Autumn brings in a lot of change – change in temperature, change in scenery, change in time and a change in routine (for students). With all of these adjustments happening it’s easier for us now to give into the warm comfort foods such as fish and chips and pasta bake. We’ve had Halloween and Guy Fawkes (or Bonfire Night) come and go in a flash and with Xmas nipping at our heels, chances of you veering off track with an unhealthier diet are pretty high. Avoid the yearly tradition of nutritional misfortunes this autumn/winter by incorporating these foods into your diet for both high energy and weight loss. Read on for these 5 Comforting Foods to Help Keep You Slim This Winter!
1. Cottage Cheese
This soft, creamy alternative is much better for you and your slim waistline than other cheeses. Unlike those, cottage cheese is low in calories and packed with essential nutrients like protein and calcium. High levels of protein have shown to increase feelings of fullness and so you automatically eat less throughout the day. Add herbs and spices for flavour or put it in your food as is, in either whipped or cream form.
2. Eggs
One of the most effective ways to shed those pounds is to reduce how much calories you intake daily. Having 2 boiled eggs with ample vegetables as a meal would amount to less than 300 calories. Eggs are very filling because of good protein content, which is significant to reducing appetite and making us feel satisfied for longer. This makes you less likely to reach out for snacks. Remember: opt for the organic version to avoid chemicals, hormones, and other undesirable substances.
3. Sweet Potato
Another way to defeat hunger is by increasing your water intake and sweet potatoes are packed full of it. Aside from this, the vegetable is rich in fibre, protein and vitamin A that all play a part in overall weight loss. Fibre stops fat from being absorbed, creates energy from food (warding you away from sugar-loaded coffees) and encourages a regular, smoother bowl movement.
Like fibre’s surplus-regulating property, vitamin A is an antioxidant – it helps remove harmful germs and bacteria from your digestive system, keeping you cleansed and feeling lighter. Reminder: you should always follow a balanced diet including carbs. Consume sweet potatoes in moderation, baked or boiled so they stay healthy, and keep you healthy.
4. Cinnamon
If you have a sweet tooth and struggle to cut out sugar – this might be the solution for you. This spice can bring sweetness to foods without adding any sugar, which really means you avoid the excess calories of sugary products and, in-turn, the attendant weight gain. Also, cinnamon contains chromium which is great for keeping your blood-sugar levels balanced, and sugar cravings under control. Together with a balanced diet and regular exercise, cinnamon can potentially assist in burning fat, helping you to slim while dropping the excess bulk and baggage. Just add a pinch to your tea, porridge etc. to reap its many health rewards.
5. Flaxseed
Flaxseed has lots of fibre, protein, and fatty acids. Research suggests that Omega-3 may help you lose weight and stay slim more easily because it reduces appetite by making you fuller (like protein) and increases the rate your body burns fat (metabolic rate). Flaxseed also contains soluble fibre that works by slowing down the rate your stomach releases processed food into your gut, which can help decrease belly fat. Finally, this seed can help regulate blood sugar, helping to fight cravings.
Tip: Soak in water or milk before adding a little to soups, yogurts etc. You can also ground it down in a processor into a coarse or fine powder and effortlessly add it to more foods, i.e, sprinkle on breakfasts, salads etc.
