Attention dieters and health-conscious foodies: food doesn’t always have to be your enemy. In fact, certain foods can help you reach your weight loss goals faster.
And they don’t taste too bad, either.
As a part of our effort to help foodie’s stick to their weight loss goals, we’ve consulted nutritionist Lovisa Nilsson for the top superfoods you need to shed the extra pounds.
The power of food is something fierce, and it proves that what we eat does matter.
Soy
“Soy is packed with protein and the amino acids, arginine and glutamine, which are extremely beneficial for muscle formation,” Lovisa says. “Soy is a great alternative for vegetarians whose needs are often neglected when it comes to mainstream muscle-building advice. What’s more, soy is a great alternative to whey protein for those who suffer from dairy allergies. Why not try cooking a tofu stir-fry or blend ground flaxseed with fruits and soy milk to make a natural, and delicious, protein shake to fight the fat.”
Click here for our delicious tofu and sugar snap pea stir-fry.
Cottage cheese
“Here in Scandinavia (where Lovisa hails from), cottage cheese is one of the biggest health trends; we regularly eat it before or after a workout. As you exercise the muscles can tear, however this minor damage allows the muscles to build strength over time,” she says. Lovisa also proclaims cottage cheese to be both light on the stomach and less fattening than other cheeses.
Kale (you knew this one would be here)
“This superfood is extremely low in calories, has zero fat and high levels of fibre, helping to keep you fuller for longer,” Lovisa says. “I recommend adding a side of kale to your evening meal or making your own homemade kale chips for a healthy snack. Simply spread the kale over a baking tray lined with heated coconut oil, add salt and pepper and cook until the kale is crispy.”
Who says kale is boring?! Our peppered lamb with kale and chickpeas will change your mind. Get the recipe here.
Almond butter
“Natural almond butter is a great alternative to commercially sold peanut butter because it is not processed and has no added salt, sugars and fats. Like peanut butter, it includes protein that helps to build muscles, and carbohydrates that provide energy,” says Lovisa.
“If you are exercising in the morning, try eating almond butter on a slice of whole grain toast for breakfast, ideally an hour before you start your workout. Or eat a piece of fruit like an apple or banana with almond butter for a great snack later in the day; you will be surprised at how tasty this combination is! Almond butter is also a great post-workout snack because the high protein content will maximise muscle repair and recovery.”
Grapefruit
“Even just a glass of grapefruit juice in the morning can help you burn body fat,” Lovisa says of this super citrus. “There is a plant molecule in grapefruit that appears to burn-fat, increase metabolism and even reduce appetite.”
This article originally appeared on our sister site, Recipes+.
Image via Rob Shaw / bauersyndication.com.au
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