A healthy food regimen coupled with regular exercise can help you lose weight and also improve overall fitness. A healthy combination of unprocessed, low-calorie foods that contain the right amount of nutrients is essential for shedding extra pounds and getting rid of stubborn belly fat. While creating a weight loss plan, the focus should be on incorporating nourishing foods that can keep you full longer while eliminating sources of unhealthy fats.

Eggs
This is among the most versatile and affordable foods to lose weight. Eggs are a protein-rich and low-calorie option (75 calories and 6g protein per egg) that can satisfy meal as well as snack cravings. Eggs can be paired with avocados, black beans, oatmeal, or quinoa to whip up healthy recipes for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Oatmeal
Oatmeal is a popular breakfast option and an excellent choice for weight watchers. It is rich in soluble fibers, which move slowly through the digestive tract, keeping you fuller longer; one cup of cooked oatmeal contains 4g of fiber. Avoid using instant oats and adding too much sugar when preparing oatmeal. Instead, use a fruit that is low in calories, such as blueberries. Also, consider using unsweetened, plant-based milk or skim/low-fat cow’s milk for the recipe to support weight loss.

Avocados
One of the most popular foods to lose weight, this fruit is loaded with healthy fats and fibers i.e., half an avocado contains 6g of dietary fibers and 6.7g of healthy monosaturated fatty acids. A study published in BioMed Central showed an increase in nutrient intake and better diet quality when half an avocado was added to the food plan of adults. Smashed or sliced avocado can be added to a slice of toasted bread along with scrambled eggs or a few slices of radishes and cucumbers.

Greek yogurt
Greek yogurt contains enough protein (24g in a 7-ounce serving of low-fat plain unsweetened Greek yogurt) to keep you full for longer. This delicious food option also contains probiotics that improve your gut function and can help you shed extra weight.

Chia seeds
Chia seeds have high fiber and protein content, making one feel full. According to the U.S Department of Agriculture, an ounce of chia seeds contains 10g of fiber and 4.78g of protein. Adding chia seeds to diet recipes (such as smoothies, salad dressing, and jams) can aid one’s weight loss journey. People also make chia seed pudding by soaking the seeds in milk or yogurt and leaving it for 20-30 minutes or even overnight to thicken. Honey or fresh fruit can be added to the soaked chia seeds in the morning for breakfast.

Pistachios
A comprehensive nutritional regimen should also include pistachios as they have the lowest fat and calorie content compared with other nuts. Portion control is crucial while incorporating nuts in a weight loss plan. So, buying shelled pistachios can help people slow down and keep track of their intake. An ounce of unsalted peeled pistachios contains 5.8g of protein, 13.4g of fats, and 2.8g of fiber. The fibers and protein can boost metabolism, which can help people burn more calories.

Quinoa
Loaded with fiber and protein, this edible improves metabolism and reduces food cravings. A cup of cooked quinoa contains 8g of protein, 4g of fat, 5g of fiber, and 39g of carbs. People often add lean meats and vegetables to quinoa recipes to lose weight.

Salmon
One of the popular options among fat-burning foods, salmon is a rich source of protein, which can boost metabolism. Three ounces of cooked salmon contain 18.79g of protein, 10.5g of fat, and 175 calories. A low-calorie recipe for losing weight would be pan-seared salmon and baked vegetables:

Heat olive oil in a skillet and place the salmon in the center. Sprinkle salt and pepper and cook until both sides of the fillet turn brown. Preheat the oven and place tomatoes, beans, olives, and peeled garlic cloves on a baking sheet. Drizzle olive oil and salt over the vegetables and roast them until brown and tender. Finally, add the salmon to the roasted vegetables on a serving dish or plate and dig in.

Fermented foods
These probiotic-rich options can help one maintain a healthy gut, making them ideal fat-burning foods. Fermented foods such as kefir, sauerkraut, kombucha, and tempeh boost immunity and good digestion by strengthening the gut.

Watermelon
Staying hydrated is important to achieve weight loss goals as hunger and thirst cues can seem similar. Watermelon contains more than 90% water and is a great source of vitamins A and C. It also contains the amino acid arginine, which can help in burning fat.

While food cannot single-handedly boost weight loss, the right kind of food can fulfill nutritional requirements, keep you full, and support fat- and calorie-burning processes. Further, incorporating these clean, unprocessed foods to lose weight can improve immunity, helping along in the weight loss journey.