Eating This Food Will Ward Off Winter Weight Gain

Winter is the time of year when people tend to pack on the pounds. They are less likely to venture outside to exercise, and more likely to stay inside and eat. Add to that the fact that 4 major holidays are during the winter months, and the likelihood that you will gain weight increases even more. Thanksgiving brings a huge turkey feast. Christmas brings holiday parties and homemade goodies. New Year's brings more partying and alcohol. Valentine's Day brings lots of sweet treats. To help you avoid the weight gain that is likely to come with the colder weather, there is one type of food that will get you started.

Eat more fiber. Studies show that eating more fiber will help prevent weight gain. Foods that are full of fiber make you feel full, and your desire to overeat is diminished. Some foods that are both healthy and fiber rich include vegetables, fruits, legumes, and whole grains.

If you are looking for vegetables that are highest in fiber, here are some you need to add to your list:

Broccoli. Broccoli is a cruciferous vegetable that contains 6 grams of fiber per cup. It is also low in calories and contains only 9 grams of carbs.

Artichoke. A medium artichoke contains a whopping 10 grams of fiber. It is loaded with nutrients and also contains 4 grams of protein.

Avocado. An avocado contains 11 grams of fiber, which is almost half of the recommended daily fiber intake.

High fiber fruits include:

Raspberries. One cup of raspberries contain 8 grams of fiber and are nutrient rich as well.

Blackberries. Like raspberries, one cup of blackberries contains 8 grams of fiber.

Pears. Pears contain 4.5 grams of fiber each. It is important to eat the skin, however, to get the full benefit of the fiber and nutrients, so make sure to wash each pear carefully and eat the skin as well.

Apples. Apples contain 4 grams of fiber each. As with the pear, it is important to eat the skin of the apple to benefit from all of the nutrients and fiber.

High fiber legumes include:

Black beans. ½ cup of black beans contains 7 grams of fiber. Black beans are versatile and delicious. You can add them to soups and stews, make black bean burgers, or eat them all on their own.

Lentils. ½ cup of lentils contains 8 grams of fiber. The great thing about lentils is that you get all of the wonderful benefits of a legume without having to soak them like you do other beans. Throw a handful into your soup and it only takes a few moments for them to cook.

The best way to add whole grains into your diet is to make simple substitutions. Substitute whole grain pasta for regular pasta. Substitute brown rice for white rice. Substitute whole grain breads for white breads. This will automatically add more fiber into you diet.

The winter months do not have to ruin your waistline. Just remember to make a conscious effort to incorporate more fiber into your diet and you will find the urge to overeat is diminished.