When we talk about diets, it’s usually about deprivation and all the good things we have to cut out of our lives. But according to nutritionist and diet expert Robert Ferguson, you actually need to eat to lose weight. A board member on the Presidential task force on obesity and the founder of the Diet Free Life, Ferguson has helped over half a million people lose weight with his “eat to lose” philosophy.
Ferguson shared his picks with us for the superfoods that we should be adding to our diets today. He also explained why we all need to starting eating these fat-burning, weight loss boosting foods.
1. Broccoli Rabe
Also called rapini or raab, broccoli rabe is packed with fiber and protein like no other leafy green veggie. It keeps you full and tastes delicious. You can steam it, saute it, and use it in cooked dishes that you’d usually use broccoli in.
2. Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
This is a flavorful plant-based oil that is perfect for weight loss cooking because its chemical fat structure makes it an easy fat for our bodies to burn and a hard fat for us to store. Use it in place of any other oil you normally use. Coconut oil also has dozens of health and beauty applications and uses.
3. Quinoa
You can use this as a grain, but it’s a complete protein unlike rice and pasta. It’s also rich in protein and fiber and goes well with other protein sources (e.g., chicken, steak, fish, tofu) and carbohydrates to make excellent fat-burning meals.
Replace your rice and pasta with quinoa – it has a great, nutty flavor and texture and is very filling.
4. Freshly Ground Flaxseeds
Flaxseeds provides lignans which studies say may have a protective effect against breast cancer and promotes weight loss. You can easily add ground flaxseed to cereal, yogurt, and smoothies.
5. Black Eyed Peas
Just one cup of black eyed peas delivers 20 percent of the daily value of magnesium, calcium, and iron. They are also rich in protein and soluble fiber, which helps prevent type 2 diabetes by keeping blood sugar balanced after you eat. This rich source of soluble fiber also binds to cholesterol and carries it out of the body. Like many other legumes, black eyed peas keep you feeling full and stimulate an appetite-suppressing hormone in your body.
Add black eyed peas to your soup, rice, or pasta dishes or just serve it up as a good-for-you side.
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Want to Lose Weight? 5 Superfoods to Add to Your Diet Today