10 Foods That Help You Lose Weight – And Taste Great!

What if I told you there was a magic food that would make you drop the pounds and get healthy like that? Wouldn’t that be wonderful? Unfortunately, there is no magic weight loss food – if there was, the battle of the bulge would not be so hard for some of us. There are definitely some foods that can help you slim down, though – if you include them regularly into a healthy, well-balanced, natural diet – and I’ve listed my top ten favourites for you below. And better yet, they’re all delicious! Get creative and dig in.  

1. SALMON

Salmon is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids – one of the best and purest sources, actually. Though there’s the misconception that all fats are bad for you, the truth of the matter is that some fats are good for you. The fats in salmon are great for digestion, gut integrity, and increasing fat burning, therefore helping support weight management. Try Raincoast Salmon—a sustainable, wild caught canned salmon that’s packed in its own juices for even more nutrients. Great in delicious salmon patties or atop a salad!  

2.   ALMONDS  

Healthy fats, vitamin E, antioxidants, magnesium… these little wonders have it all! Almonds deliver a powerful heart-healthy punch in a small, rather tasty package. And weight loss? Since almonds are packed with healthy fats and protein, grabbing a handful as a snack will keep your blood sugar balanced and appetite under control. Looking for a healthy treat? Try Mike & Mike’s Organic Chocolate Covered Almonds—absolutely delicious and nourishing.  

3.  PUMPKIN SEEDS  

If you’re going to have almonds for a snack, throw in some pumpkin seeds as well. They’re loaded with zinc, magnesium, iron, and healthy fats to keep your appetite at bay and your cravings down – which means less aimless snacking. Pumpkin seeds also release serotonin (your happy hormone!), so you’ll feel good about your choice. There are many ways to use pumpkin seeds, as well—on their own, in salads, or in pumpkin seed butter. The choices are endless—check them out!  

4.  QUINOA  

A delicious gluten free treat! Quinoa is an excellent source of complete proteins, which means you’ll stay fuller for longer when you include quinoa in your meal. It can be substituted for more starchy alternatives (such as conventional pasta noodles) to add more nutrition and less empty calories. From quinoa on its own to chocolate bars with quinoa, quinoa cookies, and quinoa crackers, you can incorporate it into any meal. Enerjive Quinoa Crackers are one of our favourite snacks—blood sugar balancing and diabetic friendly. Try adding some cooked quinoa to a veggie stir-fry with balsamic vinaigrette dressing – a complete and healthy meal.  

5.  EGGS  

I know what you’re thinking… aren’t eggs high in saturated fat and cholesterol? Sadly, the egg has become misunderstood. One egg carries about 6g of protein along with beneficial fats, making eggs filling and satisfying. And with so many ways to enjoy them (hard or soft boiled, poached, in a nourishing veggie omelet) go ahead and crack a few.  

6.  SPINACH  

Spinach just doesn’t get the praise it deserves. It’s low in calories while being extremely nutrient-dense, giving your body much of the nourishment it needs, leaving you feeling satisfied after a meal. It’s also very versatile: it makes for a great salad, tastes great in stir-frys and omelettes, and mixes deliciously into energizing green smoothies such as our Great Green Smoothie—a perfect breakfast. Try incorporating spinach into one meal a day.  

7.  AVOCADOS  

Another food high in healthy fats, but also high in fiber! The fat and fiber content in just one avocado helps keep your blood sugar stable, boosting energy and killing cravings. The fiber aids your digestive system, keeping things moving and healthy. Enjoy half an avocado on its own, in a salad, on top of eggs, or mash it up with other ingredients to make guacamole. Or, try this amazing avocado oil by Chosen Foods
—great for stir fries and dressings. All the goodness of avocado in a liquid form!  

8.  EDAMAME  

You may be familiar with the soybean, but how about its green brother, edamame? Often found in vegetarian and Japanese cuisine, edamame is an excellent source of low-calorie protein and essential amino acids. It’s also loaded with heart-healthy fats and tons of flavor. Try boiling about ½ cup of these tasty pods and then seasoning them with Herbamare. Delicious and filling!  

9.  BROCCOLI  

Broccoli is a powerhouse vegetable. You’ve heard it all before: vitamin C, folic acid, potassium, fiber… but are you eating broccoli yet? Broccoli is such a great choice because it’s versatile, filling, and nourishing for your body. It offers a satisfying crunch when raw, bursts with flavour when steamed, and tastes great in soups, stir-frys, or casseroles. Say goodbye to those late night hunger pains.  

10.  WATER & HERBAL TEA  

Did you know that often when you feel hungry, you may actually be thirsty? Drinking about 8 glasses a day will keep you fuller than you might realize, which means less in-between-meals snacking. The next time you feel hungry, reach for a glass of water instead, drink, and wait 20 minutes. Still hungry? Or, if you want something a bit more exciting, herbal teas are also a great choice. They count toward your H2O intake while offering many other benefits, flavour, and comfort. Check out the Celestial Seasonings line—something for everyone.  

Getting in shape and feeling healthy isn’t always easy – but it doesn’t have to be impossible. Try incorporating some or all of these powerhouse foods into your diet, and you’ll be rewarded with benefits.  And don't forget to sign up to our newsletter for more weight loss tips - click here! Bon appetite!

Katie Mitton  

Katie is passionate about nutrition and writing, having graduated with a B.A. (Honours) in English & History from McMaster University. She has worked for Goodness Me! for over 6 years and continues to learn about health & nutrition each day.