1. Cabbage
Cool weather brings out the “frost-kissed sweetness” of this fiber-rich and versatile veggie. Use as a low-cal wrap for lunch (blanch before rolling for a bit more malleability) or steam wedges and drizzle with flavored oil. If a dinner option is what you’re craving, try tossing shredded cabbage into a stir-fry.
2. Spinach
When it comes to weight loss, fiber is your friend — and spinach offers twice as much fiber as other greens. Plus, its antioxidants can promote increased energy levels on sluggish days. If nibbling the raw stuff doesn’t excite you, try it sautéed with garlic and olive oil.
3. Carrots
A crunchy stick dipped in hummus is a great go-to snack — but also try roasting, steaming or sautéing your carrots for hearty side dishes that won’t bust your belt. Replacing some of the meat on your dinner plate with veggies like carrots will help you cut calorie intake without going hungry.
4. Black kale
Spicier than the green variety, black kale is loaded with nutrients (including infection-fighting Vitamin A) and fiber. Sprinkle with salt and olive oil, then bake into chips that will slake your salt craving for only 35 calories per cup.
5. Winter squash
Kabocha, acorn, delicata are among the many varieties of winter squash that deliver a medley of flavors that are both low in calories and high in fiber. Puree with cinnamon and a few drops of maple syrup for a guiltless dessert. For an added weight-loss boost, scoop and roast the seeds, which contain the “good” monounsaturated fat that can help burn calories.
6. Onion
Onions are fabulous for weight loss because they contain chromium, a mineral that helps cells respond to insulin and stabilize blood glucose levels to ease cravings. There’s always onion soup but you can also rely on them to season almost any dish — from casseroles to stir-fries.
7. Mango
This “super fruit” scores high marks for nutrients and fiber that promotes fullness. Use fresh slices for garnish on oatmeal, add to your favorite stir-fry dish, or mix with spinach for a vibrant low-cal salad.
8. Broccoli
This fiber-rich green is a super source of Vitamin A and calcium, which has been shown to help torch abdominal fat. Sautee with garlic or blanch in salt water (to cut bitterness) before steaming into a healthy side dish.
9. Radish
Radishes may be small, but they’re packed with fiber and water to fill you up. And their peppery bite can counter the boredom of bland diet food. To tame the spice, cook them.
10. Meyer Lemons
A cross between a lemon and an orange, this fruit could help rev up your metabolism! According to research done at the University of Bridgeport in Connecticut, the d-limonene found in this fruit can help improve your liver’s ability to break down metabolism-slowing toxins by up to 30 percent.
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