Foods to Incorporate Into Your Diet When You're Trying to Lose Weight

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January tends to be a prime time of year for weight loss. There are various factors that result in increased numbers of people actively trying to shift weight and get in shape. Festivities over the Christmas period in December can see us indulge in more unhealthy foods than we generally would at any other time of year. After all, who can turn down mince pies, Yule logs, hot chocolates, and piles of potatoes and stuffing on our Christmas dinner? January also represents a new page in the calendar and a fresh start to our lives - we come up with resolutions that can help us to prosper and flourish over the next twelve months. A change in attitude is extremely positive. But losing weight successfully requires a little more than an optimistic and progressive outlook alone. You’re going to have to conduct a fair amount of research that will allow you to make the right decisions in regards to your exercise and diet. Let’s focus on diet for now.

Eating in Moderation 

The first step towards losing weight by changing your diet should revolve around eating in moderation. Sure, you should cut out fatty foods, sugary foods, and foods with excessive levels of salt. But you can still maintain weight by eating too much in general. Make sure that your diet is balanced and that you tick off all of the major food groups. This will ensure that you are getting sufficient calories to fuel your body throughout the day, that your digestive system is getting enough fiber, and that you are getting other essential vitamins and nutrients. Once you have achieved this, you can then start incorporating some of the following foods into your diet as well in order to benefit from their different properties.

Ginger 

Ginger has plenty of health benefits. This flowering plant, which originates from China, has a long history of use in traditional medicine, as it contains gingerol, which has medicinal properties. It is highly effective in relieving nausea and vomiting. But in regards to weight loss, it is a natural appetite suppressant and also speeds up the emptying to the stomach, aiding indigestion. It comes in various forms, with some of the most popular being whole, powdered, or as an oil. If you aren’t the best chef and can’t see yourself realistically cooking up a storm in the kitchen, incorporating ginger into your usual meals, then remember that the benefits of ginger shots are the same as eating ginger in any other way - if anything, you get to consume a more intense dose all in one go.

 Leafy Greens

Leafy greens are low in calories and carbohydrates, making them a great filler if you’re looking to lose weight. You can use them to fill your plate and bulk meals up without having to worry about gaining pounds while eating them. On top of this, they have the bonus of being packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals such as calcium. Some leafy greens that you might want to try out could include:
-Kale
-Spinach
-Collards
-Swiss Chards

Cruciferous Vegetables 

Chances are that you haven’t heard the phrase “cruciferous vegetables before”. But there’s a good chance you have eaten them - they include broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts. These types of vegetables contain a lot of fiber and they tend to be filling, which makes them pretty filling. But they have low energy density and could spur your weight loss journey on in the right direction!

Avocados

Avocados are becoming an increasingly popular addition to people’s diets. Demand has spiked in the past few years alone. This goes to show that it’s pretty tasty! But on top of being genuinely enjoyable for most, avocados are loaded with the right type of fats that your body needs to function well. If you don’t like the taste of olive oil, but want to incorporate monounsaturated oleic acid into your diet, eating avocados is one of the best ways to achieve this.

Apple Cider Vinegar 

Apple cider vinegar is another food item that has gained significant levels of popularity in the past few years. Held on a pedestal by the beauty community, this type of vinegar can also be incorporated into vinaigrettes or salad dressings. If you’re feeling brave, you could even dilute it  and drink it. Having some of this at the same time as eating can make you feel more full, encouraging you to consume fewer calories throughout the day.

There are, of course, other foods out there that are great for weight loss. But try incorporating these few into your diet to start with!