Top Ten Low Calories Foods for Weight Loss

While weight loss for women can be hard, it’s about finding a Weight Loss Plan that works for you and your lifestyle. In conjunction with your weight loss plan, you can greatly enhance you chances of success by arming yourself with the right knowledge.

Here at Lose Baby Weight we want to provide you with as much information as possible to help you achieve safe and effective pregnancy weight loss, to lose stomach fat and shape up post pregnancy.

Read the top ten low calorie foods we recommend you use as part of your healthy eating plan so you and your family reap the benefits of a great diet – these foods, often called superfoods because of their nutritional content – are not only low calorie but are low fat and packed with healthy nutrients.

By the way, we’re not saying all fat is bad; in fact there are certain essential fatty acids that we need in our diet.  You can read more about How to Incorporate Good Fats in Your Diet here.

Top Ten Lowest Calorie Foods

Berries are one food that you just can’t go wrong with.  They are nutritious and delicious and one of natures very best foods.  Either fresh or frozen berries are a low fat, low calorie food that is a great source of dietary fibre and are packed with antioxidants.   Cherries are known to have anti-cancer properties because the dark purple skin is full of antioxidants.

Low fat plain Yoghurt is a great mix of healthy carbs, protein and fat and can help balance your blood sugar, curbing appetite and food cravings.  Yoghurt is a great choice for women following a weight loss plan because of its calcium content.

In addition the probiotic bacteria found in yoghurt can promote good digestive health by keeping the growth of other potentially harmful bacteria at bay and helping to break down foods that are resistant to normal digestion allowing more nutrients from the foods you eat.  The key is checking the label to make sure you eat yoghurt that has ‘live cultures’.

We suggest having low fat plain yoghurt as a snack or adding to fruit for a tasty dessert.

Broccoli is one of the healthiest veggie choices you can make, as well as being low in calories and high in vitamin and minerals, also provides a source of naturally occurring plant chemicals thought to fight off cancer, specifically breast cancer. It is best when it is steamed or just boiled very lightly.

Broccoli is also important for healthy eyes.

Citrus fruits such as oranges, tangerines, grapefruit and lemons are very high in vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C and potassium.  They are also a fabulous source of soluble dietary fibre that will help to keep you full for longer without loading you up with calories.

Next time you are craving a snack, pick up some Red Grapes – they are packed with antioxidants that help keep the body healthy because they reduce the risk of heart disease, the world’s number one killer.   Grapes also have a natural laxative effect that helps to reduce water retention and promote good inner health.

A handful of frozen grapes make a delicious, low calorie snack.  Alternatively try using grapes as a salad ingredient.

Lentils provide phenomenal nutrition for your body including iron, protein and fibre. Lentils are very filling, low GI so will keep you full and energised for a long time, and are quick and easy to cook.  If you are worried how you can include lentils in your diet, then browse the web for lentil recipes; there will be hundreds of them.  Here is one to get you started:

Lentil and Carrot Patties

• 400g can of brown lentils, drained and rinsed
• 2 grated carrots (can use grated courgette instead)
• Half a cup of rolled oats
• 1 tin of salmon (optional)
• 3 chopped spring onions
• 2 chopped cloves of garlic
• Half a cup of chopped parsley
• 1 tsp of grated lemon rind
• 1 egg

Put all the ingredients except the egg and rolled oats in a bowl, mash until combined.  Stir in egg and rolled oats.  Make into patties by rolling into a ball in your hand and flattening on a plate.

Heat pan over medium heat, cook for a couple of minutes each side until brown.

Serve the lentil patties with a leafy green salad and tzatziki (low fat yoghurt and mint/cucumber sauce).

For more great low calories recipe ideas from Lose Baby Weight click here.

Fish, quick and easy to prepare and is a great source of protein and vitamins, and contains far less fat than red meat.  Salmon in particular is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, important for reducing the risk of heart disease and for brain function.  Interestingly, recent research suggests that omega-3 fatty acids may play a role in decreasing belly fat because of the stabilising effect it has on blood sugar helping to reduce food cravings.

Oatmeal – is a complex carbohydrate, meaning energy is released slowly, great to stablise your blood sugar preventing you from being tempted by junk food and sabotaging your weight loss efforts.  Having oats in your Lose Baby Weight Smoothie will mean you are full of energy right through until your next meal.

You can read more about the Health Benefits of Oatmeal here.

Lite Cottage Cheese is high in calcium and protein, yet relatively low in carbohydrates, fat and calories when compared to other dairy products, rich in vitamin B12 that is important for healthy eyes and skin, and contains phosphorous that is essential for the formation of strong healthy bones.

Carrots are sweet, full of antioxidants and vitamins that help the healthy development of the eyes. Raw carrot sticks are the ideal snack, and they can be easily added into recipes or served as a side vegetable dish.

For more articles on Weight Loss and Nutrition, click here.

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