Tag Archives: goji berries

5 Superfoods for Weight Loss

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Eat More to Lose More!

Dieters will like the sound of that! Instead of starving yourself to lose weight, science shows you need to EAT MORE … of the right foods.

5 Superfoods For Weight Loss | thewellnessscientist.com

These 5 superfoods will up your calorie-burn and help you lose weight!

Quinoa

Instead of rice, try quinoa!

quinoa-porridge

Quinoa has 8g of protein and 5g of fiber per serving, which will keep you feeling fuller longer.Check out my blog post, Quinoa Two Ways for both a dinner & a breakfast idea (hint: quinoa is a great substitute for your morning oatmeal, too!)

Avocado

Somewhere along the way, we were convinced that a low-fat or NO fat diet was the only way to lose weight.

Boy, was that wrong! The secret is choosing right kinds of fats, like nutrient-rich avocado. Avocados are rich in oleic acid, which may trigger your body to keep hunger pangs at bay. Stick to half of an avocado per serving.

Try this amazing Easy Guacamole Recipe

Photo courtesy of Real Simple realsimple.com

Photo courtesy of Real Simple
realsimple.com

Avocados are creamy enough on their own, so no sour cream required!

Kale

Kale has two of the most powerful antioxidants: carotenoinds and flavonoids. These help expel free radicals and protect against cancer. One raw cup contains 34 calories and about 1.3g of fiber. Not a huge fan? Try throwing raw kale into soups like this Creamy Mushroom Soup with Greens and Ginger

Goji berries

Goji berries are becoming more well-known here in the US, but this popular Asian superfood has been around for much longer.

Photo courtesy of 52kitchenadventures.com

Photo courtesy of 52kitchenadventures.com

 

These tart berries are a protein source, with 18 amino acids. How many fruits can say that?

Chili peppers

Spicy foods crank up your metabolism, so it’s no surprise that chili peppers can help you lose weight. In a study published in the journal Clinical Nutrition, researchers found that consuming a combination of capsaicin and green tea led subjects to feel less hungry and eat fewer calories. Throw a little diced chili pepper into homemade marinara sauce for an extra kick!

All You Need to Know About Asian Superfoods, Part 3

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Sharing the last of my Asian superfood series with you today, part 3 of 3.  Some of these were familiar to me… others not so familiar.  But variety is the spice of life, right? 🙂

And speaking of spice…

The first superfood on the list today is turmeric.  Turmeric is used for its anti-cancer properties, as well as an immunity booster and liver detoxifier.  If you are a fan of Indian food (namely curries), you may recognize turmeric as a key ingredient.

curry shrimp

Turmeric is said to be helpful in fighting the common cold, as well as other respiratory problems.  Researchers at the Cork Cancer Research Center in Ireland treated esophageal cancer cells with curcumin (the chemical found in turmeric which gives curry that distinctive yellow color)  and found it began to kill cancer cells within 24 hours!

Next is soybeans.  Soybeans are rich in protein, isoflavones (which have antioxidant benefits) as well as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids (heart-healthy!). They also contain potassium and magnesium, which are necessary for our muscles to contract and relax.  Edamame are probably the most well-know type of soybean.  You can buy them in the frozen food section of most super markets.  Once thawed, they are a great addition to salads.  I love ordering steamed edamame as an appetizer when I go out for sushi.

soy beans, edamame

Last in the superfood series are two fruits — wolfberries (also known as goji berries) and pomegranates.

Wolfberries are rich in vitamin C and selenium, which both protect the heart and aid in cancer prevention.  They are also high in vitamin A – excellent for the eyes and skin.  You can usually find them amongst the dried fruits in markets like Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s.

Pomegranates are loaded with antioxidants, potassium, vitamin B and vitamin C.  My friend sprinkles pomegranate seeds on top of her fruit salads, which adds a very interesting visual appeal.  Pomegranate juices are readily available in pretty much every super market, making it super easy to get your superfood boost.  There is even a POM supplement now for those who want the benefits without the added calories in a juice.

 

I hope you found the Asian superfood series interesting and perhaps have added a new thing or two to your diet.  I find that variety keeps cooking at home a task that is enjoyable rather than draining.  If you missed parts 1 and 2 of the series, you can find them here:

Asian Superfood Series, Part One

Asian Superfood Series, Part Two