Many people think that weight loss boils down to calories in, calories out – eating fewer calories than you burn will result in weight loss no matter what foods you eat.10 Surprising Weight Loss Vegetables You Probably Haven’t Tried. While there’s some truth to this, it’s also true that different foods affect your body and metabolism differently. Here are 10 vegetables that can help you lose weight faster than you might expect! These vegetables also happen to be delicious and can be added to just about any meal or snack – so feel free to use these 10 vegetable-based suggestions as part of your diet today!
10 Surprising Weight Loss Vegetables You Probably Haven’t Tried
1) Leeks
They’re big, they’re stinky, and they’re bulky—but there’s a good reason for all that extra heft. Leeks are packed with inulin fiber, which has been shown to aid in weight loss and reduce belly fat. Adding leeks to your weight-loss regimen is particularly beneficial when you pair them with foods that have a high glycemic index—that is, foods that will enter your bloodstream quickly and cause an insulin spike. Inulin regulates blood sugar levels and helps protect against type 2 diabetes; plus it gives your digestive system a health boost.
2) Green Chilies
Green chilies are a good source of capsaicin, a substance that can speed up your metabolism and help you burn calories faster. They also have vitamin C, which is essential for losing weight because it allows fat cells to metabolize more quickly. Plus, chilies will add flavor to pretty much any dish you put them in. Just be careful not to consume too many at once—they pack a spicy punch!
3) Turnips
According to a study in Appetite, when you compare people who eat more fat to those who eat more complex carbs (like whole grains), people who eat less fat have significantly lower ghrelin levels (meaning they can go longer without eating!). Also, higher-fat meals lead to more circulating levels of a hormone called insulin, which promotes satiety. So take note of your weight loss vegetables: maybe turnips aren’t for everyone, but for some folks out there, they might just be The Answer.
4) Fenugreek
It may seem odd to include fenugreek on a list of weight loss vegetables, but it actually helps suppress your appetite by making you feel full. Scientists have found that when people consumed fenugreek as part of a meal, they ate around 10 percent fewer calories than those who didn’t have it in their meal.
What’s more? A serving of fenugreek contains diuretic properties that have been shown to help bring water to your cells and flush out all that unnecessary sodium weighing you down. Try adding some to your dinner tonight!
5) Cauliflower
Cauliflower is a great vegetable to have on hand for weight loss, due to its versatility and ability to satisfy cravings. Cauliflower contains glucosinolates, which are sulfur-containing compounds that may play a role in cancer prevention. According to Ohio State University researchers, cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower also contain an indole called di-indolylmethane (DIM).
This compound boosts levels of estrogen-disrupting substances in the body and could help lower cancer risk. One cup of cooked cauliflower contains 12 grams of protein, 53 calories and almost no fat or sugar.
6) Radishes
Radishes are naturally rich in fiber, which is good for weight loss because fiber helps fill you up and keeps blood sugar steady. They’re also low in calories (about 15 per serving) and high in sulfur—another factor that aids weight loss.
And, believe it or not, they contain more fat-burning properties than many other vegetables: radish seeds act as a diuretic, helping your body shed excess water weight. Radishes are also loaded with antioxidant compounds called glucosinolates, which have been shown to protect against cancer while also slowing down your body’s ability to absorb fat from your diet. All of these benefits make them one of our favorite weight loss vegetables!
7) Brussel Sprouts
Brussel sprouts are one of nature’s best sources of choline, a micronutrient that helps our cells metabolize fat. While it’s abundant in high-fat foods like egg yolks and red meat, many people don’t realize that consuming enough choline is especially important for those trying to lose weight. If you or someone you know is struggling with weight loss, consider adding Brussel sprouts to your next meal to help curb cravings and boost metabolism.
For example, try sauteing them in olive oil until they start to turn brown and then serve them on top of baked chicken breast with garlic sauce. For an even quicker dish, just stir fry them along with other vegetables such as broccoli, onions, peppers and carrots.
8) Onions
One of the best weight loss vegetables, onions contain a compound that could be one of nature’s most powerful fat burners. It helps break down fat cells for energy rather than storing them in your body. According to research published in Phytotherapy Research, eating just half an onion per day can boost your metabolism by up to 20 percent!
Onions are also rich in quercetin and chromium—two compounds linked to improved insulin sensitivity and decreased blood sugar levels. This healthy vegetable is also high in fiber and low-calorie, making it a great addition to any diet plan. Try adding chopped onions on top of salads or omelets or use them as a substitute for salt while cooking with oil or butter.
9) Broccoli
The nutrition profile of broccoli may not be quite as eye-popping as some of its more exotic counterparts, but that’s still a fair amount of micronutrients per serving. It’s also full of fiber and complex carbohydrates to keep you feeling full for longer periods of time. If it can make it onto our list of top 10 weight loss vegetables, broccoli might just be a new all-star in your kitchen. Enjoy steamed or roasted broccoli by itself or paired with another healthy vegetable from our list for maximum flavor and minimum calories.
10) Garlic
Garlic (Allium sativum) is well known for its medicinal properties and has been used throughout history to treat a wide variety of ailments. An odorless, sweet-tasting herb native to Asia, garlic has been cultivated since prehistoric times. Allium sativum refers to garlic’s bulbous vegetable category while sativum means cultivated. Garlic has enjoyed its place in culinary history as an ingredient in traditional dishes across India, China and Southeast Asia.
Today it is commonly used as a flavor enhancer in many Western dishes including pesto, salsa, soups and stews. It’s prized for its pungent flavor as well as its health benefits. Hope you enjoyed our list of 10 Surprising Weight Loss Vegetables.
