Six Foods that Will Help You Lose Weight

One of the hardest things about trying to lose weight is that people often know what foods to avoid, but not twhat to include in their weight loss plan. While cutting calories is important, there is also the need to choose foods that keep energy levels high and make it possible to burn off that extra tire around the middle. Try adding these six foods to your daily diet, and you'll be on your way to losing weight at a healthy pace, but without feeling tired or hungry all the time.

Salad - Many people turn to salad as a way calming hunger pangs. Unfortunately, not everyone knows how to make a salad that packs plenty of protein and nutrients. Instead of iceberg lettuce, try mixing in some other greens like spinach. Some tomatoes and carrots are a great option, along with onions and cucumbers. Chickpeas provide some texture to the salad, plus a little protein. Nuts and chunks of apples, a few grapes, and maybe orange slices add color and taste. If you need some crunch along with the nuts, add just a few croutons. Instead of using a salad dressing laden with fats and carbs, make your own dressing with a little olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper.

Beans - Most people know that beans are a good source of fiber, which helps with lowering cholesterol levels. What you may not know is that many of the darker beans are great sources of a digestive hormone called cholecystokinin. This hormone serves as an appetite suppressant, a fact that can make it easier to keep your mealtime portions within reason and stave off the urge to snack between meals.

Eggs - Much maligned these days, eggs are actually an excellent source of protein that gives you the energy needed to get active and burn fat. Keep your egg consumption within reason, to avoid increasing the bad cholesterol in your bloodstream. Two boiled or scrambled eggs, along with a slice of wheat toast and a little fresh fruit, will start the day off with a burst of energy. As a bonus, the eggs will help keep blood sugar on an even keel, effectively preventing hunger pangs that are triggered by spikes in blood glucose levels.

Soup - Having a bowl of chicken soup is a great option for lunchtime. The protein content will make it easier to keep active in the afternoon, and the brain tends to perceive even the simplest soups as filling. When coupled with a handful of whole wheat crackers, you keep the fat and calories at a minimum, but still get some of what you need to feel peppy and burn at least a little fat.

Lean red meats - While it's a good idea to limit red meats in your diet, owing to the cholesterol content, there's no reason that lean red meats can't be enjoyed in moderation. Naturally low in carbohydrates and high in protein, broil or bake hamburger patties made with ground sirloin. Using a broiler pan allows a significant amount of fat to drip away from the meat as it cooks. Mix diced onion along with herbs and spices into the meat when forming the patties for some extra flavor. Doing so makes it possible to savor the meat without adding sauces and toppings with lots of carbs or fat, so you get the benefits without a lot of extras.

Fruit - When you need a snack, grab some fruit. Apples are portable, are great sources of vitamin C, and have enough fiber to help you feel satisfied. Pears are also excellent fiber sources and can give you a quick energy boost. A banana adds some potassium, which is good for maintaining a balanced mood and prevent you from snacking because of a temporary case of the blues.

Keep in mind that your selection of foods will vary, depending on any health issues you must address while attempting to lose weight. Work with your doctor to create a diet plan that's right for your needs. In addition, don't rely on diet alone to achieve your weight loss goals. Exercise daily or at least three times a week; you'll find that exercise helps to release endorphins and other "feel-good" hormones that keep your mood upbeat and allow you to focus on things other than candy bars and doughnuts, even as it burns away the fat stored around your middle.