The 10 Most Weight-Loss-Friendly Foods on The Planet
By: Angelina Dikosta
Tags: Weight Loss, Weightloss Foods, Food

Add these foods to your grocery list to help hit your weight-loss goals.

Nov 25, 2020

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If you’ve been working hard to lose weight and find that the scale hasn’t budged just yet, it may be time to take a second look at the ingredients you’re routinely stocking in your kitchen. Heavily processed foods can make it difficult to maintain steady weight loss, but some of the best foods to help you lose weight are those high in fiber, which many are surprised to learn is a form of a carbohydrate. Fibrous foods are often naturally lower in calories, help keep you satiated after a meal and also regulate blood sugar levels. Research suggests that the more dietary fiber that one incorporates into their daily routine, the more they’re able to work against “abdominal fat depots.”

Even if you adopt a strict high-fiber diet, it’s crucial to understand that there’s not a single ingredient or beverage you can consume to make you lose belly fat all on its own. You’ll lose weight (and reduce body fat naturally) by adopting a wholesome diet, alongside moderate exercise. Eliminating processed foods high in sodium and other sugary items is important, as is staying routinely hydrated to aid digestion and fast-track your weight loss efforts overall (you certainly don’t want to bloat!). When it comes to healthy eating and weight loss, these powerful foods loved by registered dietitians have your back.

1. Celery

Ever chow on celery because you heard digesting it burns more calories than the flavorless food contains? Well, it turns out the idea of “negative calorie” food is completely bogus. But there are other reasons the crunchy stalks can support a weight loss journey. “Celery offers much more than just low calorie contents,” says Richards. For starters, it contains a great deal of inflammation-lowering antioxidants that can help fight damaging free radials, which are thought to contribute to chronic conditions and cancer, she says.

“Celery also contains a compound called “apiuman,” which has been shown to support gastrointestinal health,” according to Richards. “When the gut is healthy, your metabolism can work more efficiently to aid in weight loss,” she says. Goodbye constipation-induced weight gain!

2. Avocados

Avocados are rich in monounsaturated fatty acids, dietary fiber, potassium and phytochemicals. People who eat avocados tend to have lower BMI, body weight and waist circumference than people who skip this green superfood, per a study in Nutrition Journal. While avocados are higher in calories than other fruits and vegetables, their satisfying fat and fiber combo may help you slim down. Add some to your salad, sandwich or taco night for a burst of creaminess and flavor.

3. Eggs

Eggs are rich in high-quality protein, fats and essential nutrients, like vitamin D and choline. It’s the protein, and the time of day we tend to eat them, that especially makes them a powerhouse for weight loss. Eating a high-protein breakfast promotes weight loss, because protein increases satiety while regulating hunger and appetite hormones, helping fend off your hunger until lunchtime. One study found that eating eggs for breakfast left people feeling more satisfied than those who had bagels-which helped them eat less throughout the day.

4. Beans

All beans are high in fiber, which is your friend when you’re trying to lose weight because it helps you feel fuller longer, thus controlling hunger. Eating beans and legumes has also been linked with various other health benefits, including lowering blood pressure, reducing LDL cholesterol and reducing risk of cardiovascular disease. Beans are fairly low in calories and deliver protein as well. Try them in homemade veggie burgers, soups and salads.

5. Salmon

Salmon is a rich source of high-quality protein and provides plenty of “good” fats: omega-3 fatty acids. A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids helped people feel more satisfied when they were watching their calories, per a study in Appetite. Eating salmon can be a delicious and versatile way to get your recommended two weekly servings of heart-healthy fish.

6. Popcorn

As long as this popular crunchy treat isn’t doused in movie-theater butter, it makes an excellent weight-loss snack. Not only is popcorn high in fiber, it even delivers some protein. A 1-ounce serving of air-popped corn (about 3½ cups) has 4 grams of fiber, almost 4 grams of protein and clocks in at 110 calories. This combination makes it a snack with staying power. Popcorn is filled with air, so you get a pretty large portion without a lot of calories. You can eat 3 whole cups of popcorn for only 100 calories.

7. Chia Seeds

These little buggers may not have quite the same buzz as they did ten, or even five, years ago. But there was a reason the seeds got so much PR: they’re dynamite for weight loss. Just one serving (two tablespoons) of chia seeds contains close to 10 grams of fiber — close to forty percent of the recommended daily intake. “The fiber in the seeds helps you feel full, which can stop you from overeating,” says Richards.

Beyond that, chia seeds actually expand in water, which means if you chow down before letting them soak in water (or your alternative mylk of choice!), they’ll expand in your gut, literally creating a sensation of fullness. Richard warns, however, that for folks with sensitive digestive tracts this can cause uncomfortable gas. “The best way to eat chia seeds to avoid gastrointestinal discomfort is to use them as an ingredient in a smoothie, yogurt, or pudding,” says Richards, as opposed to sprinkling them on your salad, she says.

8. Kale

The fibrous benefits of kale are no secret to anyone who’s caught the down-wind of someone who just ate a kale-delicious dinner. “Fiber-packed veggies like kale support a weight loss journey by keeping you full between mealtimes,” says Richards. It’s also very high in antioxidants which, she says, are thought to help reduce inflammation in the body which can interfere with weight loss.

While there’s no such thing as unhealthy lettuce, per say, swapping out iceberg and romaine for kale is a good bet. Pro tip: massage the leaves in lemon juice or a bit of olive oil to make them a little less rough and a little easier to digest.

9. Ghee

A staple in Ayurvedic medicine and Indian cooking, ghee is a butter alternative that’s popping up in everything from baked goods, to bulletproof coffee, to broccoli stir frys. Simply put, ghee is butter that’s had all its cow milk protein and sugar lactose removed, explains Richards. While from a caloric and fat-content standpoint, the two products are neck-and-neck, ghee is a great option for those on a lactose-free diet, those with a lactose allergy, and those who just want to limit daily intake, she explains.

Because ghee is a saturated fat, this isn’t a food that should be eaten willy-nilly. But Richards says that if you stick to a half to one tablespoon serving size, incorporating ghee can help keep you feeling full for longer.

3. Beans, chickpeas, lentils, and peas

As a group, beans, chickpeas, lentils, and peas are known as pulses. They may influence weight loss due to their effect on fullness, as well as their protein and fiber content.

Similarly to oatmeal, pulses contain soluble fiber that may slow down digestion and absorption. Eating protein leads to the release of hormones that signal fullness.

Researchers analyzed studies that had looked at the effect of the consumption of pulses on weight loss.

Weight loss diets that included pulses resulted in significantly greater weight loss than those that did not. Weight maintenance diets that included pulses also resulted in weight loss compared with those that did not.

Bottom Line

There’s not one single food I would say you have to have in your diet to lose weight or any food that you shouldn’t have either.

With that, the best foods for weight loss also tend to be the most nutritious, allowing you to cut calories and shed pounds without sacrificing your health. But no matter what, you always want to choose foods you enjoy eating, otherwise, it’s going to make sticking to your eating plan pretty difficult.

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