12 Weight Loss Superfoods

Hippocrates, who is often called the ‘father” of allopathic medicine, said “Let food be thy medicine.” It seems to be a simple and sensible concept, but the reality is that many of our modern processed foods and chemicals are often times causing many of our illnesses. Foods today are full of chemicals, pesticides, hormones, refined sugars and other toxins that the body was not biologically evolved to process and metabolize. The result is imbalance and disease.
Knowledge is power, however. Read on to learn about the following superfoods that will help you lose weight! Keep in mind that eating organic and hormone free foods as much as possible reduces toxic effects and increases the positive qualities of foods.

1. Grapefruit. A study conducted at the Scripps Clinic in La Jolla, CA showed that eating half a grapefruit prior to a meal helped induce weight loss. The study also included grapefruit extract in pill form, and grapefruit juice, and though both worked, the people who ate real grapefruit lost the most weight. Red grapefruit also helps to lower triglycerides, and all grapefruit contain cancer-fighting compounds including lycopene and liminoids. With only 39 calories per half, eating grapefruit can be a tasty, low-fat treat.
2. Pumpkin. Yes, they taste amazing as pie, and make great jack-o'-lanterns, but they’re also one of the best weight loss foods you can eat. Pumpkins are low in calories and high in fiber, making them ideal for losing those pounds. Not only are they easy to cook and prepare, pumpkins taste great with other healthy additives like cinnamon (helps lower blood sugar), nutmeg, and almonds.
3. Green Tea. Of course green tea is not a food, but it has far too many benefits to be left off the list. First of all, green tea increases the metabolic rate and speeds up the body’s ability to oxidize fat, helping people lose weight. Some studies have shown the magic weight losing number to be five cups per day. Other benefits of green tea include increased heart health, a high amount of antioxidants, blood sugar and body temperature regulation, digestion assistance, and natural stress relief.
4. Kale. Eat your greens! Kale is one of those forgotten foods that should be reintroduced to your weight loss diet. One cup contains a measly 34 calories, and a whopping 1.3 grams of fiber. It is also high in iron (necessary for oxygen transportation to your entire body), and calcium (to keep those bones strong). Can’t get used to the taste? Try spinach, which is also nutrient rich, with a less bold taste.
5. Oats. Oatmeal’s satiety ranking is the highest of any food, meaning you feel more full after eating a bowl of oatmeal than the same amount of anything else. Oats contain up to 5 grams of fiber per serving, some of which being the cancer-fighting insoluble fiber. Soluble fibre helps to lower LDL cholesterol without lowering HDL cholesterol, increasing the health of the body’s circulatory system, and lowering the risk of heart disease.
6. Lentils. Lentils are another great source of both types of dietary fiber and are high in protein. They help to maintain blood sugar levels, regulating the body’s production of insulin. Drastic increase in insulin levels has shown to trigger fat production, particularly in the abdominal area.
7. Goji berries. These tasty little berries make a great snack for curbing hunger. Containing 18 amino acids, they are a great source of protein and only contain 35 calories per tablespoon. Goji berries have a lower glycemic index than most fruits, meaning they are absorbed into the body more slowly, thus satisfying the appetite.
8. Buckwheat Pasta. Another fiber all-star, buckwheat also contains protein, which is uncharacteristic of other grains used in pasta. This combo helps keep you feeling full and prevents overeating.
9. Chili Peppers. Chili peppers contain a compound called capsaicin which has a thermogenic effect on the body. After eating a food infused with chili, the body will burn off extra calories for 20 minutes or so. Spicy food also helps regulate eating speed, reducing overeating.
10. Quinoa. This whole grain is a great source of both protein and fiber (5.2 grams per cup), and makes for a great rice or gluten supplement. Quinoa is a complete protein source (which is not characteristic of grains), and contains a balanced set of essential amino acids. It is also a great source of phosphorus, magnesium, and iron.
11. Tarragon. This herb, most famously used in French cuisine, is a great salt replacement for salad dressings and marinades. Tarragon helps reduce the bloating and water retention effects of excess sodium.
12. Avocado. Although the fat content may scare you (29 grams per avocado), don’t be too quick to rule this fruit out. Avocados are one of the best sources of monounsaturated fat, namely omega-6, and help to increase satiety, or the feeling of fullness. Avocados contain high amounts of other essentials, such as vitamin E and oleic acid.