Foods That Aid Weight Loss

There are many foods that can help to aid weight loss. Some foods require more calories to chew and digest than they inherently hold. Others trigger digestive processes that boost metabolism and pump up the burning of unwanted fat calories while cleaning out the systems. Still other foods, when combined, provide chemical reactions that move calories and suppress fat storage.

Calcium

Calcium has been shown to heat up the body and set off the fat-burning process that keeps the body warm. There is a chemical in calcium-rich foods that blocks a Vitamin D ingredient that stores fat. When this is blocked, less fat is stored and the metabolism is boosted to work harder. Three servings a day of low-fat dairy products such as milk, cottage cheese and yogurt can supply enough of these chemicals to aid in weight loss.

Fiber

Adults should consume at least 30 to 35 grams of fiber each day to maintain weight. Higher amounts can aid in weight loss through a number of processes. Fiber is filling and smaller amounts of whole grains, vegetables, beans and fresh fruit can satiate the appetite quicker than less heavy foods. Fiber is indigestible and therefore requires more calories to process than it creates. It's the additions of sauces and toppings to the fibrous foods that add the calories.

Water

Many foods are mostly made of water and also require more calories to chew and digest than they bring to the body. Vitamins and nutrients can be absorbed through the bloodstream while the water and fiber pass through. Vegetables that are high in water content include lettuce, celery, radishes and carrots. Most diets include salads with little or no dressing for exactly this reason. They are filling and calorie burning. The best fruits to gorge on and assist a weight-loss regimen are watermelon and grapes. Additionally, eggs and fish are nearly 70 percent water and can aid in satiating an appetite.

Soup

Adding soup to any meal can help in the weight-loss process for a number of reasons. Soups are mostly water and will pass through the bod quickly. They provide a base to add other fat-burning foods such as garlic, which helps the body decrease fatty deposits, and hot peppers, which boost metabolism and help to burn calories. Soybeans added to soup increase the fat-burning properties of the dish even more.

Amounts

The more natural the food, the better chance you have of taking advantage of the fat-burning and metabolism-raising properties of the food. While uncooked fruits and vegetables will dramatically aid in weight loss, you have to eat enough of the foods to make a difference if you're dieting. A half of a head of iceberg lettuce, a quarter of a watermelon and bunches of broccoli and celery should be eaten every day to promote weight loss and keep you full and full of energy.