Winter Foods For Weight Loss: Oatmeal
Nothing beats a hot bowl of oatmeal in the winter. Not only is oatmeal tasty and convenient, it’s also full of nutrients and phytochemicals. It also keeps you full and provides lasting energy. According to one study, people who eat oats for breakfast consume one third fewer calories at lunch.
Guava
Guava is a tropical fruit that tastes similar to pears and strawberries. It contains five times more vitamin C than an orange and is rich in fiber – especially if you eat the seeds. Guava also contain lutein, potassium, soluble dietary fiber, calcium and iron. The best part? It only has 60 calories in one serving, making it the perfect slimming snack.
Pomelo
This citrus fruit looks like a large grapefruit with thick bark. Sweeter than grapefruit, its yellow flesh is loaded with antioxidants that help prevent the spread of cancer cells. It is also rich in folic acid and potassium.
Sunflower Seeds
Sunflower seeds are an excellent source of vitamin B, protein and folate. They also help protect the immune system. They’re loaded with vitamin E, an antioxidant that prevents cell damage, supports healthy skin and hair and can even prevent cancer.
Honey
Honey is the most natural sweetener you can find. But be careful not to overdo it – at equal volume, it contains more calories than sugar. It’s a good source of antioxidants and its antimicrobial properties make it an ally during the winter.
Macadamia Nuts
Macadamia nuts are a melt-in-your mouth treat, known for their health benefits. They are full of monounsaturated fatty acids (good fats) and may help reduce cholesterol. They are also rich in vitamin E and antioxidants and contain omega-3 and omega-6 in a ratio of about 1 to 1, which is great.
Prickly Pears
Also called pear cactus, this fruit, has a vibrant ruby red and golden pulp that is soft and sweet (like a cross between watermelon and lemon). Each fruit is richer in magnesium than an orange, an apple and a pear combined. A study published in 2009 in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, which included more than 64,000 women, found that when magnesium intake increases, the risk of type 2 diabetes falls.
Coconut Milk
Research suggests that the fatty acids present in coconut milk can help speed up your metabolism and even promote weight loss. Read labels – some brands are very high in calories. In addition, its dietary fibre will keep you feeling full.
Watercress
Dark green leaves and peppery watercress are among the most nutritious greens. Watercress is a cruciferous vegetable rich in antioxidants that help prevent cancer and other diseases. It is a good source of beta-carotene and vitamin C, as well as calcium and potassium. One cup contains five calories.
Chia Seeds
Chia seeds pack a huge nutritional punch. It contains large quantities of iron, folate, calcium, magnesium and omega-3. Its soluble fiber increases the duration of satiety. Add them to a smoothie for a healthy start to your day.
Dark Chocolate
Losing weight can be impossible if your diet is too restrictive. Rich and decadent dark chocolate in small amounts can satisfy your craving for sweets without consuming too many calories. In addition, you will benefit from its antioxidants.
Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt contains more protein (and calcium) than regular yogurt. You feel satiated longer. Try replacing the sour cream and mayonnaise based dips with Greek yogurt.
Starfruit
Not only does this fruit have a sweet yellow apple flavor, it’s also loaded with potassium. It is also an excellent source of vitamin C, an antioxidant that boosts immune function and fights infections, and beta-carotene. Bonus: It only has 29 calories.
Red Wine
Drinking a glass of red wine is a great way to relax in the late evening while enjoying its antioxidants that slow premature aging and reduce the risk of heart disease and certain cancers. This treat contains few calories: 80 to 90 calories per serving of 120 ml.
Shiitake Mushrooms
Appetizing and nutritious mushrooms are very low in calories (10 in half a cup), almost devoid of fat and a good source of dietary fiber, potassium, selenium, riboflavin, thiamine, folic acid, vitamin B6 and zinc. According to laboratory studies, they also help immune cells to destroy viruses.
Tangelo
This cross between tangerine and grapefruit is like an orange, but it is more acidic than tangerine and sweeter than grapefruit. Although it contains less vitamin C than orange, it is richer in vitamin A than any other citrus fruit. A medium tangelo contains 35 calories and 130 mg of potassium. Consume it before your workout for an energy boost!
Maple Syrup
Replace artificial sweeteners with pure maple syrup. A tablespoon of maple syrup provides 50 calories and contains more minerals and vitamins than sugar and corn syrup.
Oysters
Oysters are among the best sources of high quality protein which contain little fat. An oyster has only 8 calories. In addition, it is an excellent source of minerals such as calcium, fluoride, iodine, iron, zinc and others. It is also a good source of B-complex vitamins.
Liver
The liver is a relatively inexpensive source of protein. It is an excellent source of vitamin A and B12, folic acid, niacin and minerals, especially iron. With only 200 calories, it overrides most cuts of meat, but the problem is its high cholesterol: 400 mg per 115 g of liver braised. That said, if you stick to a diet low in fat and cholesterol, eating liver from time to time can not hurt if you’re healthy.
Kefir
Kefir (a beverage made from fermented milk, similar to yogurt) is particularly rich in vitamins B1 and B2, calcium, folic acid, magnesium and vitamin A. What makes kefir unique is its fermentation process, which greatly facilitates digestion. This allows the body to focus on the absorption and assimilation of nutrients and proteins necessary for the growth and regeneration of muscles and bones. In addition, kefir contains tryptophan, an essential amino acid that relaxes the nervous system, making it an ideal food for athletes post-workout.