why am i craving asparagus

10 FOODS YOU SHOULD EAT EVERYWEEK TO LOSE WEIGHT

While no single food is a magic bullet for weight loss, incorporating healthy options into your diet can significantly support your goals. Many of these foods are not only delicious but also rich in fiber and protein, nutrients that promote satiety. By including them regularly, you can optimize your meals and make progress toward your weight loss objectives.

EGGS

Eggs are truly a near-perfect protein, particularly beneficial for weight loss. When eaten at breakfast, they have been shown to support weight loss as part of a reduced-calorie diet, according to a 2020 study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.

In addition to being economical, eggs are versatile enough to be meal-prepped for convenient grab-and-go snacks or lunches throughout the week, or to enhance a power bowl at dinner.

APPLES

Like vegetables, fruits are a smart addition to any healthy weight-loss plan. Apples, in particular, are a great choice due to their high water content and fiber (especially when you eat the skin), making them both filling and low in calories—factors that can aid in weight loss.

Apples are also budget-friendly, can last for weeks in the fridge, and are an easy, portable snack. You can get creative by incorporating them into meals—they’re delicious on salads, atop toast, or blended into soups and smoothies.

CHIA SEEDS

Fiber plays a crucial role in weight management. Its ability to slow digestion keeps you feeling full for longer, which is especially important when reducing calorie intake. A single serving of chia seeds (approximately 2 tablespoons) provides about a quarter of your daily fiber requirements, according to the USDA.

Chia seeds are versatile and easy to add to your diet, particularly at breakfast and snack time. Incorporate them into dishes like pudding, jam, or energy balls.

As an added benefit, chia seeds are known for their digestive health properties.

CRUCIFEROUS VEGETABLES

Broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, kale, and arugula are examples of cruciferous vegetables. These nutrient-dense foods have been linked to a reduced risk of cancer and inflammation.

Cruciferous vegetables are low in calories and carbohydrates, making them excellent additions to any weight loss plan. Incorporate them into your weekly meals by using them as a base for salads, a grain substitute, or a smoothie ingredient.

FATTY FISH

The 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends consuming at least 8 ounces of seafood per week. Seafood is packed with essential nutrients, including omega-3 fatty acids, which offer numerous health benefits.

The high protein content in seafood helps curb hunger and promotes satiety. While fresh fish is a great option, it can be expensive. Frozen fish fillets and shrimp are often more affordable alternatives. Additionally, canned seafood can be a convenient and budget-friendly choice, perfect for dishes like salmon patties, sardine toast, or Niçoise salad.

WHOLE GRAINS

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to completely eliminate starches like pasta, bread, and rice while losing weight. The key is to choose whole grains most of the time.

Whole grains, such as whole-wheat pasta, brown rice, and quinoa, are packed with vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients, and fiber, promoting satiety. Our bodies and brains naturally prefer carbohydrates for energy. Consuming whole grains in combination with protein and healthy fats can help curb cravings for refined carbs and sugar.

FERMENTED FOODS

Gut health is crucial for overall well-being. In addition to supporting immunity and digestion, maintaining a healthy balance of good bacteria in the gut may also promote fat burning, according to a 2020 review in Preventive Nutrition and Food Science.

Probiotic-rich foods, which provide beneficial bacteria, include kefir, yogurt with live active cultures, homemade sauerkraut, and tempeh. Try to incorporate a few bites or sips of these probiotic foods into your diet most days. Also, include prebiotics—such as bananas, asparagus, legumes, and onions—which serve as fuel for healthy gut bacteria.

PISTACHIOS

All nuts can be part of a healthy weight loss diet, as they’re satiating and satisfying due to their healthy fats, fiber, and protein content. The key is portion control, with a serving of shelled nuts (about 1/4 cup) containing between 160 and 200 calories.

Shelled pistachios fall in the middle range for calories, with approximately 183 calories per serving, according to the USDA. In addition to being tasty, pistachios offer several health benefits.

A 2020 study published in Nutrients found that regular consumption of pistachios was linked to weight loss, particularly in the abdominal area, among overweight individuals. Furthermore, eating them two or more times per week may help reduce the risk of future weight gain, according to a 2019 study in BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health.

For mindful eating, consider buying pistachios in their shells—shelling them as you snack can help you slow down and enjoy each bite!

AVOCADOS

Avocados are a staple in many diet plans for good reason. They provide a powerful combination of healthy fats and fiber, along with a creamy texture that adds richness to meals and snacks.

A 2021 study published in The Journal of Nutrition found that women who consumed one avocado daily while following a reduced-calorie diet experienced greater loss of visceral fat compared to those who did not include avocado. However, a 2022 study in the Journal of the American Heart Association found no significant effects on belly fat, although it did show that eating one avocado daily slightly reduced total and LDL cholesterol (the “bad” kind). While research on avocados and belly fat is mixed, they remain a nutritious and satisfying addition to a healthy diet.

If you’re looking to enjoy avocados beyond the classic avocado toast, there are plenty of delicious options, including Creamy Avocado Pasta, Mango & Avocado Salad, and Avocado Chicken Salad.

DARK CHOCOLATE

Yes, chocolate can aid in weight loss, and here’s why: A sustainable weight loss diet is more effective when it allows for the inclusion of your favorite foods. A 2020 review published in Current Nutrition Reports found that depriving yourself of certain foods can lead to intense cravings for them. These cravings might become so overwhelming that they cause you to abandon your weight loss efforts due to feelings of deprivation. By incorporating enjoyable foods like chocolate into your diet, you may find it easier to stick to your weight loss plan.

Including an ounce of dark chocolate (aim for 70% cacao content or higher for maximum antioxidant benefits) could be the indulgence you need to stay on track with your weight loss goals. In addition to its delicious taste, dark chocolate offers heart-healthy and mood-boosting benefits, according to a 2018 review in Planta Medica.

CONCLUSION

Eating a balanced diet that includes sufficient protein and fiber is essential for healthy weight loss (about 1 to 2 pounds per week). Here are 10 of the best—and easiest—foods to incorporate into your meals and snacks in the coming weeks. Adding these foods will help you manage your weight while ensuring you receive the nutrients your body needs.

THE MENOPAUSE DIET 5-DAY PLAN TO LOSE WEIGHT

Menopause is a big change in a woman’s life. On average, women go through menopause around age 51, and they may experience symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, feeling emotional, sad, and tired, and most notably, weight gain. To make sure weight gain during this period doesn’t disrupt your life too much, it’s important to keep track of what you eat. We’ve created a simple 5-day plan that focuses on healthy foods called “the menopause diet 5 day plan to lose weight”. It can help you lose weight while still providing you with all the nutrients and vitamins you need if you are over 50 years old. Let’s start this together!

WHAT IS MENOPAUSE?

Menopause is a natural part of a woman’s life when her body goes through some changes. Usually, it happens when a woman is in her 40s or 50s. During this time, the ovaries, which are parts of a woman’s body, stop releasing eggs and produce fewer hormones. This leads to the end of monthly periods. Menopause comes with some signs like hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and changes in sleep. It’s a normal process, and every woman goes through it. It’s like a transition to a new phase in life, and while it might bring some challenges, there are ways to manage it and stay healthy.

WHY DO WOMEN EASILY GAIN WEIGHT DURING MENOPAUSE?

During menopause, many women experience changes in their bodies that can make it easier to gain weight. One primary reason is the hormonal shifts that occur during this stage of life. The levels of estrogen, a hormone that plays a crucial role in regulating body weight, tend to decrease. This hormonal imbalance can lead to an increase in body fat and a redistribution of weight, often concentrating more around the abdominal area.

Moreover, during menopause, there is a decline in metabolism, which is the body’s ability to burn calories. A slower metabolism means that the body is not as efficient in using energy, making it easier to gain weight, especially if dietary and physical activity habits remain the same. Aside from hormonal and metabolic changes, other factors contribute to weight gain during menopause. Lifestyle factors such as reduced physical activity, unhealthy eating habits, and stress can also play a role. 

HOW TO AVOID WEIGHT GAIN DURING MENOPAUSE

CALORIE INTAKE, METABOLISM, AND WEIGHT LOSS

Calories are like the energy units our bodies need every day to work properly. Losing weight is mostly about the simple idea of balancing the calories you eat with the calories you use. When menopause happens, your body’s metabolism slows down bit by bit (Ko & Kim, 2020). This makes it really important to watch how many calories you eat. Because of this slowdown, your body doesn’t need as many calories to keep the same weight.

Metabolic rate (BMR) goes down a lot during and after menopause (Poehlman & Tchernof, 1998; Ko & Jung, 2021). BMR is the number of calories your body needs when you’re resting to do basic things like breathing and making cells. According to NHS advice, a lower BMR means that women might need to eat fewer calories or do more physical activity to reach and keep a healthy weight.

FOODS THAT HELP WITH WEIGHT LOSS DURING MENOPAUSE

LEAN PROTEINS

Including lean sources of protein in your diet is a smart move for supporting weight loss during menopause. These sources include fish, poultry, lean meats, tofu, and plant-based proteins like beans and lentils. Why is protein important? Well, it helps keep your muscles strong, and that’s crucial for a healthy metabolism. When you have more muscle mass, your body can burn calories more effectively, which can be really helpful when you’re trying to lose weight. 

HIGH-FIBER FOODS

Choosing foods like whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes is a great idea for supporting weight loss because they are filled with something called dietary fiber. Dietary fiber is like the good stuff in these foods that helps you feel full for a longer time. So, when you eat these foods, you won’t feel hungry too quickly, and that can be really helpful when you’re trying to lose weight. Whole grains include things like brown rice and quinoa, and they’re awesome because they release energy slowly, which can help control your cravings and keep your energy levels steady throughout the day. Don’t forget to add plenty of colorful fruits, veggies, and legumes to your plate – they’re not just tasty, they’re good for keeping you satisfied on your weight loss journey!

CALCIUM AND VITAMIN D

Well, when our bodies get enough calcium, it helps regulate how fat is stored and used. Vitamin D helps our bodies absorb calcium, making sure it does its job properly. So, together, calcium and vitamin D not only keep our bones happy but also lend a hand in the weight loss journey during menopause. That’s why adding calcium-rich foods and getting some vitamin D sunshine can be a fantastic tag team for overall well-being!

HEALTHY FATS

Healthy fats in your diet can be really good for you, and these fats come from foods like avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil. Why are they awesome? Well, they help you feel satisfied after eating, and that’s called satiety. Not only do these healthy fats keep you feeling full, but they also support your overall health.

The British Nutrition Foundation says it’s a great idea for postmenopausal women to have a balanced intake of these healthy fats. So, don’t shy away from adding a handful of nuts to your snack or drizzling a bit of olive oil on your salad – it’s like giving your body a little boost of goodness.

5-DAY MEAL PLAN FOR MENOPAUSE

Menopause can bring about changes in your body, including your metabolism and appetite. This meal plan focuses on foods that can help manage these changes and support your overall health:

Day 1:

  • Breakfast: Greek yogurt with berries and chia seeds, green tea
  • Lunch: Tuna salad sandwich on whole-wheat bread with avocado and mixed greens, apple slices
  • Dinner: Salmon with roasted Brussels sprouts and quinoa, side salad with vinaigrette dressing
  • Snacks: Handful of almonds, carrot sticks with hummus

Day 2:

  • Breakfast: Scrambled eggs with spinach and tomatoes, whole-wheat toast
  • Lunch: Lentil soup with whole-grain bread, side salad with olive oil and vinegar dressing
  • Dinner: Chicken stir-fry with brown rice and mixed vegetables
  • Snacks: Edamame, sliced bell peppers with guacamole

Day 3:

  • Breakfast: Oatmeal with berries and nuts, milk
  • Lunch: Turkey and vegetable wrap on whole-wheat tortilla, mixed green salad
  • Dinner: Vegetarian chili with kidney beans, black beans, corn, and quinoa
  • Snacks: Greek yogurt with a drizzle of honey and pumpkin seeds, banana

Day 4:

  • Breakfast: Smoothie with spinach, banana, almond milk, and protein powder
  • Lunch: Leftover vegetarian chili with whole-wheat crackers
  • Dinner: Baked cod with roasted sweet potato and asparagus
  • Snacks: Cottage cheese with pineapple chunks, pear slices with almond butter

Day 5:

  • Breakfast: Whole-wheat pancakes with banana slices and cinnamon, side of scrambled eggs
  • Lunch: Quinoa salad with chickpeas, cucumber, tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette dressing
  • Dinner: Turkey meatballs with spaghetti squash and marinara sauce
  • Snacks: Celery sticks with peanut butter, mixed nuts

Additional Tips:

  • Feel free to adjust portion sizes based on your individual needs and activity level.
  • Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
  • Limit processed foods, sugary drinks, and unhealthy fats.
  • Add spices and herbs to your meals for flavor and added health benefits.
  • Cook at home whenever possible to control the ingredients and portion sizes.
  • Don’t forget to listen to your body and eat when you’re hungry and stop when you’re full.

FAQ

1. How many calories should a menopausal woman eat to lose weight?

1,000 to 1,200 calories a day.

2. Are bananas good for menopause?

Yes. It is a gut-friendly food.

3. Is yogurt good for menopause?

Yes. When we talk about foods that are really good for menopausal health, yogurt is one that comes up a lot.

4. Are there any supplements recommended for menopausal weight loss?

No. The most effective way is to concentrate on having a well-rounded diet and doing regular exercise.

CONCLUSION

Embarking on the menopause diet 5-day plan to lose weight is a promising journey towards achieving a healthier and more balanced lifestyle during this significant life stage. Remember, small changes over the course of these five days can contribute to long-lasting positive habits, making the menopause diet a sustainable and empowering approach to navigating this chapter of life.