First of all, it should be said that when compared to other food groups, most vegetables out there tend to perform way better than average when it comes to keep you weight under control. Vegetables are packed full of nutrients (vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, phytonutrients) and are extremely low in calories making them the ideal food for people who are looking to lose weight or about to go through weight loss surgery. However, like professional athletes, there are some vegetables out there that tend to perform better than all the others when it comes to losing weight.
Here is a list of the top ten vegetables that you should be eating to lose weight:
!. Leafy Greens: Lettuce, Spinach, Kale, ect..
2. Cucumbers
3. Sweet Bell Peppers (any variety)
4. Tomatoes (really a fruit, but that’s ok)
5. Carrots
6. Peas
7. Yams and sweet potatoes
8. Squash
9. Onions
10. Garlic
As you may notice, the powerhouse vegetables Broccoli, Cauliflower, and Brussels Sprouts do not make the top ten list. While these super foods are packed with lots of good nutrients and also have a low calorie count, they also tend to be a bit gassy, which is not ideal for people who are about to go through weight loss surgery. If you do not mind being gassy and are not planning to on getting surgery, feel free to add these to the list as well.
Preparation Tips
Whenever it is possible, always go for fresh vegetables. If fresh is not possible, frozen vegetables are a good second choice. Canned vegetables are robbed of much of their nutrients during the canning process. From garden to the shelf, vegetables tend to be handled multiple times before they make it to your plate so always be sure to wash your vegetables before you consume them. Eating them raw is the best way to get all the nutrients. You can also steam them or bake them and still get a lot of the nutrient value. Boiling can leech your vegetables of all their nutritional value, so try to keep the heat lower while you are making soup.
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