No food alone could ever cause us to lose weight, there is no such thing as the best single weight loss food. We all understand that weight loss is the result of the energy consumed from all various foods within the diet, and that a diet's total energy must be lower than the energy used by the body.
Some sites peddle the idea that certain foods are the best for weight loss because when these "special foods" are eaten they result in negative calories however, there is no hard scientific proof to support this theory. In fact the only reason some foods are considered the best for weight loss is because they help reduce the total energy consumption in some way. For example, some fruits are listed in the negative calories foods list and considered one of the best foods for losing weight but this is probably due to the fact that fruits are often very low in energy. If any low calorie food is replacing another food high in calories then it can be considered good for losing weight.
Some other foods that are considered helpful when losing weight are those high in fiber. The fiber helps fill up the stomach quicker causing the individual to eat less, thus less calories are consumed.
Foods that are low in fat are also believed to be the best for losing weight. Fat contains more than twice the amount of energy than carbohydrates or protein, so eating less fat naturally lowers calorie intake.
Foods that are nutritionally dense, especially from some of the B vitamins may help increase energy levels and give an individual more desire to exercise.
Many foods with a high water content are among some of the best foods to help lose weight. They are often low in calories plus increasing water intake has been shown to benefit weight loss. Water benefits weight loss
Fresh, natural produce are among the best foods for weight loss, they are often low in energy and low in sodium. A high sodium intake has been shown to cause slight water retention, thus gaining an extra few pounds of water weight. A low sodium diet can help rid the body of water retention.
Processed and convenient products loaded with refined sugar are NOT the best foods for losing weight. The sugar contributes to "empty calories" void of all nutrients.
All the best foods for weight loss should generally be....
- Fresh natural food
- High in fiber
- Low in calories
- Low in fat
- Low in refined sugars
- Low in sodium
Many good weight loss foods may also contain...
- High quality protein
- Fiber
- High water content
Examples of some of the best foods for losing weight...
- Fruit
- Vegetables
- Legumes
- Wholegrain foods (muesli, oatmeal, wholemeal pasta, etc)
- Baked potato
- Boiled brown rice
- Fresh fish
