Maintaining a healthy weight is one of the most important health habits to practice as it reduces the risks of different sicknesses and diseases such as cancer, hypertension, obesity, etc. The best way to calculate an ideal weight range is by “Body mass index” (BMI). Body mass index (BMI) is a measure of body fat based on height and weight that applies to adult men and women.
Nutritionists have advised that the best way to maintain good body weight is by eating food that are low in calories. For people who are more concerned about weight loss, these low calory foods are categorized as weight loss-friendly foods.
In this article, we have highlighted the top 10 weight loss friendly food you can find in Nigeria.
- Water
- Cucumber
- Watermelon
- Oats
- Beans
- Eggs
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Green Tea
- Lime, Ginger & Garlic.
- Chicken Breast.
WATER: The benefits of staying hydrated cannot be over-emphasized. Water helps you cleanse your body of waste, increases your metabolic rate and helps you suppress your appetite. It is advisable to drink at least 3liters of water each day and most importantly before and after eating. Asides helping you lose weight, drinking enough water also gives your skin a healthy glow.
CUCUMBERS: Cucumbers are excellent detoxifying fruits. They are low in calories containing just 15.54 calories. Cucumbers are very nutritious, they help you stay hydrated and aid weight loss. Most people choose to soak them in water and drink or make cucumber salads, however, these are also great ways to lose belly fat and lose general body weight.
WATERMELONS: watermelons contain a large amount of water and amino acid which means they are low in calories and help burn fat quickly. You could replace carbs or large portions of food with watermelons as they are also filling and tasty. Eating lots of watermelons would keep you hydrated and at the same time assist your weight loss and maintenance journey.
OATS: Oats are among the most incredible nutritious grains. They contain rich minerals, vitamins and antioxidants. Most people prefer to cook it or crush it. Oats aid weight loss as it is low in calories and can be eaten as a proper meal (breakfast, Lunch, Supper). Rather than eating weight gain foods, you can eat oats as a substitute. If you can do this consistently, you would see positive results on your weight loss journey.
BEANS: beans are one of the major sources of protein. There are different types of beans like Peas, Kidney Beans, Soybeans, Black beans, etc. They can be cooked in so many different ways and they can also be eaten with other types of food e.g. beans and rice. Eating more beans and cutting down on carbs is a rich diet. Beans make you fuller even with a very little portion and they contain low calories. Beans can also aid weight loss if it’s eaten in the right portion.
EGGS: eggs like beans are also a good source of protein. One large egg contains just 78 calories and they are highly nutritious. If you’re trying to shed weight, eating more boiled eggs rather than fried is advisable. Having a calorie-controlled diet is the best way to lose weight, and eating more eggs may stop you from consuming more calories in a day.
APPLE CIDER VINEGAR: cider vinegar is made from fermented apple juice. It has major weight loss benefits and prevents bloating. Adding about 1-2 tablespoons in a glass of water can help shed tummy fat, it can also be used as salad dressings and marinades.
GREEN TEA: green tea is a very healthy beverage. If you’re looking to lose some weight, you might want to consider cultivating the habit of drinking more green tea rather than soda. Some green teas contain lime and ginger, these ones would aid proper detox, therefore, removing the unwanted waste from your body. Drinking green tea in the morning or at night before bed would have a great impact on helping you maintain balanced body weight.
LIME, GINGER & GARLIC: the combination of these three is known for detoxing. The three contain compounds that can help you eliminate unwanted fat. The combination of the three is highly effective and amazing for losing weight.
CHICKEN BREAST: have you considered adding chicken breasts to your diet? Chicken contains a large sum of protein and it is also low in calories, most people prefer to add the chicken breasts to vegetable salads to serve as a source of protein. It helps to control body weight and body composition.