Losing weight doesn't have to mean sticking to rigorous diets and exercising excessively. Simply add these 10 foods to your diet and you're good to go.
1. Oats
Oats are one of the best things to eat if you want to burn off some fat. Having a bowl of porridge every morning will fill you up and make you less likely to snack later on in the day. Oats can be used to make porridge, which is low in calories. Spoon some oats into a microwavable bowl and pour in some milk. Heat for a few minutes, taking the bowl out every so often to stir. Add honey or cinnamon and berries for a natural sweet taste.
2. Eggs
Eggs are seen as very simple, but they are in fact a great source of protein, which burns calories and can help you build muscles. Eggs also contain fibre and zinc. If that wasn't enough, eggs only have around 70 calories, making them ideal for either breakfast or lunch. For maximum effect, stick to the white part of eggs as the yolk tends to be high in cholesterol.
3. Greek yoghurt
It's very tempting to eat yoghurt if you're in a rush in the morning as it's quick to eat and doesn't require any preparation. However, a lot of yoghurt contains hidden sugar. Opt for Greek yoghurt instead. This is low in fat and rich in Vitamin D and calcium. Greek yoghurt also improves metabolism. Pour a little into a bowl and drizzle some honey.
4. Salmon
Salmon is another food that is packed full of hunger-busting protein. It is full of Omega-3 and monounsaturated fats, which protect against heart disease and improve the functioning of your brain. Poach a fillet of salmon and serve on a bed of kale or spinach with a wedge of lemon. Salmon also works well with eggs, but if you're scrambling the eggs make sure to use olive oil rather than sunflower oil.
5. Nuts
If you have a tendency to snack between meals, nuts will be your new best friend. Stick to non-salty nuts such as almonds and peanuts, and you'll be slim in no time. Love peanut butter? Well, don't worry, a helping of organic peanut butter on a slice of rye bread will do more good than bad. You can even make butter from almonds - blend a handful of almonds into a smooth paste and then combine with fruit to make a smoothie.
6. Avocado
Avocado has soared in popularity during the last few years and it's not surprising. Avocados are rich in vitamin B16 and fibre, as well as monounsaturated fats. Avocados contain even more potassium than bananas - a 50 gram serving will provide you with 7% of the suggested daily amount. Blend an avocado pear to make guacamole and spread on a slice of toast or use as a dip for low-fat tortilla chips.
7. Broccoli
Broccoli may not have a very appealing taste, but it is recommended for weight loss due to its high water content and lack of calories. Broccoli provides many essential minerals and vitamins, including chromium, calcium and vitamin C. Chromium regulates the flow of insulin, while calcium speeds up the breakdown of stored fat, and vitamin C reduces blood pressure.
8. Tomatoes
Like broccoli, tomatoes are very nutritious and make weight loss much easier. Research has shown that this delicious fruit reduces inflammation and boosts energy, so you'll be more alert throughout the day. Snack on tomatoes instead of chocolate and crisps, or chop up in a salad with beans or cucumber and slices of low-fat cheese. The phytonutrients in cucumber (such as lignans, cucurbitacins and flavonoids) can prevent cancer, while beans will help your heart by reducing cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
9. Grapefruit
Although grapefruit is not completely calorie-free, it has been used for weight less for decades. Eating grapefruit first thing in the morning on an empty stomach can cleanse your body of any bad toxins. Grapefruit is also an excellent way to curb hunger and controls your blood-sugar level, lowering chances of obesity later in life. You won't find any cholesterol, sodium or saturated fat in grapefruit.
10. Blueberries
It may come as a surprise that something so small and tasty can be so healthy. However, blueberries have quickly become a superfood and weight loss experts suggest eating a handful of this fruit on a regular basis since they have few calories and help improve your vision and memory. Blueberries also contain fibre, potassium and vitamin C.