12 Foods that make you Lose Weight in your Fight against Obesity

This article attempts to show the kinds of foods citizens should consume in order to reduce their extra weight, thereby preventing the onset of weight-related ailments.

A walk down the street presents an interesting spectacle of an American family. It is presently difficult to distinguish a father from a son, or a mother from a daughter, especially when approached from behind. Their body shapes and sizes are identical unlike yester years when the difference was clearer. America has been documented as a country with the highest levels of obesity compared to the rest of the world. This phenomenon owes to the kind of life styles American citizens prefer.

The consumption of junk or fatty foods plays a major role in triggering obesity. The average American will be seen consuming a heavy breakfast that is full of fried foods like eggs, bacon, sausages, pancakes to mention a few. Many drivers will chew upon a hamburger or hot dog while on the wheel driving to and from work. Lunch is likely to comprise of steak and French fries downed with a Coke a cola or artificial drink, while dinner will not miss that sumptuous grilled chicken, pork or lamb chop with potatoes mashed with butter or margarine.

Too many people spend long hours watching TV programs instead of passing their idle hours more profitably. The end result is failure to use their stock of calories, which leads to excess unused energy that has the potential to add inches to ones girth with a possibility of increasing ones weight.

Many people consume sugary drinks accompanied by cake in between meals to satisfy their cravings for food while looking forward to the main dish. The consumption of sugar through sweets, sweetened artificial drinks, cakes and biscuits far outstrips our daily need for sugar. We always end up with unused calories at the end of the day. We often end the day by propping our legs up after dinner, and relax watching movies with a night cap and a bowl of popcorn at arm’s length. Healthy foods are being neglected at the expense of personal health.

The comfortable evening stroll or light jog is becoming a thing of the past as new technology competes with working hours both at work and also at home. There are many other causes of obesity.

Obesity takes blame for several ailments that afflict society. Some common ailments that continue to decimate world populations include stroke, heart attacks, high blood pressure and diabetes to mention only a few. There is need to watch our weights and much more so, what we consume on a daily basis. Coupled with a change in life styles, a good diet produces the desired effect.

Complex carbohydrates

These are mainly starchy foods that are turned into glucose by the body, and hence, basically fuel the body. These carbohydrates may be found in vegetables, fruits, legumes and grains, which should supply a major portion of our daily diet.

Eggs contain high levels of protein (6-7grams), riboflavin, sodium which regulates blood pressure, vitamin B and E, phosphorus, iron and foliate. Eggs have no fibre. When consumed in the morning, the high amount of protein in eggs keeps us full for a longer period of time.

Green salad comprises of an assortment of vegetables which are combined and then eaten raw. When well chosen, they tend to be crunchy, nutritious and filling, but low in calorific value. There are many varieties of greens to choose from in preparing a good salad that is potent with vitamins, beta carotene and other minerals. A favorite mix may include white wine vinegar, pepper, fresh chives, salt, lettuce, watercress leaves, thinly sliced cucumber, a sprinkle of blue cheese and chopped toasted pecan nuts.

A fruit salad is a combination of selected fruits that are eaten when ripe. One is assured of good nutrition, low calories and a generous supply of vitamin A and C plus sodium and magnesium. A tropical fruit salad is likely to contain pawpaw, lime juice, honey, chopped fresh mint, chopped mango and pineapple, sliced banana and kiwifruit. This salad is very pleasant.

Apples have a lot of water, vitamin C, and potassium. The peel contains fibre with pectin that helps in reducing cholesterol in our blood, preventing heart diseases. They are filling when eaten with the peel.

These also contain a lot of water, potassium, vitamin C and provide fibre when eaten with the peel. They fill our stomachs quenching hunger pangs, which reduces our urge for food.

Baked yellow-flesh sweet potatoes contain beta carotene, vitamin C and B, and fibre. They are full of flavor and lush in texture. They provide the much needed energy but are low on calories.

The consumption of tea is highly recommended. This is due to the fact that it is a stimulant that helps in the burning of fats in the abdomen, thereby reducing body fats.

Water melons are very delicious and contain vitamin C, beta carotene, sodium and lycopene that fight against prostate cancer. Most of the lycopene is found in the seeds. This succulent red fruit has a lot of water that is filling in a nutritious way. It should be consumed shortly after being cut open to prevent the loss of vitamin C.

Oats tend to be high in protein and very rich in iron and vitamin B. They also have a soluble fibre (beta glucans) that helps in lowering blood cholesterol effectively.

Fish should be a preferred source of protein by those intending to lose weight. They should avoid fatty and red meats as much as possible. Salmon and tuna are good sources of healthy omega-3 fatty acids and B vitamins.

Straw berries are delicious and an excellent source of vitamin C, pectin, potassium, fibre and ellagic acid that fights carcinogens. They save you from yearning for sweets, cookies or biscuits which puff us up.

People who suffer from obesity should drink plenty of water. It is recommended especially in assisting metabolic processes and replenishing water balance in the body.

Eat well, live healthy.