1. MILLET
Millet is a grain that is gluten free, so it is easy to digest, has prebiotics and it is nearly 15 percent protein. Millet provides a host of nutrients, has a sweet nutty flavor, and is considered to be one of the most digestible and non-allergenic grains available. It is one of the few grains that is alkalizing to the body. The Hunzas – who live in a remote area of the Himalayan foothills and are known for their excellent health and longevity – enjoy millet as a staple in their diet. Not only that but the serotonin in millet helps to give us that ZEN feeling, helping to reduce excess cortisol and your waistline!
2. AVOCADOS
Avocados provide healthy monounsaturated fats which help to keep us full longer. The “good fat” or monounsaturated fat in avocados is also known to lower cholesterol. Eating avocados can essentially shrink belly fat by lowering cholesterol levels and avoiding the production of the hormone cortisol. The best way to consume more avocados is by substituting the meats and dairy in your regular diet with this delicious fruit. Avocados are also rich in potassium which helps to reduce tummy troubles by preventing fluid retention. Potassium also helps you lose weight by converting food into energy and encouraging muscle growth. One average size California avocado contains about 880 milligrams of potassium. Health care providers recommend 1600-3500 mg of potassium per day for healthy adults.
3. TOMATOES
Tomatoes provide that trusty antioxidant & immune boosting lycopene everyone is talking about. A key part of healthy weight loss is ensuring your body is in optimal shape, particularly the immune system. Tomatoes also contain both soluble fiber which helps to regulate your blood sugar and cholesterol AND insoluble fiber which promotes a healthy digestive system. All great for the waistline! One cup of sliced tomatoes contains 2.2 g of dietary fiber. Tomatoes are a very good source of chromium, which helps to regulate blood sugar.
4. KALE
This yummy green can be added to smoothies, used as a green for any salad or enjoyed in any soup. Kale is high in fiber, especially for a leafy green. A cooked, 1-cup serving provides 10 percent of the recommended dietary allowance. Fiber helps fill you up and can keep digestion smooth, preventing bloating and water retention that can affect the numbers on the scale. With 354 percent of the RDA for vitamin A, 89 percent for vitamin C, 1,328 percent for vitamin K, 9 percent for calcium and 6 percent for iron, kale is a low calorie way to fit in essential nutrients.
5. ONIONS
Onions can be added to any dish to flavor it up & add a nutritional punch! Onions are high in chromium, a mineral that helps to stabilize blood sugar levels. The selenium from the onions helps to rev up your thyroid for optimum metabolism. In addition, onions have also been found to lower both cholesterol and blood pressure, and regular consumption can help reduce the risk of some kinds of cancer. Onions are also rich in fiber, antioxidants and anti-inflammatories.