Top 10 Winter Foods for Weight Loss
14-11-2017 | Posted By: Chhavi | 3022 View(s)
We tend to put on a lot of weight in the winter season. There are many reasons why we gain weight during winters. But, one can avoid winter weight gain by eating a healthy diet. There are many foods which help in reducing weight which you have put on during winters. Let’s see the list of winter foods for weight loss.
Best Winter Foods for Weight Loss
1. Brussels Sprouts
Brussels Sprouts are loaded with fibre, vitamin C and folate. Also, they are low in calories. Did you know that 1 cup of Brussels sprouts has just 38 calories? So, add Brussels sprouts to your diet and lose weight healthily and effectively.
2. Radish
Radishes are loaded with fibre and water that help in filling up your stomach and curb junk food craving. Also, they are low in calories- One serving of ½ cup of radishes has just 12 calories. Apart from that, radishes contain fibre which is very important for weight loss. One-half cup of radish contains 1 gram of fibre. Radishes have a low glycemic index (GI) which means that they help to maintain stable blood sugar patterns, thereby promoting weight loss. So, add radish to your salad and lose weight in a quick span of time.
3. Kale
This green cruciferous vegetable is loaded with vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, vitamin B6 and other essential nutrients. It is important to eat foods low in calories when trying to lose weight. One cup of raw kale contains only 35 calories, and so it is one of the best winter foods for weight loss.
Also, you should eat foods high in nutritional value to lose weight healthily, and that’s when kale comes into play. Kale is a rich source of vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin A, fibre and calcium. So, add kale to your diet to shed fat.
4. Fennel Seeds
Fennel seeds are used a lot in Chinese and Indian spice blends. Many studies have claimed that fennel seeds are useful for weight loss. According to studies, fennel seeds help in reducing cravings and keeps hunger pangs away, which result in weight loss. Also, it is claimed that fennel seeds have the ability to decrease fat storage and absorb nutrients efficiently.
Fennel seeds are high in nutrients like iron, calcium, potassium, magnesium, zinc and B-vitamins and low in calories, which make fennel seeds one of the best winter foods for weight loss. One tablespoon of fennel seeds has merely 20 calories, one gram of protein, 3 grams of carbs and 2 grams of fibre. You can make fennel tea, or add the whole fennel seed to bread. You can also roast fennel seeds and have it once or twice every day.
Also, you can prepare fennel seeds water for weight loss. For this, you will need one-litre water, two tablespoons fennel seeds and a glass jar. You simply have to pour one litre of water into a glass jar and add the fennel seeds to it. Cover the jar properly with a lid and keep it aside to steep until morning. You can use this fennel water next morning. Drink this throughout the day. You can make fennel water more efficient by adding other fantastic weight loss ingredients/ herbs like honey, curry leaves, cumin, etc.
5. Honey
Honey is without any doubt one of the best winter foods for weight loss. It is a natural sweetener and helps in curbing sugar cravings. Honey helps in increasing good cholesterol levels in the body which helps in weight loss. Also, it improves digestion and reduces stress hormone in the body that is responsible for weight gain.
Honey contains plenty of antioxidants and nutrients which boosts the body’s metabolism. On top of that, honey is packed with enzymes which suppress the appetite and prevent overeating. In a nutshell, honey must be consumed on a regular basis to stay healthy and fit. There are numerous ways to use honey for weight loss. Take a glass of lukewarm water and add two tablespoons of lemon juice and one teaspoon of honey to it. Stir well and drink. Drink this honey lemon water on an empty stomach in the morning on a daily basis to lose weight.
6. Eggs
Eggs are an excellent source of amino acids, vitamin B 12, protein, healthy fats, vitamins and minerals; all of which promote weight loss. And the best part is that eggs are low in calories. One large egg contains merely 78 calories and a large number of nutrients. Three large boiled eggs contain less than 240 calories.
Eggs are nutrient-dense food and are rich in protein- High-Protein foods help reduce appetite and increase fullness, which in turn helps in losing weight.
Eggs are also known to boost the body’s metabolism which helps in shedding fat.
Studies claim that eating two eggs for breakfast can promote weight loss. A study revealed that dieters who consumed two eggs for breakfast for five days a week lost 65 % more weight than dieters who consumed a bagel in the morning.
Another study found that participants who consumed eggs for breakfast ended up eating fewer calories at lunch and dinner. The bottom line is that eggs are one of the healthiest weight loss foods and hence you should consume eggs on a regular basis to keep your body toned.
7. Oatmeal
Oatmeal contains prebiotic fibre, a type of fibre that stabilises blood sugar, releases hormones that control hunger, keeps you energised and help your body store fat properly. It is one of the healthiest winter breakfast, because it is warm and comforting and also because you can make it tastier with delicious toppings like raisins, banana slices and walnuts. So, eat a bowl of oatmeal on a daily basis to reduce weight in a quick span of time.
8.Citrus Fruits
Citrus fruits like orange, grapefruits, lemon, etc. are full of vitamin C and other essential nutrients which promote weight loss. Citrus fruits are low in calories and have a high water content which makes them one of the best winter foods for weight loss. Citrus fruits are high in fibre, and these high water fruits take time to digest and curb hunger cravings too. So, consume at least one citrus fruit daily to keep yourself healthy and fit. When buying citrus fruits, look for bright, heavy fruits.
9. Sunflower Seeds
Sunflower seeds contain plenty of vitamin B, proteins and folate. They are one of the best diet snacks that make you feel full and help you curb hunger pangs. Also, they provide your body with magnesium, selenium and vitamin E. Vitamin E is one of the most effective fat-soluble antioxidants which makes sunflower seeds an excellent winter food for weight loss. Eat a handful of sunflower seeds one to two times a day to keep hunger pangs away.
10. Sweet Potato
Being rich in fibre and vitamins, sweet potatoes make for one of the healthiest winter foods for weight loss. Don’t mistake it for potato- Sweet potatoes improve digestion, maintain blood sugar levels and are low on the glycemic index scale. So, add sweet potato to your daily diet to shed a few pounds.
Winter is the time to have a lot of fun. But do not let that fun ruin your health. Stay active during winters and take care of your diet to keep obesity at bay. You can also join a gym to workout and avoid winter weight gain.