But, admittedly, “eat more healthy foods” is pretty vague advice. So, with the help of our guide and expertise, we have rounded up the best weight loss foods. And for more helpful tips, check out these weight-loss trends to avoid so you reach your goals faster!
Avocado
There’s a misconception that the fat in avocados adds fat to your body but in fact, avocados are the perfect food to eat for weight loss. The delicious green fruit has a bad reputation since one average avocado contains 160 calories and 15 grams of fat, but the monosaturated fat in avocado is actually healthy and helps your body burn fat for energy. Unlike eating the same amount of fat in a bag of chips, your blood sugar stays low and your body learns to burn fat for fuel.
In a study published by The National Institutes of Health, researchers explain: “It’s not just the satiety value of the avocado or the monounsaturated fat, but there is a sugar [in avocados] called mannoheptulose, and this sugar helps the way your body uses the insulin [which] helps to reduce insulin resistance.” So essentially avocado is a perfect combination of fat, fiber, and healthy whole carbs that signals your body to burn more fat naturally.
Peanut Butter
Peanut butter packs 8 grams of protein and up to 4 grams of fiber per serving, making it an ideal snack to help you fill up and stay satisfied (particularly in stabilizing a glycemic load). Just make sure that you’re taking a look at the ingredients label, which should only include peanuts and salt (maybe a little bit of oil, but no high fructose corn syrup or additives necessary!). A published review of research in the Journal of Food Science and Technology highlights the fact that peanut butter can help people feel more satisfied compared to other snacks.
Chia Seeds
Although chia seeds are extremely tiny, they’re surprisingly full of protein and fiber and have weight loss benefits. Chia seeds are known to be one of the best sources of fiber: One ounce contains 11 grams of fiber and 4 grams of plant-based protein. Studies have shown that a diet of 30 grams of fiber a day helps you lose as much weight as dieting and restricting calories, so add chia seeds to your breakfast for a start to your healthy sustainable weight loss, and don’t worry about a complicated diet.
Chia seeds have a limited taste so they can be sprinkled on almost anything, like salads, yogurt, cereal, sandwiches, smoothies, or in a snack of mixed nuts and seeds. The tiny black seeds are a convenient way to add nutrients to your meals for healthy, easy weight loss.
Fatty Fish
The name may be deceiving but The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends consuming two servings of seafood each week because it contains essential fatty acids that we can only get through our diet. In addition to supporting heart and brain health, omega-3 fatty acids found in fish like salmon, sardines and tuna may help to reduce body fat. Seafood is also high in protein to help curb hunger, keeping us full for hours.
Eggs
The egg really is the perfect protein, especially when it comes to weight loss. Eaten at breakfast, eggs have been shown to enhance weight loss as part of a reduced-calorie diet. Plus, incorporating enough protein-rich foods like eggs at breakfast may keep evening snack cravings at bay. They’re also economical and versatile enough to meal-prep ahead for grab-and-go snacks and lunches for the week or to top a power bowl at dinner.