There are certain foods such as watermelon, oatmeal, eggplant, etc., which help you lose weight, improve intestinal transit, combat fluid retention, accelerate metabolism, or help burn calories.
These foods should be consumed daily, in conjunction with a balanced diet low in sugars, sweets, fats, fried and processed foods. In addition to this, they should be associated with regular physical activity such as walking at least three times a week for 1 hour.
We have accumulated a list of 11 foods, which are low in calories and extremely help in weight loss.
1. Pear
Pear is rich in water and contains 71% insoluble fiber, which produces a more excellent feeling of satiety and improves intestinal transit. In addition to this, the natural sugar in this fruit decreases the desire to eat sweets and increases little sugar in the blood, which helps reduce hunger and avoid the consumption of sugary foods.
How to consume: To help lose weight, it should be consumed 20 minutes before main meals.
2. Cinnamon
Cinnamon is an aromatic spice that could cause a thermogenic effect in the organism, increasing metabolism and stimulating burning body fat.
In addition to this, cinnamon may also help reduce blood sugar spikes, increase insulin sensitivity and decrease insulin resistance, promoting weight loss. Other foods that possess thermogenic properties are ginger, red pepper, coffee and hibiscus water.
How to consume: It can be easily added to various preparations such as fruits, juices, smoothies, coffee, teas, cakes and whole-grain cookies.
3. Eggplant
Eggplant, in addition to being a low-calorie fruit (100 grams supply only 24 kcals), is high in fiber, which aids in the regular working of the intestine, combating bad cholesterol and poor digestion and providing a feeling of satiety.
Furthermore, because it is high in water, vitamins, and minerals, it aids with fluid retention.
How to consume: It is feasible to make eggplant water and drink it instead of water throughout the day. It can also be added to salads and prepared as chips, stuffed, or in liquids.
4. Brown Rice
Brown rice, unlike white rice, is rich in fiber, helping to increase satiety and reducing the amount of food ingested. It is also extremely rich in B vitamins, zinc and selenium, antioxidant nutrients that improve blood circulation, concentration and memory.
How to consume: It is essential that the amount to be consumed is controlled because although it is integral if it is eaten in excess, it could cause the opposite effect. If you want to know the right portion, the ideal is to go to a nutritionist for an evaluation and indicate a nutritional plan tailored to your needs.
5. Oatmeal
Oats, being extremely rich in soluble fibers and proteins, acts as a catalyst in the process of digestion and also regulates the intestine. In addition to this, its consumption also helps regulate blood sugar and control high cholesterol, making hunger take longer to appear.
How it should be consumed: Oatmeal is fairly versatile and can be served as atol or porridge; it can also be added 1 or 2 teaspoons on chopped fruits, smoothies, and yogurts; and it can be used in the making of cakes and cookies.
6. Wheat Bran
Wheat bran is rich in fiber, providing 12.5 g per 100 grams, has few calories, and can be used to combat constipation, help control blood sugar levels and increase satiety.
How it should be consumed: As it practically does not alter the taste of food, it can be added to all preparations to reduce fat absorption in the intestine.
7. Strawberries
Strawberries, besides containing few calories, are rich in fiber, so it helps control blood sugar levels and increase the feeling of satiety, reducing the calories ingested and promoting weight loss. It is also high in vitamin C, folate, and phenolic chemicals, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
How to consume: This fruit can be swallowed whole or in juices and can also be used to prepare detox juices to improve metabolism.
8. Green tea
Green tea has thermogenic properties and accelerates metabolism; this happens because this tea is rich in caffeine, a stimulant that helps burn fat during exercise. In addition to this, it is rich in catechins which are powerful antioxidants that help improve metabolism.
How to prepare it: It can be consumed in capsules or tea; preferably, it should be taken under the guidance of a doctor or a nutritionist. To prepare the tea, add one tablespoon of green tea to 1 cup of boiling water and let it steep for 10 minutes.
9. Flaxseed
Flaxseed is rich in antioxidants and omega 3, which helps control cholesterol and reduce inflammation in the body, facilitating the slimming process. In addition to this, it is rich in fiber that improves digestion and increases satiety.
How it should be consumed: Ideally, flaxseed grains should be consumed crushed or in the form of flour, and 1 or 2 teaspoons can be added to cereals, salads, juices, smoothies and yogurts. Flaxseeds can also be used in the preparation of bread, cakes and pastries.
10. Legumes
Legumes such as beans, peas, lentils and chickpeas are an excellent source of protein and dietary fiber, which help increase satiety and fight constipation.
How to consume: Consuming four tablespoons per day, which is more or less the equivalent of 1/2 cup, is enough to obtain its benefits, especially when combined with brown rice, as the combination forms a high biological quality protein.
11. Whole Fruits
Don’t go a day without eating fruit. It makes no difference if your neighbor or a program contributor claims that fruit is fattening. Don’t stop purchasing fruit, such as bananas. It makes no difference what fruit you consume or when you eat it, whether for breakfast, between meals, or for dessert. We have numerous food “enemies” to avoid, and fruit is not one of them. You must consume the recommended minimum of three pieces of fruit every day.
Fruit will satisfy you, and the nutrients it contains are essential for our regular diet. The fruit portion is determined by its size. One meal contains about 150-200g of fruits. One serving equals one apple, one banana, two kiwis, two tangerines, or three plums.