Boost Energy and Lose Weight
The modern lifestyle is increasingly making up sit and work for long hours. There is no arguing that we are living an unhealthy lifestyle which is making us obese and draining our energies. According to World Health Organization (WHO) ‘more than 10% of the world’s adult population is obese’. This is an alarming figure and we need to address the issue at the earliest. However, it is also true that this same lifestyle is stopping us from exercising. Luckily there are certain food items that have dual benefits – they help lose weight and also work as energy booster. Let’s take a look at 8 great food items.
Legumes
Legumes slowly release protein and energy keeping the stomach full. Legumes such as black beans and lentils are rich in resistant starch. Legumes act as prebiotics and help in keeping the gut bacteria healthy.
Oats
Oats are whole grains and not refined. They have soluble fiber that can absorb water and cholesterol. The soluble fiber regulates blood glucose levels and gives a steady stream of energy. Oats keep you satiated for longer hours too.
Sweet Potatoes, Yams, and Winter Squash
The health benefits of seasonal vegetables are many and you should be using them to your advantage. Sweet potatoes, yams and winter squash are starchy vegetables that slowly release energy and help you eat a proportionate meal.
Chia and Flax Seeds
Rich in fiber and heart-healthy fats, chia and flax seeds keeps the digestive tract smooth. While Chia seeds can easily absorb liquids, flex seeds have the Omega-3 essential fatty acids or the good fat that are beneficial to the body.
Cruciferous Vegetables
One of the best vegetables to lose weight and get rid of potential carcinogens are cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, collard greens, Brussels sprouts and kale. They are low in calorie but have high fiber and water content that keeps your stomach full yet do not add fat. They also detoxify liver.
Fermented Foods
An age-old trick to lose weight and stay healthy is the regular intake of fermented food, such as yogurt, kefir, kimchi and sauerkraut. Fermented food is also high in protein which keeps the body energized. The trick of eating fermented food is not to add sugar while having them.
Quinoa
Quinoa is a naturally gluten-free seed that can be used to make a good and filling snack. Quinoa is rich in protein, in fact it has twice the protein of grains and has all the essential amino acids that boost energy.
Tea
Yes, a cup of tea is not just refreshing but the right cup of tea is healthy too. You should make it a habit to have either green tea that has the right antioxidants required for a healthy body. You can also have white tea, oolong tea or pu-erh tea as all of them are minimally processed and thus contain hundreds of compounds beneficial for good metabolism. These varieties of tea have substantial amount of caffeine but lesser than your cup of coffee.