Do you often feel run-down, irritable, and unable to maintain your energy levels as the hours of the day tick by? If yes, you are among the many people missing out on healthy superfoods for weight loss.
Superfoods are the powerhouses of nature, packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that boost the immune system without weighing you down. With the right superfoods on your plate, you can ensure optimal defences against illnesses while maintaining a slimmer waistline.
This blog unveils 10 incredible healthy foods to incorporate into your diet to feel healthier and more energetic. Get ready to transform your weight loss and immunity-boosting journey with these healthy superfoods for weight loss.
What are Superfoods?
Although there is no clear definition of ‘superfood’, the American Diabetes Association defines superfoods as healthy foods containing essential vitamins, minerals, fibre, antioxidants, and healthy fats that promote weight loss and boost immunity. These nutritious superfoods for weight loss benefit individuals’ general health and well-being, providing optimal energy and immunity while promoting weight loss and management.
Let us take a look at the top 10 healthy superfoods for weight loss that will strengthen your immune system while helping you to achieve your weight loss goals:
10 Superfoods for Weight Loss and Stronger Immunity
Dark, Leafy Greens
Dark, leafy green vegetables (kale, spinach, broccoli, collard, swiss chard) are termed the ‘superfoods of nature” as they are nutritional powerhouses rich in folate, zinc, vitamins, calcium, iron, and magnesium. They support gut health, reducing inflammation and keeping your immune system optimal. Moreover, these healthy superfoods for weight loss contain carotenoids, which have been known to combat certain types of cancer.
To get the most out of these leafy greens, toss them into your favourite salad or saute them for a delicious side dish with your meal.
Green Tea
If you are passionate about your weight loss goals, you may prefer green tea to black tea and coffee. Green tea contains polyphenolic compounds and antioxidants that combat heart disease and diabetes. It is also counted among the top healthy superfoods for weight loss as it burns fat through thermogenesis, helping to burn calories.
Drink green tea after every meal to achieve your desired weight and ensure a strong immunity to combat diseases.
Berries
Berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries) are nutritional powerhouses containing vitamins, minerals, fibre, and antioxidants. Due to phytonutrients, berries are associated with a reduced risk of cancer, heart disease, and inflammation. In addition, they are counted among the healthy superfoods for weight loss, as they influence genes which regulate fat-burning and storage.
Add berries to your salads, top it over your desserts, or enjoy them as a wholesome evening snack.
Legumes
Legumes, such as lentils, peas, and alfalfa, are a class of healthy foods that boost the immune system and help prevent certain diseases. They are also rich in Vitamin B, minerals, fibre, and protein sources. Legumes are known as some of the best healthy superfoods for weight loss as they promote a feeling of fullness and satiety that aid in effective weight management.
Looking for easy and quick recipes for your weight loss plan? Get them here.
Eggs
Whole eggs are a rich source of essential nutrients such as Vitamin B, choline, Vitamin A, iron, selenium, and phosphorus. Loaded with protein, these healthy superfoods for weight loss contain zeaxanthin and lutein oxidants, improving vision and eye health.
Boiled, whole eggs are an excellent source of food that boosts the immune system and helps you stay full for longer, so you don’t overeat at mealtimes.
Nuts
These prebiotic fibres promote healthy gut bacteria, protecting against infections and digestive issues.
If you want to lose weight, nuts may not be on your list of healthy superfoods for weight loss as they contain a high amount of fat and calories. However, a study revealed that those individuals who eat two or more portions of nuts a week have a 31% lower risk of weight gain than those who rarely consume them, indicating that you can add nuts to your favourite foods to help you lose weight.
Garlic
Garlic is among the healthiest foods. Its anti-inflammatory properties boost the immune system. Garlic may also aid in zinc absorption, which strengthens the immune system and helps prevent common colds and flu. The elements found in garlic speed up metabolism and digestion, helping lose weight.
Want to binge on snacks without worrying about those bothersome calories piling up? These healthy snack ideas are all you need!
Olive Oil
Olive oil is one of the main ingredients used in the Mediterranean diet and one of the healthy superfoods for weight loss. It contains monounsaturated fats and oleic acid, which regulates your diet and prevents overeating, thus proving to be an ideal ingredient for all your meals.
In addition, the phenolic compounds in Extra Virgin Olive Oil have potent anti-inflammatory properties, which help prevent heart disease and boost immunity for a stronger you.
Looking for the perfect dressing for your meals? This homemade olive oil and lemon salad dressing recipe will do the trick for you.
Turmeric
Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, has certain antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may prevent chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease.
Studies have shown that curcumin may help with various related issues, such as overall weight reduction, reduced BMI, and reduced fat. Not surprisingly, if you want to lose weight, adding turmeric to your meals may be a good option.
Salmon
When counting the healthy superfoods for weight loss, it’s hard to miss out on salmon. This is because salmon is high in protein and low in calories, making it a healthy food to add to your weight loss meal plans.
Salmon is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, which suppress inflammation and keep your immune system in check. Incorporate this healthy food in your diet to strengthen your immunity, combat diseases, and help you with your weight management goals.
Wrapping It Up
Weight loss diet plans and meals may be your first choice when you decide to shed those extra pounds. However, certain healthy superfoods for weight loss can help you achieve your desired weight goals while keeping your immunity system strong, so you do not have to compromise your health to achieve your weight loss goals.
