It’s time to get excited about eating again. Get out of your diet rut. Stop reaching for the same old go-to’s in your pantry. During our weight loss luxury resort retreats, we spend a lot of time discussing the role nutrition plays in achieving overall wellness. Mix things up a bit in the kitchen with these five easy-to-find nutritious foods that promote healthy weight loss. Give your diet an extra kick and inject your meals with a jolt of excitement.
Oatmeal
The health benefits of oatmeal are often overlooked due to its sheer simplicity. We’re not talking about the packaged, instant oatmeal, which is usually loaded with sugar and preservatives. We mean whole grain oats, plain and simple. Organic if you can find them. Prepare with a little almond milk or water and top with your favorite fruit and spices.
Oatmeal is packed with a soluble fiber called beta glucan that curbs LDL cholesterol (otherwise known as “bad” cholesterol). The fiber in oatmeal also helps control your blood sugar and maintain bowel regularity. Eat a bowl of oatmeal three hours before hitting the gym and let those slow-release carbohydrates help you burn more fat during your workout.
Quinoa
Pronounced “KEEN-wah,” this ancient grain was a staple in the pre-Columbian Andes and is a close relative of spinach. Replace carb-loaded rice with quinoa and maximize the benefits of this protein-packed grain.
Quinoa contains all nine essential amino acids, which are vital for healing and repairing your body’s tissue and supporting your overall metabolism. Quinoa is generally cooked like rice and can be successfully prepared in a rice cooker. As if all this isn’t convincing enough, quinoa contains plenty of iron and nearly twice as much fiber as other grains. It could be a near-perfect food.
Lentils
Forget plain old beans and bring on the lentil party! The high levels of soluble fiber found in lentils can play an important role in lowering your cholesterol. They’re especially useful in managing blood sugar disorders since their high fiber content prevents rises in blood sugar after eating. Lentils provide important minerals, B-vitamins and protein–all for about 230 calories per cup and a fat content that’s next to zero.
Avocado
These pitted wonder-fruits are full of monounsaturated fat, which is easily burned for energy. Some research has suggested that avocados assist in lowering cholesterol in certain individuals. Like the other foods mentioned so far in this article, avocados are packed with fiber, which has been proven to support healthy weight loss and can regulate blood sugar levels. Avocado itself has a mild flavor that you can consume on its own, in guacamole or avocado slices. Or, you can blend avocado with desserts and smoothies to add a creamy kick without relying on dairy.
Blueberries
Pop them in your smoothies, sprinkle them on your cereal or just snack on them individually–no matter how you get your blueberry fix, you’re receiving the benefits of these anti-oxidant-packed natural snacks. Anti-oxidants benefit your body in incredibly important ways, including providing protection against heart disease, cancer and memory loss. Blueberries also promote urinary health, protecting against UTIs.
The right food to fuel your body
During each of our weight loss luxury resort retreats, we stress how important it is to fuel your body with nutritious foods. Choose organic options as often as possible and try to get your hands on locally grown produce whenever you can. Losing weight takes time. But when you select the right foods as your foundation, the journey toward healthy weight loss becomes a little more exciting.
Ready to overcome your weight loss challenges? Call today to book your stay.
