If you’re trying to lose weight, you know how important it is to balance your calorie intake. In fact, the only way you can successfully shed those pounds is to burn more calories than you take in. Cutting calories from your meal plan is one of the best ways to do this.
Are you worried that you’ll still be hungry? You won’t be if you choose the right foods. You’re looking for high-fiber choices because fiber digests slowly and satisfies hunger for longer periods than low-fiber foods. Additionally, fiber is found in fruits, vegetables and whole grains, which are choices that are generally lower in fat and calories and ideal for weight loss. Here’s what you should be putting in your grocery cart.
Raspberries
Raspberries are one of the fruits highest in fiber. They have a pleasant sweet taste and are easy to find in the spring and summer at most supermarkets. You can also find them frozen all year round. Use raspberries to make smoothies for breakfast or pop them by the handful with your sandwich at lunchtime. You can also add raspberries to fruit salads. What better way to lose weight than that? Other berries are prime choices, as well.
Oatmeal
If you’re looking for something satisfying with a low calorie count, look no further than a bowl of hot, creamy oatmeal. Oats are a high-fiber food that is fast and easy to prepare, leaving you with a meal that you can count on to help you shed some stubborn pounds. Have a bowl of oatmeal for breakfast to be set for the entire morning without needing to hit the vending machine. Add fresh fruit and a handful of nuts to your oatmeal for more fiber and a hit of protein.
Rye Bread
You know that whole wheat bread is better than white, right? It turns out that rye is another great choice and is perfect for people who don’t love wheat bread. Rye weighs in with 2 grams of fiber per slice and pairs really well with pastrami, turkey or cheese for a sandwich. You can also toast up a couple of slices and serve with egg whites for breakfast.
Beans
When you want high-fiber foods, you want beans. There is a wide range of varieties, which gives you loads of options. A meal that contains beans is one that will fill you up for hours without increasing your calorie count to unhealthy amounts. Add beans to tacos and burritos or toss them into soup. Beans are great in veggie salads or mashed and made into patties for burgers. Beans are also a great side dish to serve with enchiladas or your other favorite foods.
Herbs
You might be surprised to find out just how much fiber herbs will add to your daily intake. Many of them contain a full gram in just a teaspoon. Plus, herbs are an easy way to add flavor to your meals without increasing the fat and calorie content. Sprinkle herbs on pasta, pizza, meats and salads for a boost of taste that won’t leave you deprived but will help you lose some weight.
Sweet Potatoes
If you hate to give up potatoes, but you want to lose weight, make the switch to sweet potatoes. They satisfy a starchy craving and are higher in fiber. You can serve them baked, roasted or grilled with chicken, fish or steak and have a filling meal that tastes great and leaves you with the calorie deficit you need to drop weight.
Popcorn
Need a snack? Choose air-popped popcorn and you can feel good about munching between meals. It’s considered a whole grain, which means it will load you up with fiber and it’s low in calories, which is great when you need a between meal pick-me-up. Skip the butter to keep calorie intake under control.
Choosing high-fiber foods is an easy way to lose weight. You should be incorporating some into every meal you eat. That way you satisfy your hunger throughout the day and help cut down on the risk of binging because you let yourself get too hungry. Talk to your doctor about the right amount of fiber for you.
