20 Most Healthy Foods For Weight Loss

1. Whole Eggs

Eggs are a great source of protein and being nutrient-dense, they are enriched with all the nutrients that a calorie-restricted diet requires. Egg yolks contain almost all the nutrients required by the body. There was a time when eggs were considered high in cholesterol, however with time whole eggs are making a comeback. It is considered the best food while being on a weight loss journey. Though, some people faced issues like an increase in the level of bad LDL cholesterol due to a high intake of eggs.

During a survey, it was revealed that about 30 overweight women reflected the increased level of fullness making them eat less for the next 36 hours when they included eggs for their breakfast instead of bagels and it also helped them lose weight.

2. Leafy Greens

Leafy greens are an excellent addition to your weight loss diet that includes kale, spinach, collards, swiss chards, and a few others. Being low in calories and high in fiber, makes them an excellent option for a weight loss diet.

Having a leafy greens rich diet keeps your appetite full without consuming too many calories. If you consume low energy density meals, then you consume less calories overall.

They are an incredible option full of nutrients with a high level of vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals, including calcium, which helps in burning fat.

3. Salmon

Salmon is a great source of both protein and omega-3 fatty acids, these high-quality proteins make it a perfect choice for including it in your weight loss diet plan. Salmon is full of healthy fats and various essential nutrients. Fatty fish like salmon and other seafood is exceptionally healthy and very satisfying, supplying a considerable amount of iodine to your body. Including salmon in your meals will keep you full for many hours with comparatively few calories.

The nutrients found in salmon are required for proper thyroid function, which makes sure that your metabolism is running optimally. According to some research, various people fail to fill their iodine needs, which is generally required in your body.

Salmon is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids which aids in reducing inflammation, and that plays a vital role in obesity and metabolic disease. Mackerel, trout, sardines, herring, and other kinds of fatty fish are also tremendous.

4. Cruciferous Vegetables

Every vegetable is rich in fiber and makes you full without reaching out for carbs. Like any other vegetable, cruciferous vegetables contain a decent amount of protein. Though, the amount of protein present in these veggies is less than any animal food or legumes but more than most of the vegetables. Cruciferous vegetables include broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and brussels sprouts.

If you want to lose some extra kilos including cruciferous vegetables which is a combination of protein, fiber, and low energy density, it makes it a perfect choice to improve your overall health. They’re also extremely nourishing and contain cancer-fighting substances.

5. Lean Beef and Chicken Breast

Including unprocessed lean meat in your diet is a tremendous way to boost your protein intake. Though, meat has been unnecessarily demeaned considering it comes with various health issues without any solid evidence. Unprocessed red meat does not affect the risk of heart disease or diabetes, however, processed meat is unhealthy.

If you want to lose some excess weight, then including protein in your meal instead of carbs or fat can make your weight loss journey easier. Because of being high in protein, meat is considered a weight loss-friendly food.

Including protein can help you burn up to 80-100 calories per day as it is the most filling nutrient and high protein can make fat burn faster.

According to some reports, if you include 25% protein intake in your diet then it can cut down your calories up to 60%, causing weight loss of almost one pound (0.45 kg) per week.

Include fatty meat as much as you want if you are on a low-carb diet but choosing lean meat is a better option if you’re on a moderate- to a high-carbohydrate diet.

6. Boiled Potatoes

If you want to cut down your appetite, then boiled potatoes are among the most filling foods. It can suppress your food intake in a day.

Boiled food has various properties which are beneficial for both weight loss and overall health. Packed with a diverse range of nutrients and being high in potassium which helps in controlling blood pressure. There are some people surviving on only potatoes for an extensive period of time.

White boiled potatoes top the satiety index that tells you how filling different foods are. This implies consuming white boiled potatoes will naturally make you feel full and reduce your appetite.

Letting potatoes cool down for a while we form a high amount of resistant starch, a fiber-like substance beneficial for various health issues and weight loss. Sweet potatoes, turnips, and other root vegetables are also outstanding.

7. Tuna

Tuna is one of the most excellent low calories, high protein foods. If you replace other macronutrients like carbs or fat with protein, then it can be an effective weight-loss strategy on a calorie-restricted diet. It is basically a lean fish which implies it is low in fat.

Bodybuilders and fitness models are very fond of tuna as they find it a great way to cut down fat and keep a count on total calories while increasing their protein intake.

While opting for tuna to emphasize protein intake, always keep in mind to choose tuna canned in water and not oil.

8. Beans and Legumes

Some beans and other legumes can be a good addition to your weight loss journey. As they are high in protein and fiber, two crucial nutrients are required to result in satiety. Foods like lentils, black beans, kidney beans, and some others contain some resistant starch that helps in weight loss.

Legumes should be prepared properly as many people have issues in tolerating legumes.

9. Soups

Soups can be an effective part of a weight-loss journey. Low energy density diets and meals make people consume fewer calories, making them fill due to the high water content.

Adding water to your food can make the soup which can satiate your taste buds, significantly helps to cut down your calories. Some studies revealed consuming the same food as soup instead of solid food helps people eat considerably fewer calories and reduce their appetite.

Avoid adding too much fat like cream or coconut milk to your soup which may increase the calorie content.

10. Cottage Cheese

Lean dairy products like cottage cheese are a great way to consume more amount of protein intake in your diet without additional calories. Dairy products tend to be high in protein. Cottage cheese contains little fat.

Consuming cottage cheese can boost your protein intake significantly. Being satiated will leave you full of low-calorie intake. Rich in calcium makes it effective to burn fat. Other low-fat, high-protein dairy products include Greek yogurt and skyr.

11. Avocados

Avocados are a unique fruit. It is enriched with healthy fat and be included in your weight loss diet. Avocados are a good example of a healthy fat source you can include in your diet while trying to lose weight. Just make sure to keep your intake moderate.

They’re mainly high in monounsaturated oleic acid, the same type of fat found in olive oil. They have, like any other fruit, mostly fat but also have lots of fiber and water, making them less energy-dense than you think.

They can be added to veggies and salads as studies show that their fat content can increase carotenoid antioxidant absorption from the vegetables 2.6- to 15-fold.

They have a high source of nutrients, including fiber and potassium. Make sure to keep the intake moderate.

12. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar addition to your vegetable salad is highly effective to help curb your appetite, potentially resulting in greater weight loss. Apple cider vinegar has significantly emerged as a popular product in the natural health community.

It is considered effective for weight loss and often used in condiments like dressings or vinaigrettes, while some people even dilute it in water and drink it because of its health benefits.

Consuming vinegar at the time of consuming high-carb meals will reduce your appetite making it 200-275 less calorie intake for an entire day. As per some studies, it was evaluated that obese individuals successfully reduced 2.6–3.7 pounds or 1.2–1.7 kilograms by consuming 15 to 30ml of vinegar per day for 12 weeks.

It is also proven to reduce blood sugar spikes after meals considering it beneficial in the long term for several health effects.

13. Nuts

Nuts can make a healthy addition to an effective weight loss journey when consumed in moderation. Despite being high in fat, nuts are not as fattening as mistaken. It can be considered a great snack, a compilation of balanced amounts of protein, fiber, and healthy fats.

Research shows improvement in metabolic health and weight loss by eating nuts. People consuming nuts are more healthy and leaner than those who do not consume nuts.

Avoid binge eating of nuts as they are high in calories. Stick with a moderate amount.

14. Whole Grains

If you are on a weight loss journey, then avoiding refined grains is a must instead opt for whole-grain as they contain a high amount of fiber and other nutrients. Some grains are proven to be healthy. Oats, brown rice, and quinoa are some of the great sources of protein food.

Oats are packed with beta-glucans, soluble fibers that increase your satiety and improve metabolic health. Brown and white rice contain resistant starch which is beneficial if cooked and cooled afterward.

Refined grains are not at all a healthy choice and sometimes whole grain labeled foods can be included in the category of junk as they are highly processed which can be harmful and fattening. Avoid grains if you’re on a very low-carb diet as they contain a high amount of carbs. However, you can consume it as it does not have any harmful effects.

15. Chili Pepper

It is surprising that eating chili peppers can be beneficial for your weight loss. If you consume spicy food, then it may reduce your appetite temporarily and increase fat burning as they contain capsaicin. However, daily intake of chili can build up your tolerance level.

Capsaicin is also even sold as a supplement and a common ingredient in many weight loss supplements.

According to some studies, 1gram of red chili pepper intake aids in reducing your appetite and burns fat faster in people who do not consume it regularly. However, due to the tolerance level of some people who consume it regularly, it does not have that effect as they are accustomed to eating spicy foods.

16. Fruit

Fruit is always great for your body and falls under the healthy category. Though fruits contain some sugar, you can easily include them on a weight loss diet. They’re high in fiber, antioxidants, and various nutrients that slow the rise of blood sugar after meals.

Eating more fruit makes you healthier than those who do not consume it. Even doctors recommend consuming fruits. Despite containing natural sugar, fruits have low energy density and take a while to chew. In addition, sugar is restricted to releasing too quickly into your bloodstream with the help of fiber.

Avoid fruits if you are on a low-carb, ketogenic diet or have an intolerance. However, it can be a great part of your weight loss journey.

Fruits are a delicious addition to your diet.

17. Grapefruit

Trying your hands on grapefruit can help you lose some excess weight as some studies revealed that grapefruit may suppress appetite and reduce calorie intake if you eat it prior to meals. Some studies indicated consuming grapefruit before meals helped 91 obese individuals lose around 3.5 pounds of weight.

The grapefruit also aids in reducing insulin resistance, a metabolic abnormality that is implicated in various chronic diseases. Therefore, half-grapefruit intake half an hour prior to meals will help you feel more satiated and eat fewer overall calories.

18. Chia Seeds

Chia seed has created a buzz in the fitness world as it is high in fiber which fills up and aids in reducing appetite making it an effective weight-loss food. Chia seeds are among the most nutritious foods.

Having a high amount of carbohydrates (12 grams per ounce) and 11grams of fiber, chia seed is the best option for weight loss. It is considered a low-carb-friendly food with the best source of fiber. Having an amount of fiber, it can absorb up to 11–12 times its weight in water, turning gel-like and expanding in your stomach.

However, given their nutrient composition, it makes sense that chia seeds could be a vital part of your weight loss journey.

19. Coconut Oil

Fat cannot be generated equally. Coconut oil contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) that may boost satiety after meals and increase the number of calories burned. Coconut oil is high in fatty acids of a medium length, known as medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). MCT oil supplements are considered more effective.

Instead of making an addition to your diet, try to replace some other cooking fats with coconut oil as it contains calories. Coconut oil is also proven to reduce belly fat among men and women.

You can also include extra olive virgin oil as it contains one of the healthiest fats on this planet.

20. Full-Fat Yogurt

Yogurt is another superb dairy food. You can find probiotic bacteria in certain types of yogurts that help to improve the function of your gut. If you have a healthy gut, then it can protect against inflammation and leptin resistance that is the main source of hormonal drivers of obesity.

Your yogurts should be live active cultures, as other types of yogurts have virtually no probiotics. Full fat yogurt is beneficial in reducing the risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes over a period instead of low fat as it is loaded with a considerable amount of sugar.