Top 5 Vegetables for Weight Loss

So you want to lose weight? There are no trendy diets that will work better than the good, old-fashioned eat less / move more. When planning a weight loss menu, adding vegetables is a great way to feel fuller, longer. Preparing these vegetables is the key to weight loss success. Never cook vegetables in butter or oil and always cook until just done as overcooking can reduce vitamin and nutrient density.

Cabbage

Cabbage can be stewed, steamed, grilled, baked or fried (in non-stick, no-calorie spray) for the perfect addition to any meal. Cabbage is very low in calories making it ideal for weight loss diets.

Spinach

The vitamins and nutrients in spinach are worth adding it to any diet plan. Add that to the fact that spinach is mostly water and fills the stomach quickly and we have a diet winner. Spinach will wilt significantly when cooked, so try adding it to your menu raw

Broccoli

Dieters love broccoli - and for good reason. Broccoli is rich in antioxidants, vitamins and nutrients. It also has a very low calorie count and can be eaten raw or cooked in an infinite number of ways. Broccoli can even be blended and added to a smoothie.

Mushrooms

Losing weight typically means reducing meat intake. Mushrooms are the perfect replacement for meat. Mushrooms are mostly water, but they hold their shape well when cooked. Dieters can try frying, steaming, grilling and baking mushrooms. To replace meat, grind mushrooms and add a little cooked brown rice and seasoning.

Lettuce

This couldn't be a diet vegetable list without lettuce. Lettuce is a free food for most diet plans and can be added to any meal as a starter salad or the main dish. Lettuce can also be wilted in broth to create a beautiful soup. Watch out for salad dressings that often contain 100 calories or more per tablespoon.

Losing weight with vegetables provides a one-two punch for the dieter. Most people don't consume enough vegetables, losing out on the natural sources of vitamins and nutrients. Pack these in every meal and you will lose more weight - as long as you reduce overall calories and exercise. Vegetables are not a miracle food.