Many people assume that in order to lose weight you have to eat less. Now, that may be true of course if you have NOTHING to eat you have NOTHING to gain. Instead of strategically attempting to eat less you need to be mindful of what you are actually eating. To help manage your weight you should eat foods that are rich in protein and fiber. The best sources of protein are meat, poultry, fish, dairy foods, eggs, and tofu. Here is a list of all the foods and ingredients that should help you shed a few pounds in no time.

1. Chocolate

Let’s go ahead and start the list off with CHOCOLATE! I know they say chocolate has a bunch of health benefits that we should pay attention to. While it has all these benefits, they tell us to “Eat in moderation”. What exactly does that mean? It means we should eat CHOCOLATE! When they say this they mean no snickers, or kit kats, or twix. (No offense) Studies suggest you “stick to dark chocolate with a high cacao content, rather than milk chocolate.” Cacao is nutrient-dense and packed with antioxidants. It can help lower blood pressure, combat clogged arteries, and reduce the risk of stroke.

2. Nuts and Seeds

Second on the list will be nuts and seeds. Nuts are a great go to when you need a quick snack for body fuel or nutritional intake. Chestnuts contain the lowest fat and calories, and almonds make a great healthy snack—one study found eating a handful of almonds daily, instead of a high-carbohydrate snack with equal calories, helped reduce belly fat, and significantly improved cholesterol levels. Eating nuts can help to control body weight as they boost satiety.

Satiety is defined as a state of non-eating. It is characterized by the absence of hunger that follows at the end of a meal and is due to consequences of food ingestion. In simpler terms it is better know as the feeling of fullness after eating.

3. Coffee and Tea

Drinking a cup of coffee helps you burn more calories. Caffeine is one common ingredient that is known to help speed up your metabolism. It allows you to increase the rate at which your body burns fat. One study states that both black and green tea could help combat obesity. Caffeine breaks down body fat cells and uses it as fuel.

Black coffee helps decrease the extra water content in the body through frequent urination. A study that was done by King’s College University in London suggests you may be able to burn up to 150 calories a day after drinking an entire cup.

4. Avocados

Avocados are a great source of “good fat”. They have been shown to decrease belly fat, are good appetite suppressants, and helps you absorb more nutrients. Avocados also contain both soluble and insoluble fiber that feeds gut microbes, and helps to move food through the digestive system.

5. Berries

Eating berries are one of the key factors in a successful control of your weight. Blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, cranberries, and raspberries, are nature’s super foods. They are also excellent foods for weight loss. They are low in calories and high in fiber. Goji berries are rich in fiber and helps to reduces your appetite giving a feeling of fullness for a longer time.

6. Cinnamon

Cinnamon is a rich source of antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties. It’s been tested and proven to be very useful when trying to lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels in the human body. Not only does cinnamon help prevent an increased storage of fat, it’s also believed to help speed your metabolism while lowering your blood sugar levels.

7. Salmon

Salmon is notable for its exceptionally high level of omega-3 fatty acids. The omega 3 found in salmon is known to aid in weight loss because they reduce inflammation levels in your body. This process can lead to decreased belly fat storage. Less inflammation, increased cardiovascular health, and improved metabolism, all help with weight loss.

8. Chicken Broth

A bowl chicken broth sounds like a very appealing meal to recover from an illness. While that may be true, a bowl of broth may also help you to lose weight. Chicken broth is a great choice for a healthful, low-calorie meal. Research revealed that a cup of chicken-bone broth contains more protein than regular chicken soup. This will allow you to eat a light meal and stay full for a longer period of time.

9. Oats

Whole grains are a good source of fiber. Evidence shows that a higher intake is more likely to lead to lower body weight, lower body mass index (BMI) and less weight gain. It is known to be one of the best fiber-based foods for weight loss.  

10. Ginger Root

It is said that ginger root is a good food for weight loss because it contains powerful anti-inflammatory properties.This ingredient is helpful during the digestion and circulation processes within the body.