Losing weight should be just as much about being healthy as it is about looking good in a swimsuit. Though nearly all superfoods — as part of a healthy, balanced diet — will help support weight loss, some are particularly good at keeping your belly full and flat. Read on for some of the best superfoods for weight loss.
1. Grapefruit.
Now, we’re not advocating the grapefruit diet, however, grapefruits are an effective superfood for weight loss. The fiber-packed, water-filled fruit takes some time to eat and fills you up. Several studies have shown that getting a daily dose of this tangy fruit can lead to significant weight loss. Grapefruit also contains powerful antioxidants and phytochemicals that can lower your cholesterol, reduce cancer risk, and rev up your metabolism.
(OlgaMiltsova/iStock)2. Yogurt.
You’d be hard-pressed to find a food better suited for weight loss than yogurt. And the science backs this up — one of the most comprehensive long-term studies ever conducted on weight loss found that yogurt was the most strongly linked to losing weight year over year. Yogurt may also help regulate your digestion and immune system, provide you with a hefty dose of several vitamins and minerals, and lower your blood pressure.
3. Beans.
Like many of the best superfoods for weight loss, beans are packed with fiber and protein and they are low in calories.
4. Dark Chocolate.
Chocolate, amazingly enough, can actually help you lose weight — if you’re smart about it. Reach for the dark stuff, not milk or white chocolate, and don’t overeat. Dark chocolate slows the pace of sugar’s absorption into the blood stream, which helps prevent insulin levels from spiking, and keeps you fuller for longer. It is also good for your heart and blood pressure.
Green tea (Tatiana Belova/iStock)
5. Green Tea.
From protecting skin to preventing cancer, green tea is one of the healthiest things you can drink. But it helps in the battle of the bulge, too. Studies have shown that green tea can increase energy levels and help in weight loss efforts.
6. Almonds.
Looking for a healthy, filling snack? Skip the carbs — almonds, loaded with fiber and healthy fats, are one of your best bets. One study found that almonds as snacks helped control subjects’ appetites without causing weight gain. But they’re not just a weight-loss food, they’re also good for your heart, your skin and your cholesterol. What’s not to love?!
7. Avocados.
Yes, avocados are high in fat, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. These decadent fruits are rich in monounsaturated fat, which help your heart and memory, and provide a healthy dose of fat to keep you fuller for longer. They also contain a hefty serving of that other ultra-filling nutrient, fiber. Some research even suggests that may help prevent the accumulation of belly fat, and release oleic acid, a chemical that triggers the production of a hormone that reduces hunger.
Fresh quinoa salad with herbs and arugula (cheche22/iStock)
8. Quinoa
Quinoa has all the building blocks of an excellent weight-loss food: it’s rich in fiber, protein, and monounsaturated fat, and low-calorie to boot. Some researchers also think that this South American seed helps reduce your risk of heart disease, cancer, and type 2 diabetes.
