6 Foods That Help You Drop Pounds
By Nathaniel S Drake http://ezinearticles.com/ezinepublisher/?id=7463504
Losing weight safely and naturally is a process. Unfortunately, it can be a long process, but taking the time to make small changes in your lifestyle and diet can make the process easier. Those small efforts will eventually add up to a large effort that will yield real results, and these 6 foods will help you get there in a natural, safe and tasty way.
Blueberries
Blueberries and other dark colored fruit tend to be higher in fiber than other fruits and more packed full of nutrients. In just one serving, blueberries have about a quarter of your daily value of Vitamin C and 4 grams of fiber to keep you full longer. They're also a good natural sweetener to add to your cereal or Greek yogurt to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Eggs
This delicious breakfast staple is loaded with valuable nutrients that will keep hunger pangs away for hours. The protein found in eggs is considered one of the highest quality protein sources you can eat, which is great for rejuvenating your muscles after a hard workout. Eggs are also a good source of Vitamin B12 and iron.
Eggs are a little high in fat and quite high in cholesterol, though a recent study performed at the University of Connecticut showed that eggs actually helped to raise HDL (good) cholesterol levels in participants while LDL (bad) cholesterol levels remained the same. Their explanation: Lecithin, which is found in egg yolks, has been shown to raise HDL levels. If you're still worried about the cholesterol or fat, you can always opt for egg whites.
Nuts
Yes, nuts are high in calories, but they're packed full of healthy fats, fiber, protein, and vitamins that make them a great substitute if you're craving something salty and crunchy. A study conducted at Purdue University found that people who snack on nuts daily actually eat fewer calories throughout the day. The study also showed that adding nuts to participants' diets increased their resting metabolism rate by 11%, meaning you'll burn more calories all day long! Eating nuts may also help lower your risk of heart disease. Your best bet is to go for a variety: pistachios are especially low in saturated fat, walnuts are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, and almonds have a good dose of Vitamin E, but don't forget other great tasting nuts like peanuts and cashews!
Cinnamon
The U.S. Department of Agriculture found that cinnamon can actually help reduce insulin spikes, which will help your body better regulate your blood sugar levels and ward off hunger. Cinnamon has also been shown to be very beneficial for people with type 2 diabetes. Sprinkle some cinnamon over oatmeal or sneak it into some of your favorite spicy dishes.
Quinoa
If you haven't tried quinoa yet, you should get on it. Quinoa may be the health food of the future because it features a great blend of complete protein, fiber, and some healthy unsaturated fats. It's technically a seed but you can cook quinoa like rice. Use quinoa instead of a grain to help keep your blood sugar levels steady and keep you full all day long.
Broccoli
As with fruit, darker colored vegetables tend to be more nutritious, making broccoli an excellent choice. Broccoli is very high in fiber, Vitamin A and Vitamin C. I like to add cooked and flavored broccoli to quinoa dishes with lean meat, but any way you can get fresh broccoli will work wonders for your weight loss program.
