The advantages of summer are plentiful. Warm weather, outdoor festivities, and extra time with family and friends always create long lasting memories. But, with all of the socializing summer brings it can be tough to eat healthily. The good thing is we tend to desire less heavy meals in the summer. But, if you still are having cravings which can be costly to your waistline, here are 7 foods that will satisfy your stomach’s needs and help with weight loss, too:
1. Jalapeno Peppers – When you eat jalapeno peppers, they add a spicier taste to your meal and help you to eat less in the process. Because they contain capsaicin, this is an added benefit if you are trying to lose weight. Studies have linked capsaicin to weight loss. Plus, with all of the heat, you will naturally drink more water to compensate for consuming those jalapenos. Drinking water will help in flushing out the excess water weight from your body.
2. Strawberries – Strawberries are full of fiber but very light on calories. Fiber helps you to feel full, so you eat less. If you consume a cup of halved strawberries, you are consuming about 3 grams of fiber and 50 calories. Not too bad!
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3. Cherries – There might be a reason we tend to like our cherries on top. Cherries are a unique fruit offering a high water and fiber combination. They also have some anti-inflammatory effects which aid in weight loss. Cherries are high in antioxidants as well, which help you sleep better and regulate your weight.
4. Tomatoes – Tomatoes are a super option to help you with your weight loss. Tomatoes have a lot of water which helps with dehydration. Staying hydrated is crucial because when we are dehydrated, we can often mistake this for being hungry. Tomatoes are also high in potassium which helps to balance out your sodium intake. Think of tomatoes as your friend to help you beat bloating. Eat these in abundance to provide balance to your diet, help you stay hydrated and keep your bloating in check.
5. Green Beans – Remember how mom and grandma were all about you eating your green beans? They were right about this often underestimated vegetable. Green beans offer a multitude of benefits. One cup of this green food has only 44 calories and 4 grams of fiber. They also provide a source of vitamin K, which helps you to maintain healthy and strong bones. Add this veggie to your meals to help you with weight loss.
6. Iced Green Tea – For those of you who love your drinks in the summer time, here is an option that is not loaded with lots of calories and sugar but will make you feel full and cool you off. When you are at Starbucks or Panera Bread ordering a drink, opt for an iced unsweetened green tea. Green tea contains catechins which offer many weight-loss benefits. The caffeine in green tea also accelerates your metabolism.
7. Raspberries – If you like a fruit that has more of a sour taste, raspberries are a good option for you. This fruit combines fiber as well as plenty of water. Both of these additives offer a strong weight loss combination. A cup of raspberries is equal to 8 grams of fiber and only 64 calories. Raspberries also help with your cholesterol since the fiber is soluble and contains pectin which lowers your cholesterol.
Now that you know what to eat to help you lose weight, you can make better food choices. Focusing on foods high in vitamins and additives that can keep you feeling fuller longer will help you lose and maintain your summer body even with all of the food distractions. Dig in, eat smart and your body will thank you for your efforts!
