In addition to exercising regularly, eating fresh and healthy food is the second key element of an effective weight loss. Consuming a well-balanced diet, one that not only has proper nutritional values but also a fewer number of calories will surely help you start losing excess pounds. Therefore, if you are fed up with carrying around all that excess weight, your first step should include switching from processed foods to raw, fresh foods.
Now, what is the importance of eating fresh food when trying to lose weight? Well, the simple answer is that fresh foods are essential for our health, both physical and mental. Given how most fresh vegetables and fruits are low in fat and calories, but high in fibers, it is not surprising that they can greatly aid us in losing our pounds. In addition, most of them are full of minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants, all of which are crucial when it comes to protecting ourselves from various diseases and improving our physical appearance.
So, what are some of the best fresh foods you should definitely include in your healthy diet?
1. Various salads
Now, when it comes to the salads, the key to losing weight is to avoid being carried away by all kinds of fillers. Instead of using them, try making your own salad from a number of lettuce types, such as cucumber, cabbage, carrot, tomato, beetroot, or celery. All of these are very low in calories but very high in minerals and fibers. Also, when it comes to dressing your salad, make sure to use only low-fat dressings, such as pepper, salt or lemon.
2. Grapes
Grapes are not only extremely tasty but also healthy as well. They are very low in calories and can be used for a delightful snack. If you want to get the most out of them, eat them frozen or fresh.
3. Potatoes
Even though many people think that potatoes are among the main culprits behind weight gain, the truth is pretty much the opposite. These vegetables are very low in calories but very high in nutrients and vitamins. As long as you stick with baked or boiled potatoes, without complementing them with butter or heavy sour cream, you will do perfectly fine. If you want to add tasty, low-calorie toppings, go with low-fat cheese, cottage cheese, or salsa.
4. Oranges
If you need a great snack, make sure to have a few oranges close by. An average-sized orange usually has no more than 50 calories. However, it provides an abundance of vitamins and fibers.
5. Cereals rich in fibers
The most important characteristic of these cereals is their low concentration of calories. In addition, they can also make you feel full as well. If you feel like eating these, go with oats, corn, or white rice, which are all filling and delicious.
6. Fresh blueberries and bananas
By eating a whole 12-ounce bag of fresh, unsweetened blueberries, you will consume no more than just 80 calories. On the other hand, a banana is filled with vitamins, provides a strong sense of being full, and provides no more than 60 calories. Of course, all of this pertains to unsweetened bananas and blueberries. If you absolutely need a sweetener, try using an artificial one.
