(HealthyResearch.com) – Whether you’re trying to lose weight for your health or just to have the summer body you’ve been wanting, the number of calories you’re getting matters. But you also want foods that taste great, too. Choosing high-flavor, low-calorie foods can be an excellent way to jump-start your summer weight loss.
Ready to shed the pounds? We’ve got some great summer food choices to share with you in the full article.
1. Pineapple
Summer juices and smoothies wouldn’t be the same without the sweet tanginess of pineapple. It’s an anti-inflammatory superfood that can reduce belly bloat, and it contains bromelain, which aids in digestion.
2. Bitter Melon
Bitter melons can be found in most Asian markets, and they help to aid digestion. They also lower blood sugar, which can help reduce the body’s desire to store calories in fat reserves and make it easier to shed pounds.
3. Figs
Figs are rich in potassium and fiber, so they naturally help move food through the body. They can be eaten on their own, in salads, or in all kinds of dishes. Feel free to get creative, as they’re only 170 calories for 8 ounces.
4. Alaskan Salmon
Research has shown that the DHA omega-3 oil that’s found in salmon may have an effect on the body’s fat cells by preventing their increase. Salmon may also encourage the dying off of pre-fat cells and help to flush fat from the body.
5. Soft-Shell Crab
Crab is a lean source of protein that’s light in calories. Avoid the floured, battered, or breaded varieties and choose to have it prepared in a way that lets all the natural flavors and health benefits of it come through.
6. Garden Peas
Peas are higher in iron and protein than many other vegetables, and that makes them a great source of nutrients. Anyone reducing their consumption of animal products can get plenty of protein from peas.
7. Grapes
Grapes are mostly water, making them a very low-calorie food by volume. They’re also full of phytochemicals that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, along with vitamin C. They can help protect against Type II diabetes, as well.
8. Burgers
Most people who are watching their weight think burgers are off the menu, but that doesn’t have to be the case. Choose lean meat or plant-based options, swap the ketchup for slices of tomato, and wrap it in a lettuce leaf instead of a bun for great flavor and lower calories.
9. Walnuts
With heart-healthy fats and fiber, walnuts can be a great choice to help with weight loss. Nuts are naturally high in calories, though, so be mindful of portion size. Adding them to a salad is a good option to add some crunch and keep portions smaller.
10. Bananas
With resistant starch and fiber, bananas can be good choices when it comes to losing weight. They have a lot of potassium, and they’re easy and convenient to eat. They’re also popular in juices and smoothies, so they’re a very versatile food.
No matter which great summer foods you choose to help with your weight loss goals, eating a balanced diet and limiting portions is generally the way to go. But the journey to a smaller waistline can be more fun when you can have foods you enjoy along the way.
~Here’s to Your Health & Safety!
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