So many of us are looking for ways to slim down and lose weight. There are no magic pills to make fat melt away. Deep down we all know it’s going to take some exercise, some discipline, better eating, and a little time. Lucky for us there are some nature-made foods that do make the process a bit quicker and a lot more satisfying.
Avocado – People steer clear of this fruit due to the fat content, but these are healthy fats that make you feel full faster and longer so you eat less. They also provide a good dose of protein and electrolytes that ease away excess water that can collect around your middle.
Coconut Oil – Another very good fat-filled superfood that fills you up, slows down digestion so you eat less throughout the day, and speeds up metabolism so you burn more calories.
Beans – Black beans, kidney beans, and white beans all are rich in protein without the saturated fats of meats. They contain complex carbohydrates that break down slowly, keeping hunger at bay while providing plenty of long-term energy. They also contain resistant starch, a special starch with fiber-like qualities that resists digestion, encourages fat burning, and balances blood sugar.
Oats – Oats make a great breakfast because they are super filling and provide plenty of steady energy for hours without being too calorie dense. They also contain fiber and that beneficial resistant starch which boosts metabolism and burns fat.
Blueberries – Berries in general are a good low calorie sweet snack that will take care of cravings without leaving you feeling guilty about them later. They are packed with water and fiber, making them filling yet delicious. Blackberries, strawberries, cherries, and grapes are good options too, but blueberries have been linked to burning away stubborn belly fat.
Brown Rice – Another resistant starch superfood, brown rice is so much better for you than the white. It is richer in fiber, more filling, and has more nutrition in every bite. Plenty of complex carbohydrates and protein to keep you full and satisfied.
Broccoli – Broccoli is a super filling superfood, rich in iron, calcium, vitamin C, and plenty of fiber. It will leave you feeling full so you eat less of what isn’t as healthy.
Mushrooms – As filling and as satisfying as beef according to studies, but lower in fat and calories.
Pears – Pears are packed with fiber to push back hunger. Eating one to three pears a day will definitely keep you full, help you eat fewer calories, and assist you on your way to healthy weight loss.
Apples – Like pears, apples are rich in fiber and water content so they remain fairly low in calories while very filling.
Grapefruit – Grapefruit are very low in calories while providing plenty of fiber, hydration, and vitamin C. They also contain phytonutrients that cut down on fat storage.
Almonds and Almond Butter – These nuts are rich in protein, vitamin E, and fiber. Despite being calorie dense, they do not contribute to weight gain and may actually help you dissolve and burn more fat.
Greens – Dark leafy greens like kale, spinach, and dandelion greens are nutrient dense with chlorophyll, iron, calcium, vitamin C, and many more vitamins and minerals. They are also rich in fiber and very low in calories, making them a great way to fill in the gaps, both nutritionally and literally, so you are less hungry.
Olive Oil – Oleic acid in olive oil actually helps break down fats and the polyunsaturated fats in olive oil are good for you and keep hunger at bay.
Peppermint – Peppermint has been a digestive aid for a long time. It stimulates digestion and relieves bloating, but just the scent may be enough to help you eat less since it acts as an appetite suppressant.
Sea Veggies – Sea vegetables and seaweed are rich in minerals, organic sodium, and iodine. These help the thyroid perform properly, an endocrine organ linked to appetite and metabolism.
Asparagus – Asparagus are delicious and rich in fiber and antioxidants. Asparagus also contributes to proper hydration, which can have a slimming effect.
Apple Cider Vinegar – This old home remedy aids digestion and detox to help slim and remove excess water. It also seems to make carbohydrates more filling so you eat less. This makes it great with olive oil and bread. Balsamic vinegar will work too.
Lentils – Lentils, like beans, are protein, complex carbohydrate, and resistant starch rich. They fill you up, boost metabolism, and keep you feeling full longer.
Tomatoes – Tomatoes have plenty of fiber, water, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatories. They also aid in proper appetite and metabolism functions.
Bananas – A banana is rich in fiber, potassium, and resistant starch. Slightly green is better, but even a ripe banana is a good way to treat the sweet tooth without putting your belly in danger of getting any wider.
Garlic – Garlic contains sulfur compounds that fight off harmful bacteria and reduce inflammation. This makes digestion smoother and more efficient so there’s less bloating and more fat burning.
Dark Chocolate – Milk chocolate is fattening and unhealthy, but dark chocolate in small amounts slows digestion and amps up metabolism.
Chili – Chili peppers provide a burst of antioxidants, speed up metabolism, warm the body, and improve circulation. This means you burn more calories for a while after eating them.
Oranges – Fiber rich and providing vitamin C, these citrus fruits will have you eating less throughout the day, like with pears and apples. Alternate between the three for more variety.
Chickpeas – Chickpeas or garbanzo beans contain plenty of fiber, protein, and good fats to fill you up quickly. They also contain that metabolism boosting resistant starch. Just another reason to eat some good hummus with vegetables.
Barley – The gladiators and Roman army relied on this stuff for good reason and you’ve seen the carvings; they were not slouches. Barley is very filling while providing plenty of long term energy. The slow release of complex carbohydrates provides ample endurance while fiber and resistant starch help you slim down.
Melon – Fiber and water make these sweet, soft fruits a low calorie treat that will satisfy your cravings for sweets. They also aid in proper hydration which improves the look and feel of your stomach as bloating and excess water go away.
Quinoa – This grain-like seed is super rich in fiber, protein, complex carbohydrates, and antioxidants. Use it like you would a grain to fill up and avoid overeating.
Pomegranates – These little seeds are low calorie, fiber rich flavor explosions. They’ll knock out the sweet tooth and leave you feeling good.
Cinnamon – This pungent spice helps regulate blood sugar and insulin so you get fewer cravings, feel less hunger, and store less fat.
Fennel – Fennel tea has a pleasant licorice-like flavor that aids digestion and suppresses appetite so you can eat less and dodge the cravings.
Cucumber – Cucumber is actually related to melons, so you capitalize on many of the same slimming effects. They boost proper hydration, remove excess water, aid detox, and fill you up with fiber and water for a low calorie snack or addition to salads.
Ginger – Ginger is a well-known digestive aid. It also helps break down proteins and has anti-inflammatory effects so your digestive system runs at optimal.
Black Pepper – The companion to salt, this little spice aids digestion and speeds up metabolism. Crack some fresh pepper for more effect.
Artichoke – This tasty flower is low in calories and rich in fiber. The time it takes to eat it also means you don’t overfill yourself and your body can easily keep up. It is also a natural diuretic that removes excess water weight.
Pistachios – These nuts are lower in calories and fat than other nuts while still providing a good amount of protein and fiber. This makes them a satisfying snack that won’t lead to weight gain.
Papaya – The enzymes in this fruit help the body digest proteins. This makes digestion more efficient with less bloating.
Pineapple – Pineapple, like papaya, contains enzymes that break down proteins. They also combat inflammation.
Celery – Celery has been the go-to guy for dieting forever. This is because it is packed with fiber, water, and electrolytes. These balance hydration in the body, getting rid of retained water for a quick slimming effect. They are also very filling so you eat less and they satisfy many people’s salty snack cravings.
