Losing weight isn’t always easy so knowing what foods are good for you and what foods are bad is greatly important. Here we compile a list of the best low-calorie foods for weight loss. Read on.
#1 Whole Eggs
Over the years, nutritionists and scientists have been going back and forth when it comes to eggs. Eggs are one of the best foods if you are trying to lose weight because they are high in protein. Because protein is a natural appetite suppressant, starting your day with a couple of eggs can be great. However, eating too many eggs per day can be harmful. A high intake can raise your bad LDL cholesterol, so eat them in moderation.
#2 Leafy Greens
Leafy greens, such as kale, spinach, and collard greens are low in calories and low in carbohydrates. They are also high in fiber, which is essential if you are trying to lose weight because fiber will make you feel fuller longer. Leafy greens are great on their own, or to add bulk to a low-calorie recipe. Studies have shown that the additional vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and calcium in leafy greens can help burn fat.
#3 Salmon
Salmon is a fatty fish, which is healthy and low in calories. Best of all, this fatty fish will help you feel full hours after you eat. Salmon is high in omega-3 fatty acids, which can be beneficial if you are obese or have a metabolic disease. If salmon isn’t your favorite fish, you can get the same benefits by eating mackerel, sardines, trout, and herring.
#4 Cruciferous Vegetables
Vegetables in this family include cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts. These vegetables are great because they are high in protein. They don’t have as much protein as meat, but when it comes to vegetables, you won’t find a vegetable with as much protein as cruciferous vegetables have. These veggies are also low in calories and high in fiber. Make sure you select fresh vegetables.
#5 Lean Beef and Chicken Breast
Meat has been blamed for plenty of issues, such as heart disease and diabetes. However, it turns out that if the meat you eat is lean, it can actually be good for you. As long as you eat the meat in moderation, it can help you lose weight. Chicken breast and lean beef are high in protein, which we mentioned before is a natural appetite suppressant. If you are on a low-carb diet, you are going to need fatty meat. If you are sticking to a low-calorie diet and want red meat, it should be lean. If you want chicken, stick with the white meat.
#6 Boiled Potatoes
Potatoes have a bad reputation, but they are actually good for you. If you are on the keto diet or a low-carb diet, potatoes are a no-no. However, they can be beneficial if you are on a low-calorie diet. After eating a boiled potato, you will feel full for quite some time. If you allow your potatoes to cool completely, they will form a high amount of resistant starch. This starch has many health benefits and can help you lose weight.
#7 Tuna
Tuna is a lean fish, which means that it is low in fat. It is also low in calories and high in protein. If you are going to eat canned tuna rather than fresh tuna, make sure that it is tuna in water and not tuna in oil. The oil will add to the amount of calories and carbs in the tuna.
#8 Beans and Legumes
Black beans, kidney beans, lentils, and other beans and legumes are great for weight loss. They are high in protein and high in fiber, which is essential if you are trying to lose weight. They also contain resistant starch, which has many health benefits. Beans and legumes are also high in fiber, which will help you feel full, even though you are consuming a minimal amount of calories. Beans and legumes can be eaten on their own, or part of a low-calorie recipe.
#9 Soup
If you choose the right type of soup, it can be great for weight loss. The soup contains plenty of water and vegetables, which is excellent for weight loss. The best way to eat soup and lose weight is to avoid store-bought soups, which are high in sodium. Also, avoid creamy soups. If you make your own soup in your kitchen, you can control the amount of salt and the ingredients used. A homemade chicken or kale soup can be great for weight loss.
#10 Avocados
Avocados are a very unique fruit. Most fruits are high in carbs, but avocados aren’t. They are low in carbs and high in fiber, water, and healthy fats. Best of all, avocados are a very versatile fruit. They can be added to salads, veggie dips and mashed up and spread on a piece of toast.
Bonus: Water
Water may not be a food, but we had to add it to this list. If you are trying to lose weight, you should drink as much water as possible. Water has zero calories, which is excellent when you are trying to lose weight. Also, if you are going to get the benefits of the vitamins and nutrients in the foods that you eat, you need to be properly hydrated, which happens when you drink water. If you find plain water boring, you can add orange, a lemon, or lime to your water.
If you know which foods are the best for your diet, you have an excellent chance of losing weight. If you eat the foods listed above on their own or part of a low-calorie recipe, you should start seeing the pounds melt off.