A good balanced diet is essential for anyone who wants to lose weight. It is recommended that people eat at least 5 portions of fruit or vegetables a day to help them keep their body at optimum health.However eating more vegetables can really help your weight loss and of course with any food there are bad and good so here I will try to give you an idea of the best vegetables for dieting.
Vegetables are usually great for dieting because they generally have a low fat content and if eaten raw or cooked correctly is packed full of vitamins and nutrients which is extremely beneficial for your body even if it doesn't help you lose weight.
The good thing about vegetables is they are generally cheaper than meat. They can be cooked in a variety of ways to make them delicious. I find adding vegetables to a meal can add color and variety to any dish.
The high water content of vegetables is the main reason they are a great food to eat when dieting. The low calorie content and the extra fiber present in most vegetables can help you feel fuller without putting extra calories into your body. The low sodium content of vegetables is also beneficial to your weight. Lower sodium levels in your body would mean your body needs to retain less water and thus you would be lighter by a few pounds just by eating more vegetables.
All fresh vegetables are great for dieting. A meal with more vegetables is healthy and packed full of vitamins and nutrients yet low in fat and calories.
Here is a list of some of the best vegetables for dieting:
Bok choy - this Chinese vegetable is great when gently stir fried with a splash of light soy sauce. Or if you like try blanching them in water for 1 minute and dipping them with light soy sauce or oyster sauce.
Bean sprouts - extremely low in calorie and is deliciously crunchy. This vegetable is full of water so a quick stir fry with a splash of soy sauce or oyster sauce is all you need to do the trick.
Celery - this vegetable is well known for dieters. It has a great mild flavor and is delicious eaten raw. Try to avoid the high calorie dips if you want to lose weight though.
Lettuce, spinach and other light greens - lettuce is low in calories and is light and crisp when eaten raw. Spinach needs to be cooked lightly to bring out the best in flavor. Try steaming gently and add a pinch of pepper and a squeeze of lemon to taste.
Mushrooms - a chunky and very tasty vegetable. A favorite when used in pasta sauces and bolognaise. If you're using the large flat mushrooms try grilling them under medium heat and add a splash of olive oil - the sweet taste will amaze you.
Asparagus - is sweet, tender and crisp when cooked correctly. Try grilling asparagus spears whole with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Or if you prefer you can cut them into smaller slices and quickly stir fry them. It is healthy and delicious!
Green and red peppers - try cutting a pepper in half and gently grill. The sweetness of the peppers will be brought out under the grill or if you prefer cut them into chunks and barbecue them.
Cucumber - eaten fresh in salads cucumbers can add color and texture to any meal. This vegetable (well officially a fruit) is best eaten raw and because of its high water content is one of the lowest calorie foods around.
Cabbage - full of vitamins and minerals and amazing hearty. Cut into thin shreds and quickly stir fry or blanch to help it retain all the flavor and nutrients. Add to salads for extra variety and flavor.
Tomatoes - delicious eaten raw or can be gently grilled fro a sweeter fuller taste.
Herbs - adds flavor and color to any dish. Makes any dish more appetizing.
Onions - the old trusted onion is so versatile and could be added to salads raw or cooked or caramelized to create absolutely any dish!
Jalapeno peppers - add some spice into your meals with this pepper. If you like hot salads or salsa then this pepper is a must. It is full of vitamins and can help boost your metabolism and burn extra calories without you even moving!
Beans and peas - Beans and peas are delicious. Beans can be shredded and quickly cooked.
Well there's the list of the best vegetables for dieting.
The list is not comprehensive because I could go on and on but most of the commonly available vegetables are covered here which will give you a great start.
Best Wishes,
Sam Das
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