10 ‘Bad’ Foods that Are Actually Good for Weight Loss

When dieting, almost any food can seem less attractive, unless it’s a fruit or vegetable. But there are many foods that can make your dieting days more colourful and delicious, without increasing your body fats! These foods have gotten a bad rap but are actually good for weight loss.

Steak

Most nutrition experts would tell you, cut back on red meat. But steak, in particular, may not be that bad for your waistline. In fact, the leanest portion of beef contains barely more saturated fats than skinless chicken breast of the same size. Beef is a good source of protein – an important nutrient that makes you feel full longer. Just choose tenderloin, fillet and other extra lean parts when shopping for beef. When preparing steak, use healthier ingredients and garnishing, and limit your consumption to a slice that’s just as big as your palm.

Pasta

You don’t have to cut out pasta from your diet when trying to lose weight. Instead, choose the one made from whole grain. Eating several servings of whole grain foods promotes weight loss by delivering considerable amount of fibre in your body. Eating whole grains, rather than refined grains, makes you burn belly fats faster.

Nuts

The rule of thumb most dieters follow is to cut back on fats. This is probably why many of them avoid eating nuts. But even though nuts are high in fats, they are also rich in other nutrients, including protein and fibre that are all needed for rapid weight loss. Eating a handful of nuts daily can also lower your risk of developing heart disease.

Peanut Butter

Even peanut butter can be a good thing. Researchers at Brigham and Women’s Hospital found that people who eat peanut butter are more likely to shed excess fats than those who strictly follow a low-fat diet. Experts suggest that eating just a small portion of your favourite treats (whether high fat or not) can help control hunger without leading to weight gain.

Coffee

Coffee, when consumed without added cream or sugar, can boost your metabolism without added fats or calories. So keep it plain and black. If you can’t do without sugar, stick to a teaspoon. Whiten it with a low fat choice such as skimmed milk.

Coconut oil

You can skip olive oil sometimes and use coconut oil. Even though it has saturated fats, it may actually boost your metabolism and help you lose weight. It has also been shown to reduce symptoms of digestive disorders.

Cheese

Dieters tend to reduce their calorie intake by cutting out on calcium-rich dairy foods, such as cheese. But this is not really a good thing. Calcium is needed by the body to burn fats more effectively. Cheese is also a great source of protein. Just choose the low-fat dairy products so you can enjoy it without having to worry about the added calories. Milk is another good source of calcium.

Pork

Just like beef, pork can be good for your waistline as well, as long as you keep the serving size small and lean. Another thing, pork tenderloin sold in the market today is 31 per cent leaner than those sold 20 years ago. Instead of deep-frying it, stir fry lean pork cuts in olive oil, toss slices of your favourite vegetables (maybe carrots, broccoli, potatoes, etc) and sprinkle some herbs and spices. Yum! You can also bake or roast it instead.

Egg

For years, experts have debated on whether eggs could promote weight loss or not. A study found that eating eggs for breakfast can actually boost fat loss by curbing your calorie intake for the rest of the day, for up to 400 calories! Egg is one of the best sources of protein so eating in the morning is less likely going to make you feel too hungry for the entire day. Instead of frying it in oil, egg is healthier when poached, baked or boiled.

Sorbet

Sorbet can satisfy your sweet tooth without the added fats. This low-fat vegan alternative for ice cream contains natural fruit antioxidants and has lower amount of sugar than traditional ice creams.

Just about any food most people consider fatty or bad for weight loss can help you stick to your diet plan as long as you stick to small portions. Completely eliminating them in your diet can cause food craving that can spoil all your dieting efforts. Just remember the magic word – MODERATION. It is the key to weight loss.

Best wishes, Steve