Showing posts with label food diet. Show all posts
Showing posts with label food diet. Show all posts

Sunday

How To Lose Weight Naturally? This 8 Foods Can Help You

How to lose weight naturally? This 8 foods can help you. Have you ever wished that there was a magic pill for natural weight loss? If you have, I can totally relate, as I spent many years looking for one myself !

I called off the search just days before my 20th birthday, when I suffered a complete body breakdown. My adrenals were totally exhausted and I was sleeping up to 20 hours a day. I had to spend the next couple of months being spoon-fed back to health by my mother.

At that point in my life, I chose to turn my attention away from my perceived body issues and to focus entirely on creating health by eating simple foods that could help me to heal my body naturally.

The irony is that by focusing on simple foods rich in nutrients, not only was I able to heal my body completely, but I also lost over 60 pounds in the process. By continuing to apply these very same principles, I have kept this weight off for over 15 years.

8 Foods To Help You Lose Weight Naturally

Below are eight simple foods that can help you to lose weight naturally and keep it off for good as well.

1. Blueberries
When we talk about simple foods, no list is complete without blueberries. Though all berries are good for you, blueberries stand out, due to their high concentration of antioxidants. They make for the perfect addition to almost any meal — salads, smoothies, or shakes.

2. Kale
This is one the most outstanding greens for very good reason. Not only does it offer your body quality nutrients and a lot of fiber, but it's so versatile. Start your day off right with a green smoothie (made from fresh kale and other nutrient-dense fresh greens) or make a healthy kale salad for lunch!
One of my favorite ways to enjoy kale is to wash and dry a big plate of kale (with a dash of sea salt and lemon juice) and then grill it to make crispy kale chips.

3. Lemons
Lemons can support natural detoxification and reduce sugar cravings, enabling your body to heal itself naturally. Try adding lemon juice to a glass of water first thing in the morning or squeezing fresh lemon juice over your salads for a natural, zesty dressing. You will love what lemons and other citrus fruits can do for you.

4. Wild Salmon
Salmon is another source of good fat, and is also an excellent choice for protein. It's a very versatile food that can be enjoyed by itself as a snack or served with fresh salad and vegetables. The good fats in wild salmon keeps your brain healthy and will give you a natural energy boost and support weight loss.

5. Broccoli
Rich in fiber, loaded with antioxidants, and overall an amazing vegetable, broccoli is a great choice to include in your diet. You can use broccoli in so many different dishes or just serve it on it's own, steamed with a dash of sea salt and fresh lemon juice.
How To Lose Weight Naturally?

6. Oatmeal
Oatmeal is loaded with fiber and is a great source of complex carbohydrates to keep you feeling fuller for longer. A bowl of cooked oatmeal sprinkled with cinnamon is a great way to start your day. If you are gluten-sensitive, make sure to buy gluten-free oatmeal only.

7. Eggs
Eggs are an excellent source of protein and therefore can play a major role in supporting natural weight loss. They're a great form of slow release energy to keep you going throughout the day. I love to add hard boiled eggs to a fresh green salad with any other chopped up vegetables that I have in the refrigerator. They also make healthy travel snacks.

8. Avocados
Avocados are the perfect example of a food high in good fats, and are something that you can eat in abundance, since they keep you feeling nourished and satisfied. Eating a diet that is high in fat (unlike one that is high in sugar) allows your body to sense when you have eaten enough food and to let you know when you are full. Listening to and connecting to your body in this intuitive way will allow you to best know what to eat and when.   (Source : www.mindbodygreen.com)

Friday

The Natural Diet: 15 Best Friendly Foods for Weight Loss

Best Friendly Foods for Weight Loss. Not all calories are created equal. Different foods go through different metabolic pathways in the body. They can have vastly different effects on hunger, hormones and how many calories we burn. 

15 Best Friendly Foods for Weight Loss in The World

Here are the 20 most weight loss friendly foods on earth, that are supported by science.

1. Whole Eggs
Once feared for being high in cholesterol, whole eggs have been making a comeback. New studies show that they don't adversely affect blood cholesterol and don't cause heart attacks. What's more... they are among the best foods you can eat if you need to lose weight. They're high in protein, healthy fats, and can make you feel full with a very low amount of calories.

One study of 30 overweight women showed that eating eggs for breakfast, instead of bagels, increased satiety and made them eat less for the next 36 hours. Another 8 week study found that eggs for breakfast increased weight loss on a calorie restricted diet compared to bagels. Eggs are also incredibly nutrient dense and can help you get all the nutrients you need on a calorie restricted diet. Almost all the nutrients are found in the yolks.

2. Leafy Greens

Leafy greens include kale, spinach, collards, swiss chards and a few others. They have several properties that make them perfect for a weight loss diet. They are low in both calories and carbohydrates, but loaded with fiber.

Eating leafy greens is a great way to increase the volume of your meals, without increasing the calories. Numerous studies show that meals and diets with a low energy density make people eat fewer calories overall. Leafy greens are also incredibly nutritious and very high in all sorts of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. This includes calcium, which has been shown to aid fat burning in some studies.

3. Salmon
Oily fish like salmon is incredibly healthy. It is also very satisfying, keeping you full for many hours with relatively few calories. Salmon is loaded with high quality protein, healthy fats and also contains all sorts of important nutrients.

Fish, and seafood in general, supplies a significant amount of iodine. This nutrient is necessary for proper function of the thyroid, which is important to keep the metabolism running optimally. Studies show that a huge number of people in the world aren't getting all the iodine they need.

Salmon is also loaded with Omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to help reduce  inflammation, which is known to play a major role in obesity and metabolic disease. Mackerel, trout, sardines, herring and other types of oily fish are also excellent.

4. Cruciferous Vegetables
Cruciferous vegetables include broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage and brussels sprouts. Like other vegetables, they are high in fiber and tend to be incredibly fulfilling. What's more... these types of veggies also tend to contain decent amounts of protein.

They're not as high in protein as animal foods or legumes, but they're high compared to most vegetables. A combination of protein, fiber and low energy density makes cruciferous vegetables the perfect foods to include in your meals if you need to lose weight. They are also highly nutritious, and contain cancer fighting substances.


5. Boiled Potatoes
White potatoes seem to have fallen out of favour for some reason. However... they have several properties that make them a perfect food, both for weight loss and optimal health. They contain an incredibly diverse range of nutrients, a little bit of almost everything we need. There have even been accounts of people living on nothing but potatoes alone for extended periods of time. They are particularly high in potassium, a nutrient that most people don't get enough of and plays an important role in blood pressure control.

On a scale called the Satiety Index, that measures how fulfilling different foods are, white, boiled potatoes scored the highest of all the foods tested. What this means is that by eating white, boiled potatoes, you will naturally feel full and eat less of other foods instead. If you boil the potatoes, then allow them to cool for a while, then they will form large amounts of resistant starch, a fiber-like substance that has been shown to have all sorts of health benefits... including weight loss. Sweet potatoes, turnips and other root vegetables are also excellent.

6. Tuna
Tuna is another low-calorie, high protein food. It is lean fish... so there isn't much fat in it. Tuna is popular among bodybuilders and fitness models who are on a cut, because it's a great way to keep protein high, with total calories and fat low. If you're trying to emphasize protein intake, then make sure to choose tuna canned in water, but not oil.

7. Beans and Legumes
Some beans and legumes can be beneficial for weight loss. This includes lentils, black beans, kidney beans and some others. These foods tend to be high in protein and fiber, which are two nutrients that have been shown to lead to satiety.

They also tend to contain some resistant starch. The main problem is that a lot of people have problem tolerating legumes. For this reason, it is important to prepare them properly.

8. Cottage Cheese
Dairy products tend to be high in protein. One of the best ones is cottage cheese... calorie for calorie, it is mostly just protein with very little carbohydrate and fat. Eating plenty of cottage cheese is a great way to boost your protein intake. It is also very satiating, making you feel full with a relatively low amount of calories. Dairy products are also high in calcium, which has been shown to aid in the fat burning process.

9. Avocados
Avocados are a unique type of fruit. Whereas most fruit is high in carbs, avocados are loaded with healthy fats. They are particularly high in monounsaturated oleic acid, the same type of fat found in olive oil. Despite being mostly fat, they also contain a lot of water, so they aren't as energy dense as you may think.
Natural Diet Best Friendly Foods for Weight Loss

Avocados are perfect as additions to salad, because studies show that the fats in them can increase the nutrient uptake from the vegetables 2.6 to 15-fold. They also contain many important nutrients, including fiber and potassium.

10. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is incredibly popular in the natural health community. It is popular for use in condiments, like dressings or vinaigrettes. Some people even dilute it in water and drink it. Several studies in humans suggest that vinegar can be useful for weight loss.

Taking vinegar at the same time as a high-carb meal can increase feelings of fullness and make people eat 200-275 fewer calories for the rest of the day. One study in obese individuals also showed that 15 or 30 mL of vinegar per day for 12 weeks caused weight loss of 2.6-3.7 pounds, or 1.2-1.7 kilograms. Vinegar has also been shown to reduce blood sugar spikes after meals, which may lead to all sorts of beneficial effects on health in the long term.

11. Nuts
Despite being high in fat, nuts are not inherently fattening. They're an excellent snack, containing balanced amounts of protein, fiber and healthy fats. Studies have shown that eating nuts can improve metabolic health and even cause weight loss.

Population studies have also shown that people who eat nuts tend to be healthier, and leaner, than the people who don't. Just make sure not to go overboard, as they are still pretty high in calories. If you tend to binge and eat massive amounts of nuts, then it may be best to avoid them.

12. Some Whole Grains
Despite grains having gotten a bad rap in recent years, there are some types that are definitely healthy. This includes some whole grains that are loaded with fiber and contain a decent amount of protein as well.

Notable examples include oats, brown rice and quinoa. Oats are loaded with beta-glucans, soluble fibers that have been shown to increase satiety and improve metabolic health.
Rice, both brown and white, can also contain significant amounts of resistant starch, especially if cooked and then allowed to cool afterwards.
Keep in mind that refined grains are a disaster, and sometimes foods that have "whole grains" on the label are highly processed junk foods that are both harmful and fattening. If you're on a very low-carb diet then you'll want to avoid grains, because they are high in carbohydrates. But there's nothing wrong with eating some of the healthier grains if you can tolerate them and are not on a low-carb diet.

13. Chili Pepper
Eating chili peppers may be useful on a weight loss diet. They contain a substance called capsaicin, which has been shown to help reduce appetite and increase fat burning in some studies. This substance is even sold in supplement form and is a common ingredient in many commercial weight loss supplements.

One study showed that eating 1 gram of red chilli pepper reduced appetite and increased fat burning in people who didn't regularly eat peppers. However, there was no effect in people who were accustomed to eating spicy food, indicating that some sort of tolerance can build up.

14. Grapefruit
One fruit that deserves to be highlighted is grapefruit, because its effects on weight control have been studied directly. In a study of 91 obese individuals, eating half a fresh grapefruit before meals caused weight loss of 3.5 pounds (1.6 kg) over a period of 12 weeks. 

The grapefruit group also had reductions in insulin resistance, a metabolic abnormality that is implicated in various chronic diseases. So... eating half a grapefruit about a half hour before some of your daily meals may help you feel more satiated and eat fewer overall calories.

15. Chia Seeds
Chia seeds are among the most nutritious foods on the planet. They do contain 12 grams of  carbohydrate per ounce, which is pretty high, but 11 of those grams are fiber. This makes chia seeds a low-carb friendly food, and one of the best sources of fiber in the world. Because of all the fiber, chia seeds can absorb up to 11-12 times their weight in water, turning gel-like and expanding in your stomach.

Although some studies have shown that chia seeds can help reduce appetite, they have not found a statistically significant effect on weight loss. However, given their nutrient composition, it makes sense that chia seeds could be a useful part of a weight loss diet.

Thursday

11 Big Mistakes That Make Your Lunch Unhealthy (Don't Make This)

Big Mistakes That Make Your Lunch Unhealthy. One of the best perks of your job is finally being able to take a lunch break. It’s one of the few times during the work day where you can relax and not think about all of your uncompleted tasks, all while munching on your favorite meal.

Big Mistakes That Make Your Lunch Unhealthy

But, some of your lunchtime habits could actually be affecting your health. Your physical and even your mental health can be drastically impacted by the things you choose to do during lunch, so make sure you’re making the right decisions for your body. While you’re at it, switch these terrible habits out to help you lose weight to keep your figure slim and your body energized to take on the rest of the day ahead of you.

Lunch Mistake 1 : You Eat Too Late (Or Too Early)

It turns out that when you eat is just as important as what you eat. If you eat too early, chances are you’re just going to get hungry again by the end of your shift and scan through the office snacks, causing you to eat more unnecessary calories. However, if you wait until you’re starving to take your lunch break, you could end up eating more food than you normally would during lunchtime. One study found that dieters who ate their main meal before 3 p.m. lost significantly more weight than those who ate later in the day, despite both groups consuming the same calories. Researchers hypothesize that putting off your meal until late in the day can throw your brain’s master clock out of sync with the cellular clocks that regulate metabolism. Use your hunger as a guide and eat lunch as soon as that tummy starts rumbling.

Lunch Mistake 2 : You’re Using White Bread For Your Sandwich

White bread is filled with simple carbs that can deter your weight loss by keeping you always hungry. Instead of using white bread for your sandwich, try making the switch to healthier whole grain bread, or make a wrap using a lettuce leaf to keep your lunch low-carb and low-calorie.

Lunch Mistake 3 : You’re Eating Processed Deli Meats

A turkey sandwich may sound healthy, but that might not be the case if you’re using processed deli meat instead of slicing your own homemade roasted turkey breast. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), high consumption of these highly-processed deli meats has been shown to increase risk of cancer and other chronic diseases due to their high concentration of nitrates. So, skip the deli meats and try adding some fresh pieces of rotisserie turkey or chicken breast.

Lunch Mistake 4 : You Eat Out Every Day
Getting takeout on the reg is not doing your figure any favors. The European Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed that dishes from restaurants and fast food joints contain significantly more calories, saturated fat, and salt compared to homemade meals. Specifically, dining out will tack on an extra 190 calories a day compared to if you chose to whip up something yourself. If you don’t want to part with your favorite fast food meals, then check out these 20 Homemade, Healthy ‘Fast Food’ Recipes.

Lunch Mistake 5 : You’re Using Fatty Condiments
Some condiments can actually turn a perfectly healthy lunch into a fattening one. One tablespoon of mayonnaise adds an extra 11 grams of fat to your meal, and full-fat ranch adds another 15. Use something low-cal like hot sauce or dijon mustard, neither of which are more than 10 calories per serving.
Big Mistakes That Make Your Lunch Unhealthy

Lunch Mistake 6 : You Eat At Your Desk
Bringing your lunch bag to your work desk can actually cause you to eat more than expected. A study conducted by the University of Bristol showed that eating at your desk can increase the amount of food you consume during your lunch break. This is because you’re distracted while you’re eating, which causes you to lose track on how much you consume.

Lunch Mistake 7 : You Get A Second Cup Of Coffee
Taking a second trip to the office coffee pot over your lunch break isn’t the best idea if you want to get a good night’s sleep. According to a study by the University of Bristol, drinking a cup of coffee even six hours before bed can disturb your sleep pattern and cause you to sleep less. If you typically eat a late lunch at 3 p.m., you might have trouble shutting down at 9 p.m.

Lunch Mistake 8 : You’re Scrolling Through Your Phone While You Eat
Using your phone while you eat is another form of distracted eating. Similarly to working at your desk, your phone causes you to not focus on how much you’re eating, which leads to overeating. Try taking a break from all of your tech products during your lunch and focus on your food to avoid overeating.

Lunch Mistake 9 : You Don’t Pack Anything Green
Keeping green veggies out of your lunch can leave huge nutritional gaps in your meal. Dark, leafy greens like spinach and kale are full of nutrients like fiber (an essential for your digestive regularity), vitamin C (which is beneficial for younger-looking skin), and antioxidants. Try making a kale salad, or use a collard green leaf as a wrap instead of using tortillas made with white, refined grains.

Lunch Mistake 10 : You Eat Bread With Your Salad
Another salad additive you should avoid is white bread. White bread is little more than empty carbs, which your body breaks down into simple sugars more quickly that higher-fiber whole grain bread and it spikes blood sugar levels. It also tacks on an extra 100 calories to your meal or more, depending on the restaurant. If you must have bread with your salad, try whole grain options that contain more fiber than white breads, which aids in digestion.

Lunch Mistake 11 : You Don’t Get Dressing On The
Many dressings are filled with inflammatory soybean oil and sodium that can ruin your otherwise healthy salad. For example, a standard Ranch dressing adds an extra 139 calories and 13 grams of fat per serving (about two tablespoons). So, make sure to use dressing sparingly, or opt for alternatives. A little drizzle of olive oil and balsamic will give your salad the healthy fats you need while adding tons of flavor.

10 Foods With High Proteins for Weight Loss (Diet)

Foods With High Proteins for Weight Loss (Diet). You already know that eating protein is key when it comes to feeling satisfied with your meals and maintaining a weight loss effort. Protein helps build flubber-frying lean muscle mass, after all. But it seems that many of us have gotten into a rut, relying on just a few primary sources of the stuff. Not only can this cause taste bud fatigue, it can also deny your body of health-boosting nutrients found in protein-rich foods you’re overlooking.

To help you break free of your oh-so-boring grilled chicken and egg routine, we’ve compiled a list of the best foods with proteins for weight loss across every food category. Whether you’re a fan of fish, can’t deny your love of dairy or stick to a meat-free meal plan, we’ve got the best options for your waistline.

Foods With High Proteins for Weight Loss (Diet)

Read on to get in the know and be sure to pick a few of our suggestions up next time you head to the grocery store.

1. Foods With High Proteins : Grass-Fed Beef

Protein Payout: 4 oz strip steak, 133 calories, 26 g protein
When it comes to steak or burgers, go grass-fed. It may ding your wallet, but it’ll dent your abs. Grass-fed beef is naturally leaner and has fewer calories than conventional meat: A lean seven-ounce conventional strip steak has 386 calories and 16 grams of fat. But a seven-ounce grass-fed strip steak has only 234 calories and five grams of fat. Grass-fed meat also contains higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids, according to a study published in Nutrition Journal, which have been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease.
Concerned about your ticker? Keep it healthy by eating more of these

2. Foods With High Proteins  : Bison

Protein Payout: 4 oz, 166 calories, 23 g of protein
While grass-fed beef is an excellent choice, bison’s profile has been rising in recent years, and for good reason: It has half the fat of and fewer calories than red meat. According to the USDA, while a 90 percent lean hamburger may average 10 grams of fat, a comparatively sized buffalo burger rings in at two grams of fat with 24 grams of protein, making it one of the leanest meats around. But wait, taking a chance on this unexpected meat will earn you two healthy bonuses: In just one serving you’ll get a full day’s allowance of vitamin B-12, which has been shown to boost energy and help shut down the genes responsible for insulin resistance and the formation of fat cells; additionally, since bison are naturally grass-fed, you can confidently down your burger knowing it’s free of the hormones and pollutants than can manifest themselves in your belly fat.
Speaking of belly fat, blast it away with the help of these six moves for six-pack abs from personal trainers.


3. Foods With High Proteins : Pork

Protein Payout: 4 oz, 124 calories, 24 g protein
A longtime enemy of doctors and dieters, pork has been coming around as a healthier alternative of late — as long as you choose the right cut. Your best bet is pork tenderloin: A University of Wisconsin Study found that a three-ounce serving of pork tenderloin has slightly less fat than a skinless chicken breast. It has 24 grams of protein per serving and 83 milligrams of waist-whittling choline (in the latter case, about the same as a medium egg). In a study published in the journal Nutrients, scientists asked 144 overweight people to eat a diet rich in fresh lean pork. After three months, the group saw a significant reduction in waist size, BMI and belly fat, with no reduction in muscle mass! They speculate that the amino acid profile of pork protein may contribute to greater fat burning.

4. Foods With High Proteins : Ostrich

Protein Payout: 4 oz patty, 194 calories, 29 g protein
Lower that eyebrow you’re raising. Ostrich meat is the rising star of the grill. While it’s technically red and has the rich taste of beef, it has less fat than turkey or chicken. A four-ounce patty contains nearly 30 grams of the muscle building nutrient and just six grams of fat. Plus, one serving has 200 percent of the daily recommended allowance of vitamin B-12. This exotic meat can also help whittle your middle: Ostrich contains 55 milligrams of choline, one of these essential nutrient for fat loss. And it’s not as hard to find as it sounds—ostrich is increasingly available in supermarkets around the country.

5. Foods With High Proteins : Halibut
Protein Payout: 3 oz, 77 calories, 16 g protein
You already knew fish was rich in protein but you might be surprised to learn that halibut tops fiber-rich oatmeal and vegetables in the satiety department. The Satiety Index of Common Foods, an Australian study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, ranks it the number two most filling food—bested only by boiled potatoes for its fullness factor. A separate Australian study that compared the satiety of different animal proteins found a nutritionally similar white fish (flake) to be significantly more satiating than beef and chicken; satiety following the white fish meal also declined at a much slower rate. Study authors attribute the filling factor of white fish like halibut to its impressive protein content and influence on serotonin, one of the key hormones responsible for appetite signals. Just make sure you avoid tilapia.
Foods With High Proteins for Weight Loss (Diet)


6. Foods With High Proteins : Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Protein Payout: 1 cup, 139 calories, 6 g protein
Tomatoes are packed with the antioxidant lycopene, which studies show can decrease your risk of bladder, lung, prostate, skin, and stomach cancers, as well as reduce the risk of coronary artery disease. Just one cup of the sun-dried version will lend you 6 grams of satiating protein, 7 grams of fiber and ¾ of your RDA of potassium, which is essential for heart health and tissue repair. They’re also rich in vitamins A and K. Use them as a pizza topping, a tangy addition to salads, or snack on them right out of the bag.

7. Foods With High Proteins : Spinach
Protein Payout: 1 cup (cooked), 41 calories, 5 grams of protein
Popeye’s favorite veggie is a great source of not only protein but also vitamins A and C, antioxidants and heart-healthy folate. One cup of the green superfood has nearly as much protein as a hard-boiled egg—for half the calories. Looking to get the biggest nutritional bang for your buck? Be sure to steam your spinach instead of eating it raw. This cooking method helps retain vitamins and makes it easier for the body to absorb the green’s calcium content. Add a handful to soups, omelets, pasta dishes and veggie stir-fries, or simply steam it and top with pepper, garlic, olive oil and a squeeze of lemon. And don’t feel like you have to double down on the greens. Spinach is one of the 10 greens healthier for you than kale.

8. Foods With High Proteins : Guava
Protein Payout: 1 cup, 112 calories, 4.2 g protein
The highest-protein fruit, guava packs more than 4 grams per cup, along with 9 grams of fiber and only 112 calories. With 600 percent of your DV of Vitamin C per cup — the equivalent of more than seven medium oranges! — the tropical fruit should merengue its way into your shopping cart ASAP. And while you’re at the store, be sure to pick up some of these other surprising high-protein foods.

9. Foods With High Proteins : Peas
Protein Payout: 1 cup, 118 calories, 8 g protein
It’s enough to make Popeye do a spit take: Despite their wimpy reputation, a cup of green peas contains eight times the protein of a cup of spinach. And with almost 100 percent of your daily value of vitamin C in a single cup, they’ll help keep your immune system up to snuff. Layer them into a mason jar salad or add them to an omelet to boost eggs’ satiating power. Speaking of omelets, check out these other fat-burning ways to eat eggs.

10. Foods With High Proteins : Artichokes
Protein Payout: 1 medium vegetable, 60 calories, 4.2 g protein
Ghrelin is your body’s “I’m hungry” hormone, which is suppressed when your stomach is full, so eating satiating high-fiber and high-protein foods is a no-brainer. The humble artichoke is a winner on both counts: It has almost twice as much fiber as kale (10.3 g per medium artichoke, or 40 percent of the daily fiber the average woman needs) and one of the highest protein counts among vegetables. Boil and eat the whole shebang as a self-contained salad (why not add a little goat cheese and sun-dried tomatoes?), toss the leaves with your favorite greens and dressing, or peel and pop the hearts onto healthy pizzas and flatbreads. (Source : www.eatthis.com)