Food is the root of health. Keep yourself feeling full longer by choosing alternative foods to help you achieve your weight management goals.
When it comes to maintaining a healthy weight, the right food choices can make the difference between reaching your goals and not. It can be challenging to cut out foods that you typically enjoy, but luckily, it isn’t always necessary to give something up completely.
Alternative Food Choices
Fish
Fish is a good source of protein and provides an excellent source of essential amino acids (the building blocks that make up proteins) that our bodies can't produce on their own. Fish is the perfect alternative to meat. It's low in calories, fat, and sugar and contains nutrients that are essential for brain function, blood pressure regulation, and healthy skin, hair, and nails. It has also been shown to help prevent heart disease.
Yogurt
Yogurt is an excellent source of calcium, and it comes with the added benefit of being low in fat. Choosing vanilla or fruit-flavored yogurt over ice cream will help you cut calories, and you can even freeze them to achieve the same effect. Try to stick to plain or Greek versions and top them off with fresh fruit, nuts, or honey.
Teas
There are many reasons to choose tea over other beverages. It's a great source of antioxidants and can help you lose weight by increasing your metabolism. Green tea is one of the most beneficial varieties because it boosts fat burning.
Popcorn
Popcorn is a whole grain and a good source of fiber, which can help keep you feeling full. It's also low in calories and fat, making it an excellent snack option if you're trying to lose weight. Eating popcorn is ideal, as it is rich in vitamins and minerals, including iron, potassium, and magnesium. The only thing you need to watch is the amount of butter and salt the snack contains. The next time the cravings hit, consider stove popping your kernels.
Avocados
Avocados have everything! They are high in fiber and contain vitamins B6, C, E, K, and potassium. Avocados are a great source of other healthy agents that may improve blood pressure and reduce inflammation. Plus, they are delicious and versatile. Add them to your toast or salads, or add peppers, onions, tomatoes, and lime juice to create the perfect guacamole.
Whole Grains
We've all heard the attack on white bread and certain types of pasta. Whole grain bread and pasta contain more fiber, which means they are more filling than their counterparts. But what about some of the other baked goods we enjoy? Delicious options are out there; if you start your morning with a bagel, for example, consider alternate options like The Better Bagel, which contains fewer carbs than two slices of banana and more protein than four eggs!
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Dark Chocolate
Did you know that dark chocolate is full of antioxidants? It's also high in healthy fats, fiber, and magnesium. Eating chocolate can be good for you when it comes to weight management.
Dark chocolate has been found to lower insulin resistance when eaten daily. It is also another great food for you because it helps you calm your sweet tooth without undoing all your hard work.
Indulge now and then, but if you are looking to maintain your weight or have a goal to get healthier this year, consider adding some of these alternative food choices for weight management to your daily menu.
