Your BFF calls and tells you happily, “How about we party this weekend? I found us this new diet that we can start on Monday.”
Did you just silently groan and roll your eyes? You know well enough from past experience that the diet isn’t likely to last the week. And, before the seven-day deadline is out, you and your friend are going to quit.
Well, you girls wouldn’t be alone in your quest to lose weight. The Huffington Post reveals an interesting set of numbers that will totally astound you. Within the first one week, 2 out of 5 dieters are going to quit their weight loss programs. Just 20% of people who take up diets last for 3 months. And, the most worrisome of statistics? Close to 63% of people who lose weight successfully are likely to gain it back within 3 years’ time.
“Okay! That’s not going to happen to me!” Is that what you’re thinking?
It won’t!
Let’s Change How You View Weight Loss Diets!
In place of focusing on what you can’t eat, how about putting together a list of foods you can eat. If you can do that, you will be eliminating the basic cause why diets fail – the feeling of deprivation. By adopting healthy eating habits to lose weight, you won’t have to deal with the typical side effects of diets which include irritability, lack of energy, difficulty in concentrating, and being hungry all the time.
New scientifically-proven concepts are emerging that are now showing that nature has a whole range of foods that can actually help you drop the pounds and keep them off.
Vegetables that Help Lose Weight
Several vegetables that line the aisles of the grocery store have magical properties that work to help you shed inches. For instance, peppers contain capsaicin that stimulates the burning of calories while avocados fill you up and taste great with just about everything. Munch on celery for that crunchy sensation and like this feature in Health advises; pile on other options like okra, broccoli, asparagus, cauliflower, tomatoes, cucumbers, and artichokes. And, don’t forget the potatoes. Packed with nutrients, they are a great source of healthy carbs. The only caveat here is the methods you use to prepare the vegetables. Steaming, baking, boiling, or tossing in low-fat dairy butter is an excellent option. It brings out the flavors of the veggies and adds a touch of sweetness.
Fruits Can Work Wonders Too!
Fruits make excellent substitutes for unhealthy snacks. Make them a part of your lifestyle habits to prevent obesity. Munch on a banana when you’re dying for something sweet. And, watermelons can fill you up without adding calories. Eat all the citrus fruits you can to lose weight, hydrate your body, and get a boost of vitamin C. Here are some more options. Winter squash, dried plums, dried prunes, dates, and cherries that have enzymes that can fight fat cells. Don’t forget the apples that can shave off the inches quickly. Not convinced? Check out this article in HealthLine! Or, try the pears that fill you up with the pectin they contain and are loaded with fiber.
Seeds, Beans, and Legumes Provide Protein
When you’re looking for healthy eating habits to lose belly fat, you cannot go wrong with beans, seeds, and legumes. Here are some examples you can try. For instance, kidney beans have resistant starch that helps break down fat cells, pinto beans, black beans, and lentils. Cook them into a stew with vegetables and pasta and they can become a complete filling meal. Also include seeds like quinoa (yep! It’s actually a seed), chia seeds, sunflower seeds, and hemp seeds in your meals.
Carbs are NOT the Bad Guys
Every diet that you try to help you lose weight will likely insist that you lay off the carbs. But, when you’re looking for lifestyle habits that enhance health, you must include carbs in some form. When placing orders for healthy food delivery near you, choose items like oatmeal, whole grain pasta, whole wheat bread, wild rice, or brown rice. As long as your carbs are not refined, you can safely eat them in moderation. And, these grains will help you lose weight because they raise your metabolism levels. Popcorn without the load of butter and salt works too.
Meats and Fish Also Provide Protein
In your commitment to adopting healthy eating habits to lose weight, you can eat meat. Here are some varieties that help you shed the pounds. Like, for example, cod, sardines, salmon, turkey, and skinless chicken are all sources of protein you can have. Only remember to cook by grilling and limit the portion sizes.
Spices and Herbs Boost Metabolism
Nature has an amazing array of herbs, spices, and other additions that you can use as part of your lifestyle habits to prevent obesity. Like this feature on Prevention describes, not only do they raise your metabolism, but add special flavor and taste to each meal. You’ll find that you can lower the fat content in each dish and not even notice the difference. Try garlic, ginger, oregano, basil, cilantro, rosemary, and turmeric. As for spices, begin with curcumin, cloves, cinnamon, and let your taste buds lead the way.
Beverages to Trim that Waistline
When looking for healthy eating habits for weight loss, substitute the sodas with other beverages like coffee, club soda, vinegar, oolong tea, green tea, and of course, good old plain water, lots of it.
Other Foods
Nature has a lot more ideas to help you lose belly fat. Before signing off, let’s make a quick mention. Eggs, dark chocolate, nuts like almonds, pine nuts, peanuts, pistachios, or any other. And, yes, nut butters work too.
Er…what was that diet you were talking about again?