How many times have you lacked the much needed self-confidence to approach a woman you liked or how many times have you felt negative about your body when you stand in front of a mirror? If this has happened too many times for you, do not worry, it is also the reality of so many other men throughout the world!Often times, their love lives are practically nonexistent because they struggle with surplus weight and one thing is for sure, women are not very drawn by chubby and overweight men and they tend to fall for the more athletic and muscular ones. This being said, if you want to work on your love life by improving your physical appearance and by losing those surplus pounds in the quickest way possible, we have decided to share a list with the best foods (and some drinks too!) for losing weight that you should definitely incorporate to your nutrition plan.
- Are you tired of being overweight or obese?
- Do you want to know the quickest way to lose weight?
- Has your weight been preventing you from living your life to the fullest?
If the answer to any of the aforementioned questions is a yes, make sure you fully read this article because it will suggest one of the best food options to shed surplus pounds quickly and effectively! Keep reading…
What Is the Best Food for Losing Weight?
In order to excel at weight loss, in addition to exercising regularly, you also need to make the appropriate diet changes because hamburgers and lots of beer will not get you there! Certainly, when you start to work out more regularly, it is not uncommon to start feeling hungrier. And, by fueling your body the right way, i.e. with healthy foods and foods that encourage weight loss, you will maintain the body satisfied and shape and tone it as you want to.
Moreover, combining exercise and diet will better your overall health from the inside out and a healthy diet will keep your heart healthy, maintain your energy levels optimal, and preserve the well-being of the brain, and of course, last but not least, it will maintain your weight. When you eat quality food, you will have a stronger immunity and sleep and feel better. Remember, neither workout or exercise on its own has the power to bring positive results and significant changes.
However, when people begin their weight loss journey, they may often get lost due to the abundance of information available, especially when it comes to learning about the best foods for losing weight. To ease your weight loss efforts in regards to diet improvements, we have prepared a list with the best foods for losing weight quickly, efficiently, and easily. Let us take a look at which foods you should always have at hand:
1. Salsa
Yes guys, you will need to ditch the store-bought ketchup you have been adding to almost everything if you want to be slimmer and, opt for a weight-loss friendly replacement for it, i.e. salsa. Believe it or not, most ketchup that is being sold in the supermarkets contains approximately 19 calories and 4 grams of sugar per one tbsp while a fresh tomato salsa has only 5 calories per tbsp and no artificial sugar (you already probably know how bad added sugar is!). What’s more, it is abundant in nutritious vegetables, for example, tomatoes contain vitamin C and fiber (vitamin C deficiency has been connected to higher amount of body fat and larger waist circumference) and jalapenos which have the power to speed up the metabolism. And, since there are so many different variations of it, you will never get tired of it! Amazing, right? Here are some of the best salsas out there:
- Pineapple salsa
- Corn salsa
- Carrot salsa
- Mango salsa
- Chipotle salsa
- Habanero salsa
- Salsa negra
- Salsa verde
- Salsa cruda
2. Eggs
Believe it or not, eggs are a killer weight loss food and one of the healthiest foods in the whole world. This is because they contain quality protein, healthy fats, and pivotal minerals and vitamins. They can be prepared in various ways, for example, poached, hard-boiled, soft-boiled, scrambled, sunny side up, etc. Below, check out why you need to start eating more eggs if you plan on losing weight:
- They are low on calories
- They will prolong your satiety and thus, lower appetite
- They will enhance the speed of your metabolism
- They are easily affordable and easily-prepared
- They make a healthy weight loss breakfast option
3. Cayenne pepper
According to studies, cayenne pepper is not just good for the overall health, it also has the power to help you shed surplus pounds and be slimmer and leaner. This natural herb can be added to your diet in numerous ways, for example, you can cook your meals with it or use it powdered into your water, protein shakes, and smoothies. Cayenne pepper goes great (in small amounts) with curries, chili, Mexican food, or stews. If you are unsure about the power of cayenne pepper to help you lose weight, do not miss out the list below showing its weight loss properties:
- Lowers cravings and helps you feel fuller and thus, decreases your calorie intake
- Since it is spicy, it is great in encouraging the burning of calories
- Speeds up the metabolic rate (the speed at which the body transforms foods and drinks into energy); the faster the metabolism, the higher the likelihood of the body converting nutrients, instead of fat, into energy
4. Sweet potato
You have probably heard or read somewhere that eating sweet potatoes is good for your health, but did you know that they make the ideal weight loss ally? This vegetable is abundant in dietary fiber and important minerals and vitamins. They also possess strong antioxidant characteristics. If you are wondering about the ways in which sweet potato assists you in your weight loss effort when you eat it on a regular basis, do not miss out the list below:
- It is abundant in fiber which prolongs the feeling of satiety and prevents overeating and potential gain of weight
- They are low in calories (to lose a pound of weight on a weekly basis, you need to remove 500 calories from your diet on the daily)
- Sweet potatoes contain a lot of water which is great for the satiety and it also averts additional weight gain
5. Peanut butter
Yes, yes, we know, 190 calories and 16 grams of fat per one serving of peanut butter do not sound like this is a weight loss-friendly food. Nevertheless, research indicates that eating peanut butter as a snack is a useful method to keep hunger under control without gaining weight because it keeps you sated for a longer period of time. It is important to note that you should always consume it in moderation if you want to reach the needed daily calorie deficit. Opt for no more than two tbsp of peanut butter per day. Here are some tips on how to include it to your menu in a healthy way:
- Mix it with some apple slices
- Spread it onto banana slices
- Snack on it with celery stalks
- Spread it onto whole-grain bread
- Combine it with rice
6. Avocados
A lot of experts consider avocado to belong to the group of most perfect weight loss foods. Therefore, it is an excellent way to improve your overall health due to its ability to decrease bad cholesterol and lower belly fat; it helps you age healthy as well. It is a versatile fruit which goes great with different recipes. For example, you can eat it seasoned with some salt and pepper or paprika, you can stuff it with tuna, chicken or eggs, you can eat it on toast, include it into guacamole, add it to various types of salads, smoothies, and soups, grill it, or prepare healthy bread with it, the choice is yours! Anyhow, it will help out with your efforts to shed pounds in the following ways:
- Reduces bad cholesterol which is linked with being overweight and obese
- The monounsaturated and oleic fatty acids found in avocado can minimize fat stored in the abdominal area
- It contains pivotal nutrients that have been associated with loss of fat deposits and shedding of pounds
- Suppresses the hunger and controls your cravings
- Maintains your energy levels and enables you to sweat it out more at the gym
7. Oatmeal
Oatmeal is made from dry oats which are a whole grain with lots of nutritional advantages. It is among the top five favorite breakfasts for a lot of people, regardless of whether their goal is to lose weight or to simply lead a healthy diet. The recommended serving is half a cup and you can combine it with a bit of skim milk or some fruit or low-fat yogurt. The abundance in fiber will enhance your health and speed up weight loss and it can also reduce your appetite and enhance the burning of calories. When you consume it on a regular basis, it will significantly better your metabolism by astonishing 23 percent. But, you should know that you can experiment with its preparation and you should not restrict yourself to eating it for breakfast only. There are so many interesting variations out there! Let us check some of them in the list below:
- Use it as a replacement for breadcrumbs for meatloaf or meatballs
- Prepare weight loss-friendly pancakes with oats, bananas, eggs, baking powder, and salt
- To fiber-boost your morning cup of smoothie, make sure you add some oats to the blender too; it will keep you full until lunch and thus, prevent overeating
- You can use it interchangeably with other grains such as buckwheat, rice, and quinoa
- Use it to prepare healthy pizza dough by blending rolled oats, sweet potatoes, and eggs
8. Almonds
Nowadays, nuts hold a reputation of being a superfood and one of the most trusted ones is almond which is rich in essential nutrients and possesses lot of important health advantages. They contain fats, but the good ones. In addition to helping you keep your heart safe and the cholesterol under control, almonds are a beneficial food for losing weight due their low calorie count. A beginner’s tip when buying almonds for weight loss is to make sure you opt for the raw or roasted ones, never the salted or fried. Here are a couple of great reasons why you should trust almonds when it comes to loss of weight:
- They are rich in dietary fiber which betters your digestion and balances bowel movements; it will keep you fuller and avert overeating
- They contain a high amount of protein which is great for the development of lean muscle mass and the monounsaturated fats will burn the fat from the abdominal region
- They are an excellent low-carb snack if you happen to follow a low-carb diet or if you just want to reduce your carb intake
9. Pistachios
In addition to delicious almonds, pistachios are other recommendable nuts to battle surplus weight. Namely, they will offer you decent amount of fiber and maintain your satiety and avert excessive intake of calories throughout the day. What’s more, they will speed up your metabolism and the monounsaturated fats which they contain will maintain your weight and avert further weight gain. So guys, if you are looking for a delicious and weight loss-friendly snack to consume in between meals, a handful of pistachios is the way to go!
10. Garlic
Probably you have heard or read that garlic is one of the most nutritious foods out there and that it can be of great use to enhance the overall health. However, what you may not have known by now is that it may be beneficial for shedding surplus pounds too! Namely, recent studies done with mice showed that adding garlic to their diets lowered their weight and fat storages. Therefore, ensure you add it to your daily nutrition because it will protect your health and waistline! Here are some interesting ways to add garlic to your diet and boost weight loss:
- Mince several garlic cloves and combine them with your morning omelet
- Chop some garlic and add it to cooked fish, chicken, or lean meat
- For dinner, opt for steak and garlic mixed with some delicious fresh mushrooms
- Sprinkle your roasted cauliflower with finely-chopped garlic
11. Mustard
According to some evidence, hot and spicy foods can augment the metabolism and assist the body in burning more fat at a faster rate. But, you should not opt for regular mustard if you want to achieve weight loss; you need to choose the spicy or whole options if weight loss is on your mind. For optimal results, go with Mexican or Asian options. But, why is mustard considered to be among the best foods to lose weight? Read more below:
- It is low on calories, that is, only 30 per two tsp
- Mustard seeds speed up the metabolic rate by amazing 25 percent and you will burn higher amount of calories
- It will help you cleanse the body of toxins and other waste that may be contributing to your weight
12. Salmon
Without doubt, salmon deserves to be a part of your weight loss menu. Of course, this does not mean that it can help you shed pounds if you are not following a low-calorie diet and working out on the regular. This type of fish is rich in protein and other pivotal nutrients. The omega-3 fatty acids found in it will elevate your chances of becoming slimmer. Make sure that you opt for the wild-caught salmon rather than the farmed variants due to them being richer in protein and low on unhealthy fats. Salmon is a great food to go with if you want to maintain your satiety and overeat less. Want to find out some yummy recipes with salmon? If yes, check out the following list:
- Slow-cooked salmon with simple vinaigrette topped with crispy capers
- Coconut curry salmon and zucchini noodles
- Baked salmon with garlic, honey, white wine vinegar, and thyme
- Salmon salad with kale, pomegranate seeds, avocado, and quinoa
- Baked salmon with artichokes and green onions
13. Green tea
As it is abundant in nutrients and because it has strong antioxidant power, green tea is not just good for the overall health, it can lend you a hand during your weight loss journey. Recent studies have linked it to weight loss and it is an excellent way to speed up the metabolic rate of the body and keep your weight balanced. To ensure optimal loss of weight, here are some useful suggestions on how to consume it:
- Opt for 2 to 3 cups of warm green tea per day
- Go with the healthiest green tea variety, i.e. Matcha green tea
- Make sure you drink the least-processed green teas
14. Cruciferous veggies
These veggies are rich in fiber and will keep you full and minimize the risk of overeating throughout the day. And, they will supply you with a sufficient amount of protein. They are an ideal combination of fiber and protein for a successful loss of pounds. What’s more, they will protect your health and minimize your risk of serious illnesses such as cancer. These are some suggestions for cruciferous veggies you should definitely not miss out on:
- Brussels sprouts
- Broccoli
- Broccoli romanesco
- Wild broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Bok choy
- Cabbage
- Garden cress
- Watercress
- Radish
- Daikon
- Wasabi
- Siberian kale
- Kale
- Collard greens
15. Black coffee
Black, sugarless coffee can be a good weight loss ally because of the caffeine in it. This substance is known to be of the few ones that is able to move fats from the fat tissues and to enhance the metabolism. This drink is an excellent option to fasten your metabolic rate which will assist you in your weight loss efforts and also avert weight gain. If you want to improve your stamina and exercise more, opt for a cup of black coffee before daily workout. This is because caffeine blocks adenosine and elevates the secretion of dopamine and norepinephrine, which in result leads to a boost in energy and higher stamina. And, if you have been struggling with hunger pangs during your diet, black coffee is a great solution because it will suppress your appetite. Certainly, when you consume it without milk or sugar, black coffee is a weight loss-friendly and calorie-free drink.
16. Coconut oil
Guys, when it comes to fats, it is crucial to remember that not all fats are made equally. This oil possesses fatty acids known as medium-chain triglycerides which are great for maintaining the satiety and speeding up the metabolism. Moreover, if you have been struggling with belly fat, coconut oil is a viable solution. Nonetheless, as it does contain calories, avoid combining it with what you are already eating. A great way to incorporate it into your nutrition is by replacing it with unhealthy cooking oils you might be using.
17. Blueberries
Nowadays, more and more studies are being conducted on the topic of blueberries and their power to lower body fat. This tasty fruit is also believed to be powerful enough to change the body’s metabolism of fat and sugar. There are so many ways to add them to your diet, i.e. you can top your oatmeal with them, mix them with your morning smoothies or prepare yummy pancakes and muffins, the choice is yours. If you still have no clue how and why blueberries are a useful diet addition for those who are trying to lose weight, make sure you read the list presented below:
- They may impact the genes that balance the burning and storage of fat and thus, decrease fat in the abdominal section
- They are an excellent food to keep your hunger at bay (keep you sated longer) and avoid consuming more calories than you should
- They contain insoluble fiber which is known to enhance the digestion and help minimize the chances for constipation and diarrhea
- Banana and blueberry smoothie is a beneficial weight loss-friendly snack or a breakfast
Reference sites:
- https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/health-benefits-sweet-potato
- https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/cayenne-pepper-for-weight-loss
- https://www.verywellfit.com/how-eating-peanut-butter-can-help-you-lose-weight-3495815
- https://www.eatthis.com/8-reasons-avocado-perfect-weight-loss-food/
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/23-ways-to-eat-avocados
- https://www.eatthis.com/how-to-lose-weight-with-oatmeal/
- https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/oatmeal
- https://diet.lovetoknow.com/wiki/Mustard_and_Fat_Burning
- http://spryliving.com/articles/salmon-recipes-for-weight-loss/
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320540.php
- https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/03/28/how-to-lose-weight_n_2965765.html
- https://www.verywellfit.com/can-garlic-help-you-lose-weight-4151104
- https://truweight.in/blog/food/reasons-use-black-coffee-weight-loss.html
- https://www.keepitoff.com/importance-diet-exercise-weight-loss/
- https://slism.com/diet/blueberry-diet.html
- https://www.eatthis.com/foods-jumpstart-weight-loss/