Chloe explains that legumes are not only rich in fibre, protein and are low GI. “They are super filling so help manage appetite, plus are great for gut health.” Tick tick, they’re a great addition to your salad to help keep you fuller for longer.
2. Green Tea
It’s nothing new that green tea helps lower your appetite and almost has negative calories, a study in 2012 published in the journal of Obesity confirmed it. But want to step it up a notch? Try matcha green tea, it is packed with antioxidants called catechins that will boost your metabolism.
3. Leafy greens
It’s time to make friends with salad, Chloe recommends leafy greens as they are “particularly nutrient-dense, providing what your body needs so its systems run effectively.”
4. Nuts
We’re not talking Reese’s peanut butter pieces, we’re talking raw, unsalted nuts like almonds, walnuts and pecans. Chloe explains that they are “rich in healthy fats, which help manage satiety, and nut eaters have been shown to have smaller waists than those who do not enjoy them!” Be careful not to go overboard, a handful a day will keep the bloat away.
5. Apple Cider Vinegar
A century-old drink, the acids in apple cider vinegar help protect the body from weight gain whilst lowering blood sugar levels and boosting your metabolism.
6. Fruit
For a while there fruit was made into the devil but Chloe who is also the sports dietitian for the NRL Eels disagrees “[fruit] is packed with fibre, fruit is the perfect snack that helps keep your digestive system healthy.”
7. Water
Whilst technically not a food, we will let this one slide. “Hydration is key when it comes to weight loss; being dehydrated increases risk of overeating,” Chloe argues. Cheers to that!
8. Figs
For centuries dried figs, have been used as a snack for those looking to lose weight as they contain a large quantity of fibre they can help you feel fuller for longer and reduce hunger cravings.
9. Eggs
Not only do eggs help you feel fuller for longer, but studies have also shown that a protein-rich breakfast is key to helping you lose weight, in comparison to those breakfasts low in protein. Cold boiled eggs are also a great protein-rich snack between meals.
10. Cinnamon
Not only is cinnamon delicious a study has confirmed that the essential oil cinnamaldehyde present in cinnamon helps activate thermogenesis (the mode where your body starts burning extra calories and weight loss).
What foods to avoid to lose weight
At New Idea Food we’re all about long-lasting sustainable weight loss and don’t believe in cutting anything out altogether (hey, we’re massive baking fans!). Although, there are some foods that you should limit your intake of, these being discretionary foods.
The Australian Dietary Guidelines define discretionary foods as: “‘Discretionary’ foods and drinks include sweet biscuits, cakes, desserts and pastries; processed meats and fattier/salty sausages; sweetened condensed milk; ice cream and other ice confections; confectionary and chocolate; savoury pastries and pies; commercial burgers with a high fat and/or salt content; commercially fried foods; potato chips, crisps and other fatty and/or salty snack foods including some savoury biscuits; cream, butter and spreads which are high in saturated fats; sugar-sweetened soft drinks and cordials, sports and energy drinks and alcoholic drinks.”
