sure they are packed with beneficial nutrients when you are trying to lose weight. In this article, we list out 7 unexpected foods that melt pounds away. Read on:
1. Pumpkin Seeds:
In the world of chia and hemp seeds, pumpkin seed holds on to its own with its high protein, healthy fat, and fiber, content. It also has minerals like magnesium which helps to boost metabolism, regulate blood sugar, and curb appetite. Pumpkin seeds can be used as snack, in trail mix, also in smoothies. For a weight loss-friendly trail mix, you can mix unsalted almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, and even dark chocolate chips (at least 70% cocoa), and air-popped popcorn. There are more delicious ways to have pumpkin seeds – have them roasted in a snack form, sprinkle them on top of salads to get that crunchy factor, or the best way – make pumpkin seed butter by blending roasted pumpkin seeds until smooth and spread it on toast or drizzle it over oatmeal for a nutritious and delicious spread.
2. Pistachios:
As we have mentioned above, a study showed, regular consumption of pistachios was associated with weight loss. You can have 44 gm of pistachios without affecting body weight. Among the nuts, they have the lowest fat content and one can get protein (good source of vegetarian protein), fiber, and metabolism-boosting minerals like magnesium, potassium, phosphorous, etc. They also have vitamin B6 that helps to amp up metabolism as well. To reap its weight-loss benefits – snack on plain and unsalted pistachios, add them to salads, in yogurt, to make protein balls/bars, and also in homemade trail mix. Also read: “20 Healthy Foods Other Than Salad Under 400 Calories To Lose Weight Quickly.”
3. Beans:
Moong (green gram), lobia (black-eyed beans), rajma (kidney beans), split black gram (udad), red lentils (masoor dal) – you get a combo of weight-loss friendly nutrients in these beans – protein+fiber+minerals. Beans are low in fat and low on glycemic index as well. These beans also promote feeling of fullness, and reduced calorie intake through the day because of high fiber and plant protein content. Studies say that regular consumption of beans can help change body composition when made part of a calorie-deficit diet and that includes reduction in belly fat. Dietary fiber, particularly soluble fiber, can bind fats and sugars, decreasing their absorption and use by the body. You can make dal curry, boil them and add to salads, there are just so many different ways to make them a staple in your diet.
4. Corn:
It’s an inexpensive source of insoluble fiber, which makes it a low-glycemic food (helps to regular blood sugar). Corn is also a good source of minerals like magnesium, zinc, copper, iron which help make the metabolism robust. The best way to enjoy corn is having it roasted on the cob, having it steamed without butter, or make fresh corn salad (with cucumber, tomato, onion, etc). Also read: “Are All Salads Healthy and Diet Friendly?”
5. Popcorn:
Air-popped popcorn without any added butter or oil makes for a low-calorie snack. Studies show that one can have up to three whole cups of popcorn and stay within 100 calories! Popcorn is a whole grain that contains dietary fiber, which as we have mentioned above, is beneficial for weight loss. However, microwavable and butter-laced ready-to-pop packets are calorie dense and easily available everywhere. Instead opt for corn kernels and pop them without oil or just a bit of oil. It is a healthier alternative to high-fat snacks like chips or fried snacks.
6. Guava:
It’s a low-glycemic fruit, low in calories as well, and it also has fiber, that keeps you satiated for long. Guava is available year round and is an inexpensive fruit that does not cause a sharp spike in blood sugar levels. Have it whole or make an amrood chaat with just a bit of chilli powder, salt, and chaat masala. Yummy!
7. Papaya:
Rich in vitamin A, C, dietary fiber, beta carotene, lycopene and also minerals like folate, potassium, papaya is full of nutrients. It also has an enzyme called papain that aids in digestion. Also, it’s beneficial for people who have difficulty digesting protein since the enzymes in papaya break down protein efficiently. Since experts suggest to switch to a high-protein diet while trying to lose weight, including papaya would help you a great deal in breaking down all the extra protein. Notably, in a 2020 study, which was done on rodents, researchers found that when these animals were fed with papaya, they lost weight! However, studies on humans are limited. You can have a portion of papaya during any meal or make it a part of fruit chat and have it as a snack in the evening.
Summing up, this article points out how normal, inexpensive food can help you lose weight. You can find more such diet-friendly food options on the Rati Beauty diet. The Rati Beauty diet emphasizes the importance of losing weight by consuming normal everyday food while making mindful dietary choices. Instead of restrictive diets, it encourages balanced and portion-controlled meals to promote sustainable weight loss. By focusing on nutrient-dense whole foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats, the diet ensures that essential nutrients are provided to the body. Download the Rati Beauty app to access all our diet plans.
Are All Salads Healthy and Diet Friendly?
20 Healthy Foods Other Than Salad Under 400 Calories To Lose Weight Quickly
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