The 4 Foods That Can Help You Lose Weight Faster Without Really Trying [Beuzz]

The 4 Foods That Can Help You Lose Weight Faster Without Really Trying

MANY people think that losing weight involves munching on nothing more than a few meager lettuce leaves.

However, there are actually several different foods you can — and should — eat more of to maximize your weight loss goals.

There are several different foods you can eat more to lose weightCredit: Getty

To lose weight, the number of calories you consume must be exceeded by the calories burned.

Eating a balanced diet is essential to help you achieve this.

Here we outline the four key foods you should include in your diet in order to achieve your weight loss goals – and some of them might surprise you.

1. Pasta

Time to throw away that spiralizer, pasta is back on the menu.

Studies have shown that people lose more weight when their diet regularly includes pasta.

“So instead of giving up spaghetti, consider reducing portion sizes,” wrote nutritionist Emma Beckett of Newcastle University in The conversation.

One serving of pasta (145g) contains 7.7g of protein – a macronutrient that has been shown to aid weight loss by keeping you full longer.

Emma also suggests switching to whole grain pasta which has higher fiber content and gut health benefits.

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And the news for pasta lovers gets even better if you’re a fan of leftovers.

“When pasta is cooked and cooled, some carbs turn into resistant starch,” Emma says.

Starch resists digestion, is better for blood sugar and can help you feel full.

2. Chocolate

It may sound crazy, but starting your day with chocolate could help you burn fat and speed up your weight loss.

A study published in the FASEB Review could be a sweet relief for many people who want to lose weight, but don’t want to give up their favorite treat.

A balanced diet means having a bit of what we crave – with experts saying snaffling choc at night could also aid weight loss efforts.

Scientists have found that eating chocolate in the first place can help burn fat and lower blood glucose levels

At night, they said, it can alter metabolism and lead to more regular sleep patterns.

If you want to be even more virtuous, opt for dark chocolate rather than milk.

3. Yogurt

Being both low in fat and calories, yogurt is an ideal food to add to your diet if you are trying to lose weight.

It can help improve your digestive health and fight potential bloating and excessive gas with the probiotics it contains.

Meghan Markle’s nutritionist has even highlighted the benefits of yoghurt – admitting she tells her clients to eat the dairy treat before every meal.

And a recent study from the University of Tennessee revealed just how good yogurt is for shedding belly fat.

The results revealed that participants who ate 18 ounces of yogurt daily (while reducing their overall calorie intake) lost an average of 81% more belly fat than those who chose to diet without eating yogurt.

It’s also an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, with zinc, iodine, potassium and vitamin B5 all active in yogurt.

4. Berries

Berries are a bit of a secret weapon when it comes to achieving a lean physique.

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Research has shown that red or blue fruits, such as cherries, blueberries, blackberries, and red grapes, can help you lose unwanted belly fat.

The chemicals that give fruit their colorful appearance can also burn stomach fat and help you get the flat abs you’re looking for.

How to speed up weight loss

Dietitian Melissa Meier has given her advice on exactly what you should eat each day to accelerate your weight loss results:

1. Five servings of vegetables

Try and mostly have the non-starchy kind. A serving is one cup (about 200g) of raw vegetables or half a cup (100g) of cooked vegetables.

2. Two servings of fruit

For a serving, consider an apple, two kiwis or a cup of berries.

3. Six servings of carbohydrates

Preferably whole grains…one serving is a slice of bread, half a cup of cooked rice, pasta or noodles, or a quarter cup of muesli.

4. Two and a half servings of protein

One serving is only 65g of cooked red meat, 80g of cooked poultry or 100g of cooked fish.

Two eggs, a can of tuna or 170g of tofu also count as one serving.

It is also recommended to distribute this protein content throughout the day.

5. Two and a half servings of dairy products or alternatives

Stick to mostly reduced fat. A serving is one cup of milk, three-quarters of a cup of yogurt, or two slices of hard cheese.