12 Superfoods for Weight Loss

The best superfoods to supercharge your weight loss

Superfoods can help with weight loss by boosting the metabolism, increasing fat burning and energy production, decreasing cravings for sugary, high-fat foods and keeping you full so you’re not tempted to binge on unhealthy foods.

In this article I’ve listed 12 of the best superfoods to help you lose weight effectively.

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What are Superfoods?

Superfoods are foods that contain high levels of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and other health-boosting properties.

You may already have some of these low-calorie, nutritious superfoods in your fridge or pantry.

Substituting some of these foods for low-nutrient foods can make a big difference to your weight loss results without you feeling hungry all the time.

12 SUPERFOODS FOR WEIGHT LOSS

1. Turmeric

Turmeric is a spice that is best known for its ability to reduce inflammation in the body.

High levels of inflammation are associated with obesity, especially excess weight around the waist.

Studies have found that curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, can help to reduce weight and body mass index in patients with metabolic syndrome. [1]

Turmeric can also help to regulate blood sugar levels and prevent insulin resistance.

Turmeric powder can be added to curries and sprinkled on top of meals. You can also try a curcumin supplement.

2. Flaxseeds

Flaxseeds, also known as linseeds, are low in calories, high in fiber and an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids.

Studies have shown that daily consumption of flaxseeds for more than 12 weeks has positive effects for weight loss.

Flaxseeds were shown to be a good choice for weight management, particularly for weight loss in overweight and obese participants in the study. [2]

Ground flaxseed can be added to soups and smoothies to keep you full for longer. It can also be used instead of breadcrumbs or to thicken sauces.

Flaxseeds can be sprinkled on salads, cereal or added to baking recipes.

3. Chia Seeds

Chia seeds can help to increase energy levels, endurance and decrease hunger.

They’re high in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, fiber and protein.

Studies have shown that eating chia seeds daily for 12 weeks promotes significant reduction in weight and waist circumference, and improves cholesterol levels. [3]

Chia flour can be used to replace regular white flour and chia seeds can be added to smoothies and oatmeal. Chia seeds soaked in water can be used an egg replacement for vegans and anyone with an egg allergy.

4. Cacao

Raw cacao is made by cold-pressing un-roasted cacao beans, which retains the nutrients and removes the fat.

Cacao is known as a superfood because it’s high in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids.

Cacao is helpful for boosting the metabolism, reducing inflammation and high blood pressure and preventing the build-up of plaque in the arteries.

It also helps to increase good cholesterol levels (HDL) and lower bad cholesterol (LDL). 

Cacao can be used to make a healthy hot chocolate or added to recipes in place of cocoa.

You can also snack on cacao nibs, which are crushed pieces of cocoa beans. They taste slightly bitter but they’re packed with nutrients.

5. Cinnamon

Cinnamon is a popular weight loss superfood that is well known for its blood sugar balancing properties.

Studies have shown that cinnamon helps to lower insulin and blood sugar levels and improves insulin sensitivity. [4]

Cinnamon is also helpful for boosting the metabolism, reducing sugar cravings and lowering inflammation in the body.

Cinnamon can be added to oatmeal, yogurt, smoothies and tea to add a hint of sweetness without using sugar.

6. Matcha

Matcha is the most potent form of green tea. It’s made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant that are shaded before harvesting, which boosts the amount of chlorophyll and antioxidants that they produce.

Matcha has a much richer nutritional profile than regular green tea.

Matcha is a weight loss superfood because it contains powerful antioxidants, known as catechins that help to boost the metabolism and increase fat burning.

Try drinking Matcha tea or add Matcha powder to smoothies.

You can also drink regular green tea with a squeeze of lemon juice. The lemon juice helps the antioxidants in the green tea to be absorbed more easily.

7. Goji Berries

Goji berries are packed with nutrients and antioxidants and although they have a sweet taste, they’re a low glycemic fruit, so they won’t cause your blood sugar level to spike.

Goji berries help to reduce oxidative stress in the body, improve cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

A handful of Goji berries is a nutritious snack that will keep you full between meals.

8. Maca

Maca root is another natural weight loss superfood that is high in amino acids, vitamins and minerals.

It’s helpful for supporting the adrenal glands during times of stress, improving energy production and balancing the hormones. [5]

Maca can also help with muscle growth and tissue repair after exercise.

Maca powder can be added to smoothies. You can also try Maca supplements.

9. Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne pepper is a spice that helps to suppress the appetite, reduce cravings and boost the metabolism.

Cayenne pepper raises body temperature, which increases the amount of calories your body burns.

Cayenne pepper can be sprinkled on top of meat or vegetables for extra flavour or added to curries. Cayenne pepper is also available in capsules to assist with weight loss.

10. Pumpkin Seeds

Pumpkin seeds, also known as pepitas are a good source of vitamins, zinc, magnesium and protein.

They’re high in fiber so they’ll keep you full between meals, while also keeping your blood sugar stable so you don’t experience strong cravings.

A small handful of pumpkin seeds makes a healthy snack. You can also add them to salads or use them to make a healthy trail mix.

11. Quinoa

Quinoa is a gluten-free grain substitute that is high in fiber and protein and has a low glycemic index.

It’s helpful for boosting the metabolism and improving the body’s ability to burn fat.

Quinoa can be used to replace rice in most recipes. You can also use quinoa flour for baking.

12. Lucuma

Lucuma is a Peruvian fruit that is high in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.

Lucuma powder has a low glycemic index so it’s a great natural sugar substitute. You can add it to smoothies and recipes that require sugar.

So there’s my list of the best superfoods for weight loss.

Along with these superfoods it’s important to adopt healthy lifestyle habits like exercising regularly, getting enough sleep and avoiding too much alcohol to assist with losing weight.

If your weight loss plan could do with a boost or if you’ve reached a plateau and need some extra support to lose a few more pounds, these superfoods can help.

Have you tried any of these slimming superfoods? Let me know in the comments below.

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12 Best superfoods to maximize weight loss