5 Surprising Foods That Can Help You Lose Weight

If you're trying to get ready to fit into that bikini, it may surprise you to know that you don't have to give up all your favorite foods and nibble on celery sticks and carrots all day to get your metabolism going.  Many foods are thought to be fattening, when in fact they actually can help your body burn fat so you can slim down faster.  There are good reasons to re-think some of the “forbidden” foods when deciding what foods to choose for your diet.  Let's take a look at a few of these much-maligned foods to set the record straight.

Almonds

Shelled almonds (Prunus dulcis) Italiano: Mandorle sgusciate (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Who would have thought that this small nut would have such a significant impact on weight loss? A Purdue University study showed that when compared to eating rice cakes, people who ate a handful of almonds felt fuller longer. Surprisingly, almonds are loaded with fat, but it's good fat. It's the kind of fat that your brain and body needs to function. Enjoy about 16 to 20 almonds every day to satisfy your hunger without overloading on calories. Raw almonds contain the most health benefits (and I also find them the tastiest). 

Olive Oil

A healthy intake of fats can help you lose weight. How? By controlling hunger. Fats make you feel full, and stay full longer. Monounsaturated fats are a good choice because you will keep cholesterol under control while satisfying your cravings, and olive oil fits the bill. Eliminating fats from your diet to lose weight has been a dieting standard for many years, but certain fats are essential to a healthy diet.  This concept is surprising to many long-term dieters.  But, in these modern times, science has proven that oils, if they're the right oils, provides nutrition that your body needs as well as weight loss benefits. (Which goes right along with our philosophy of eating whole, natural foods.)

Peanut Butter

Who would have guessed that a kid-friendly food could be diet friendly, too? Peanut butter is packed with niacin, which keeps the digestive system on track and prevents belly bloat. Just keep an eye on portion size because peanut butter can have a lot of fat and even sugar.  Limit yourself to no more than two tablespoons a day and be sure to pick an all-natural peanut butter so you avoid the added sugars. Real peanut butter - the kind that's good for you - contains only two ingredients: peanuts, and salt. (Unsalted varieties are also available.)

Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, the true "parmesan" (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Parmigiano- Reggiano Cheese

Another on the list of unexpected foods to help slim you down is a particular favorite of most foodies. This low-calorie, calcium-rich treat activates the body's fat-burning hormones, say University of Wisconsin researchers. This cheese also has a higher protein content compared to other dairy products. Consider adding this powerhouse of flavor to roasted vegetables for that little extra boost - you'll be doing something good for your body and your taste buds at the same time!

Animal Fats

What?? We've been told for so long that you have to eliminate animal fat from your diet to lose weight, that it's hard to wrap your head around this one, right?  But, new research has proven that animal fat provides some nutritional value you need and may be a better choice than other forms of fat in some cases.  (Yes, I put that in bold type because it is such a shift in mindset for many people!) Not only does fat in your food make you feel full, but certain animal fats may provide your body with some missing elements.  Even the much dreaded lard has been making a dietary come back.  Your body needs vitamin D to feel good and to function properly.  Interestingly, foods that provide vitamin D, all of which are animal foods, tend to be high in cholesterol.  What does this have to do with weight loss?  If you are not getting enough vitamin D, you will not be as active.  You will have less energy, and your bones and muscles are also going to suffer, keeping you sedentary, which is a disaster when trying to lose weight.  So, animal fats in moderation should be on your weight loss radar.

Through the years, there have been diet gurus who have pitched some pretty far-fetched ideas about weight loss.  Usually, it comes down to moderation.  Avoiding certain foods entirely, even the foods that “sound” fattening, may not be the best way to lose weight and keep it off.  It's confusing, I know.  But, give it some thought and decide for yourself which weight loss theories make sense to you. I think when you really start delving into this for yourself, and looking at the research, as well as using common sense, you'll start to clearly see that whole, natural foods are almost always good for you, in the proper balance, no matter what they are. Just stay away from processed foods, including sugar and white flour, and you'll be surprised how much better you feel, and how quickly you can slim down.

For more interesting research and recipes related to this topic, see these books: