Nutritionist and food scientist say there are two basic food categories that can be considered “majic foods” because they make your tummy feel full without the addition of extra calories. This full feeling is a tremendous help in achieving your desired weight loss. These two groups are fruits and vegetables. The aspect of fruits and vegetables that gives you that “full feeling” is fiber. Remember, fiber is a dieters best friend. Fiber is definitely what puts the magic in your diet.
Protein is another super-nutrient. It's becoming more scientifically accepted that protein may help to curb appetite. Protein also offers staying power, and can slightly boost your metabolism in the process. It is very important for you to choose your protein wisely. If you have a choice between a 10 oz. rib eye steak, or a nice low fat yogurt, pick the yogurt. Just as with any other type of food, too many calories still means it will show on the scales, but the protein base of the yogurt will help curb appetite.
Here are some additional magic foods that help you stay on that weight loss plan.
Green Tea - Researchers suspect that the catechins (helpful phytochemicals) in green tea may trigger weight loss by stimulating the body to burn calories and mildly decrease body fat. So indulge in either a hot cup or a nice tall iced glass of green tea.
Broth- or tomato-based soup – Soups can help reduce hunger before meals and increase your feeling of fullness.
Low-calorie green salads - Having a low-calorie salad – which is not defined as one that’s loaded with croutons, high fat dressings, and cheese - as a first course can help you feel full, thereby reducing how much you eat with your main course. Wisely choose your ingredients, and its high fiber content can be the key to helping you fight cravings later in the day.
Yogurt – Remember the yogurt? Including dairy products as part of your healthy diet may promote your weight loss.
Beans – A great combination of fiber and protein, beans help you feel full longer, which means they may work to curb your between-meal appetite.
Water – Water is your body’s lifeblood, and you should be drinking it through your day. It’s a great no-calorie beverage, and you can get it by drinking unsweetened tea, flavored unsweetened mineral water, regular water with lime or lemon, or even in your cucumber. In addition to helping flush toxins from the body, it can also help you feel full. So when those hunger pangs strike, try drinking a glass of water before grabbing that snack.
High-Fiber, Whole-Grain Cereal - Whole grains in general help boost fiber and the nutritional value of your meal. One of the easiest ways to give your diet a whole-grain boost is to have a bowl of higher-fiber whole-grain cereal as breakfast or a snack. Believe me, you can develop a taste for shredded wheat and it is loaded with fiber to give you a low calorie fullness for your tummy.
Marilyn Nelson
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