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10 Foods That Help You Shed Pounds

10 Foods That Help You Shed Pounds

May 20, 2013

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The secret to losing weight? Fill up on foods that contain water, like these fruits and veggies.

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Water works

Women should consume around 2.7 liters of water a day for optimal health, shinier hair, and younger skin, but not all of it needs to come in liquid form. Watch the video to learn more about the most hydrating foods.

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Broccoli

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Did you know broccoli is a great source of fiber and calcium? Try this delicious recipe for Broccoli Salad With Sesame Dressing and Cashews.

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Cabbage

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Rich in antioxidants like vitamin C, cabbage is a great immune-booster. Enjoy it lightly sautéed in a stir-fry or paired with sweet-tart apples. Or, try this recipe for red cabbage and apple salad with ginger vinaigrette.

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Cauliflower

All the flavor, half the calories! And your vegetarian friends will swoon.

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Grapefruit

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A powerhouse for heart health, grapefruit contains vitamin C, folic acid, and potassium, along with pectin, a soluble fiber that may be a strong ally against atherosclerosis. Pink and red varieties also have vitamin A and lycopene, a phytochemical that protects arterial walls from oxidative damage. To get the juiciest specimens, select fruits heavy for their size and make sure to try them in this refreshing salad.

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Lettuce

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With a mere 60–70 calories per pound, lettuce is high on the list of diet-friendly foods. Romaine lettuce alone is a great source of B vitamins, folic acid, and manganese, which helps regulate blood sugar and is essential for proper immune system function. Choose other dark green or purple varieties such as green or red leaf for the most nutrients, and toss with a zesty homemade vinaigrette, or use in this hearty Layered Cobb Salad.

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Radishes

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These brightly colored vegetables are packed with potassium, folic acid, antioxidants, and sulfur compounds that aid in digestion. Don't forget the leafy green tops, which contain six times the vitamin C and more calcium than the roots. Thinly slice and toss in a fresh green salad or julienne for coleslaw. Try this recipe for grilled chicken with sweet-and-sour cucumber-radish salad.

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Spinach

This veggie-packed meal is high in nutrients and low in calories—and it’s tasty to boot. The spinach in these sweet potato and spinach quesadillas contains iron, the sweet potatoes provide immune-boosting beta carotene, and the mozzarella cheese has bone-strengthening calcium. You get an immune boost from the beta carotene in the sweet potatoes, and 20% of your daily iron needs are met with this veggie quesadilla. Plus, this recipe provides more calcium than a glass of milk.

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Cucumber

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This summer veggie has a higher concentration of water than any other food—in fact, 96.7% of the fruit is made up of water. It’s also incredibly easy to integrate into your meals. Toss some sliced cucumber on salad, dip some sticks in hummus for a snack, or try whipping up refreshing cucumber soup!

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Celery

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You may have heard that celery has negative calories. While that may not quite be accurate, it’s also not that far off from the truth. Since celery is mostly made up of water, it only contains 6 calories per stalk. But despite the low calorie count, it keeps you feeling full and satiated, thanks to the added bonus of fiber. Celery also isn’t short on nutrition—it contains folate along with vitamins A, C, and K. So whether you need a filling snack or meal add-on, celery is a pretty amazing weight loss superfood.

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Green peppers

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They may seem pretty dense and hearty, but bell peppers are actually made up of 92% water. And not only are these veggies great for your waistline, but they also pack a ton of antioxidants. Grill them up for a satisfying dinner or slice up some raw pieces for a healthy snack.

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