13 Spring Foods You Should Be Eating for Weight Loss

​Spring is well and truly here, and all too soon it will be summer - AKA swimsuit season. When summer comes around, a lot of people look for ways to slim down and lose weight. The dietary indulgences of winter are much harder to hide in the warmer summer months when clothing is at a minimum. 

Want to slim down before summer is in full force? One of the best ways to do that is by eating all of the right nutrient-rich spring season fresh produce that are known for aiding weight loss, mainly because they are far lower in calories then processed food. Want to tone up before swimsuit season is in full force? Below is our list of our 13 go-to picks that should help you slim down ready for summer.

1. Radishes​

A great salad food, radishes are used throughout the warmer months to add colour and flair to dishes, but that’s not all they’re good for. Did you know that radishes are red because of the anthocyanins in them? These are a phytochemical that is known for its ability to burn fat faster and decrease your risk of diabetes. 

2. Asparagus​

Asparagus might make your pee smell funny but it’s a food that’s incredibly good for your health, but more importantly for weight loss. Asparagus contains soluble fibre and insoluble fibre, which means that it takes longer to digest, thus keeping you full for longer. Plus, at just 27 calories a portion, it’s a food that comes with zero guilt. 

3. Rhubarb​

Forget green tea for belly fat burning properties, try rhubarb instead. This interesting vegetable which can be served sweet is high in catechins, the part of green tea that makes it fantastic for helping to burn fat. Evidence also suggests they also increase the speed at which the liver can turn fat into energy, reducing the amount of fat that’s stored. 

4. Peas

Despite what you might have heard, peas are not seriously starchy. They offer a large dose of fibre and are packed full of vitamins, including A, B6, and K, and are a great food to eat if you are keen to slim down in time for summer. 

5. Strawberries

A study found that anthocyanins - something that strawberries are packed full of -  reduces belly fat accumulation in rats. This doesn't necessarily mean humans would see the same effect, further studies are necessary, however, strawberries make a great low-calorie sweet snack you can include to prevent yourself snacking on high calorie products and helping you stay in calorie deficit for weight loss.

6. Baked Potato

Sweet potato might be classed as healthier than white potato but that isn’t actually the case. Potatoes aren’t the enemy, because they’re low in calories coming in at around 110 calories per potato, and they are high in potassium and fibre, meaning that they can help to lower blood pressure and keep you full for longer. 

Tis doesn't mean you should be eating potatoes all the time, but it provides a great carbohydrate alternative to your meals.

7. Spinach

One of the healthiest greens there is, spinach which is rich in vitamins and fibre is a fantastic food for weight loss. Especially as it contains appetite-suppressing compounds known as thylakoids, that can help to curb cravings. 

8. Artichokes

Artichokes are one of the most fibre-filled foods for weight loss around. A cooked artichoke has 10.7 grams of fibre in it, while artichoke hearts contain seven grams of fibre. It’s this fibre that makes them ideal for weight loss as fibre keeps you full for longer. Combine with protein and other veggies of your preference for a tasty meal.

9. Red Leaf Lettuce​

Because red leaf lettuce is not energy dense, you don’t have to limit your portion sizes. Just one cup of this lettuce is packed full of vitamins but only comes in at four calories a portion. The vitamins from red leaf lettuce are fat soluble, so it’s best eaten with healthy fat, such as a piece of avocado. 

10. Watercress

Watercress is a powerful source of vitamins and minerals. It might only come in at two calories per cup, but watercress is actually one of the most nutrient-rich foods the world has to offer. 

​Mix it with other leafy greens, use light seasoning and olive oil, maybe some pine nut for fat source and serve it with your choice of protein, like steak or salmon.

11. Chives

This herb is a powerhouse of flavour. When cooking healthy meals, a tablespoon of chopped chives can make a world of difference to the flavour. They’re low in calories and have been proven to help reduce cholesterol. 

12. Cauliflower

Packed full of slimming vitamins, cauliflower is a great food for weight loss. Particularly as it can be easily made into a range of different food substitutes, from carb-free rice to healthy pizza bases. 

13. Beets

​To give your weight loss a boost, beets are a must-eat food. Beets have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which can help to reduce blood pressure, ward off cardiovascular disease, and reduce your risk of cancer.  
 
There you have it, a guide to 13 spring season foods that you can eat to boost your weight loss. Give me a buzz if you have any further questions about fat loss.