If you’re looking to get lean before swimsuit season starts, look no further than your garden or the farmer’s market stand. 4 Summer Vegetables That May Help Fire Up Weight Loss! These summer vegetables may help you lose weight more easily than they can grow, so check out this list if you want to jump-start your weight loss goals and enjoy some great summer food at the same time!
Eat your greens
If you’re looking to shed pounds, it might be worth considering a healthy eating plan centered around fruits and vegetables. A study from Kaiser Permanente in California found that dieters who got at least one-third of their calories from produce were more likely to lose weight than those who didn’t stick to produce-rich diets. The benefits aren’t limited to help with weight loss, either; upping your intake of produce can also boost energy levels, lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, help prevent heart disease and cancer, plus much more. It all starts with what you eat—choose wisely! Here are four summer veggies that may help fire up weight loss
There are plenty of other fruits and veggies that can play a role in helping people lose weight—add them to your plate whenever possible. For example, a 2014 review published in Obesity Reviews found that eating cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cabbage or Brussels sprouts may aid weight loss efforts. Another 2014 review published in Food & Function revealed consuming green tea extract may help overweight individuals lose more fat mass and less muscle when compared to taking green tea catechins alone.
Lettuce Cups with Grilled Chicken and Peanut Sauce
If you’re looking for an easy weeknight meal with big flavors, try these lettuce cups. The combination of chicken, peanut sauce and spinach is delicious and healthy. Start with a base of salad greens in each cup, then add 1/2 cup shredded rotisserie chicken, 1 Tbsp. peanut sauce and a few leaves of baby spinach. Top with fresh cilantro leaves and serve. The grilled chicken adds extra flavor to what might otherwise be a dull dish—not to mention it packs in more protein than adding cooked beef or pork would do. Try pairing your lettuce cups with some brown rice or quinoa to complete your meal.
3 Ways Eating More Vegetables Helps You Lose Weight: There are several reasons why eating vegetables helps you lose weight. They’re low in calories, high in fiber and rich in nutrients like vitamins A and C that help keep your body running smoothly. In addition, most vegetables are very low on the glycemic index (GI), which means they don't cause blood sugar levels to spike like sugary foods can—so snacking on carrots instead of chips will help keep hunger at bay longer. Plus, many vegetables contain specific compounds that have been shown to increase fat burning by as much as 20 percent!
Basil Pesto Zucchini Noodles
Basil and garlic are popular spices with potent properties that can help boost metabolism. Basil contains anethole, which has been linked to improved cognitive function and appetite suppression. It also contains methyl chavicol, a substance said to help ease anxiety and nervousness as well as boost your metabolism. Just make sure you stick with fresh pesto. Pesto made from packaged ingredients can be laced with added oils, fat, and sugar—and sometimes high-fructose corn syrup! Fresh basil is super easy to grow (just follow our tips), so try growing some at home if you're having trouble finding good stuff in stores. Or, just buy it fresh at farmers' markets or produce stands when they're in season. If you can't find any locally grown basil, dried will do in a pinch. Just remember to watch out for added salt and sugars when buying dried herbs or spice blends.
Simple Quinoa Salad
Quinoa is a wonderfully versatile summer vegetable. Mix it with a little olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic for a healthy and delicious salad. The dish is equally good hot or cold, and you can eat it by itself or pair it with your favorite protein for a more filling meal. It’s also vegan-friendly and gluten-free! Quinoa has roughly 20g of protein per serving; that makes it an excellent addition to any diet plan whether you are trying to lose weight or build muscle. When you add some heart-healthy fats like avocado and extra virgin olive oil, you have a low calorie recipe that will keep you full until dinner time. One cup of quinoa has only 300 calories in total—that’s less than most other grains! If you don’t have quinoa on hand, try using couscous instead. The taste may be slightly different but they are very similar nutritionally.
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