What Foods Promote Weight Loss?

Foods that promote weight loss keep you full for an extended period of time and are low in calories. Many diets lose steam because the dieter feels too fatigued to make healthy meals and always feels extremely hungry. Temptations are everywhere from fast food to vending machines. Make your diet work for you by picking out nutritious foods packed with energy rather than calories. Find out what to eat for your weight loss plan.

Protein

Protein gets broken down into amino acids, which help signify to the brain how much to eat. If you balance the amino acids in the hypothalamus part of the brain, you will stay full longer. In addition, the body stores less protein than carbohydrates. To further promote weight loss, choose protein that is low in fat or calories. Foods like fish, shellfish, chicken and turkey are all low-calorie foods. In fact, there are only 22 calories in 4 large shrimp. You can throw shrimp on salads or steam them with vegetables to make a filling meal.

Vegetables

Americans should get four to five 1/2-cup servings of fruit and four to five 1/2-cup servings of vegetables, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. By filling up your plate with vegetables, you offer less room for high-calories foods like carbohydrates and large portions of proteins. For example, 1 cup of spinach has 7 calories. If you had 3 cups for a salad with a few onions, tomatoes and low-fat dressing, you would have a meal for less than 150 calories. As a dinner option, steam 4 oz. of tilapia and 1 cup of broccoli for a meal under 200 calories.

Fiber

Fiber has a slow rate of digestion, which makes us feel full longer. When it gets to out digestive tracks it hurries through, taking toxins and excess water as it goes through. Bloating, constipation and intense hunger can all be cured by getting more fiber in out diet. Give yourself at least 45 to 60 g of fiber a day for optimal health benefits. Get fiber through peas, legumes, brown rice and whole grains. If you have problems with the gas, soak beans overnight or take a gas aid product like Gas-X.