Most (or all) of us associate losing weight with eating less. That is, of course, because the most straightforward way to lose weight has always been to eat less. It’s normal.
However, the amazing thing is – especially for all fellow foodies out there – that certain foods can actually speed up our metabolism and even burn fat. Which in turn helps us lose weight.
In case you didn’t know about this, I’m glad to be the first to break it to you. A big part of losing weight is simply choosing what to eat and when, as opposed to eating less of everything.
That being said, here are 5 common ingredients you can easily find in stores that have the ability to give your weight-loss efforts a boost:
Quinoa
Quinoa is a great source of protein and it’s also rich in vitamins. It contains carbohydrates that are metabolized slowly, hence giving you an energy boost and providing a longer lasting feeling of fullness. It keeps your body fueled for longer and reduces your urge to eat.
It’s main property is the regulation of blood sugar levels.
Chia
Chia gel, which is composed simply out of water and chia seeds, has a consistency that resembles the egg.
Chia seeds don’t actually speed up your metabolism, but they are less caloric than eggs and they don’t alter the taste of your meal.
You can use chia gel as a substitute for eggs or vegetable oil to cook your favorite dessert recipes. You’ll be able to “slim them down”, so that you can enjoy the same delicious taste with less calories.
Beans
Beans are healthy for a lofty number of reasons. They’re rich in carbohydrates, plant proteins, iron, calcium and B-complex vitamins.
A common misconception people make when going on a diet is they think they need to cut their carbohydrates completely.
The truth is, certain carbohydrates are actually good for us and it’s a bad idea to cut them out. Needless to say, the ones found in beans fall into the right category so use them without worry!
Dark Chocolate
Wait, no, that can’t be right… right? Actually, it is. Now I know that chocolate isn’t the first thing people associate with weight loss, but the truth is, when used in moderation, it can actually be your ally for a number of good reasons.
To start with, good quality dark chocolate provides a lot of the same benefits found in most leafy green vegetables. Consuming just two squares a day can help with your blood pressure and increase circulation.
It also improves your metabolism, thanks to the way it reduces the absorption of fats and carbohydrates.
Finally, it helps us control our appetite – so if you’ve got a craving, just two squares of good quality dark chocolate (over 50% cocoa) can help alleviate that.
Red Pepper
Red peppers are excellent for our organism. They help control cravings by stimulating the nervous system and releasing adrenaline and noradrenaline, which decrease our appetite. It also helps our body eliminate fat and inhibit weight gain.
And there you go! Start using these 5 ingredients more often while cooking, and instead of eating less, you’ll be able to focus more on just eating better.
