Sure,
we all know the basic nutrition rules when it comes to safeguarding our health
and losing weight. In the words of best-selling nutrition writer Michael
Pollan, "Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants." Sounds simple, but
if you're interested in maximizing the amount of nutrients you get, you may
want to be a little choosy when selecting among various options in each food
group. Some fruits, vegetables, grains, and dairy products stand out as
nutritional superstars, according to the latest research. And they're also easy
on the calorie count to help you shed pounds. Consider incorporating
these foods into your daily meal plan.
Watermelon
It's not only delicious, but packs a wallop of antioxidants like vitamins
A and C. It also contains lycopene, a plant chemical found in studies to lower your risk of cancer,hearth disease and age-related vision loss due to macular degeneration. Just as gratifying: One cup of cubed watermelon
contains less than 50 calories, not too damaging for your waistline.
Avocado
This extremely versatile fruit can be used in salads, sandwiches, and guacamole. Filled with heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, avocado is a healthful alternative to mayonnaise and can help lower "bad" LDL cholesterol levels. Just watch your portions. One-quarter of a medium-sized avocado contains 65 calories, so you don't want to overdo it.
Avocado
This extremely versatile fruit can be used in salads, sandwiches, and guacamole. Filled with heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, avocado is a healthful alternative to mayonnaise and can help lower "bad" LDL cholesterol levels. Just watch your portions. One-quarter of a medium-sized avocado contains 65 calories, so you don't want to overdo it.
Sweet Potato
A medium-sized sweet potato
(about the size of your fist) fulfills your daily requirement for vitamin A and
provides 4 grams of fiber. And you'll save half the calories compared to a
white potato: A medium-sized sweet potato has only 150 calories compared to
nearly 300 for a white one of the same size.
Salmon
This, as well as other fatty
fish like tuna, mackerel, and lake trout, is a great source of Omega-3 fatty
acids, which have been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease. At only 160
calories for a 4-ounce serving, baked or broiled salmon is a great main course
for those watching their weight. Add steamed broccoli and a sweet potato for a
nutritious, low-cal meal.
Raspberries
They're a terrific dessert
when paired with plain yogurt and a great natural way to tame those sugar
cravings while keeping your calorie count to a minimum. A 1-cup serving of
fresh berries contains just 60 calories. Raspberries are also a great source of
B vitamins, flavonoids, fiber, and vitamin C.
Onions
A cup of chopped onions only contains 60 calories and using them in
stir-fries, soups and casseroles is a great way to integrate the plant chemical
quercetin into your diet. Quercetin has been found to have
"anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties," according to the
American Cancer Society, and may prove to be protective "against a wide
variety of diseases, including cancer."
Greek yogurt
At 150 calories per cup, it
makes a filling snack and also provides you with a hefty dose of protein.
Eating adequate amounts of protein will help boost the results of any
strength-training you do, helping you put on muscle—a key component for weight
management. Every pound of muscle you add burns an extra 35 to 50 calories per
day.
Quinoa
This grain has more fiber and protein than most grains with 3 grams of
fiber and 6 grams of protein per quarter-cup serving. That means it's more
effective at keeping your blood sugar levels stable, leaving you feeling
satiated and less likely to start eating again hours later. For this reason,
it's also a smarter carbohydrate option than white rice and pasta if you have diabetes. Cook quinoa with fresh herbs, an array of
vegetables, and a small amount of olive oil for a complete meal.
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