(BlackDoctor.org) — By now, you probably already know that to lose weight, you need to exercise and eat right…and we’re putting a LOT of emphasis here on eating right!
You need to drink 8 to 10 glasses of water, keep the sweets to a minimum, etc. You also need to eat proper portions of the right foods, particularly several servings of the rights fruits and veggies.
Why Fruits? Why Veggies?
Just why are fruits and veggies so important in weight loss success? Yes, they do contain the vitamins and nutrients that you body just can’t be its healthiest without. But they also contain fiber.
What’s the point of fiber? It helps you feel fuller, longer (translation: you’re less likely to overeat). Fiber also helps keep you regular and your insides clean (translation: you’ll be less bloated and your body will have fewer toxins swimming around trying to cause trouble). Most adults should aim for about 25 grams of fiber every day (though, per most studies, most Americans don’t even consume half that recommended daily value).
You May Also Like
You already know some of the usual suspects, such as broccoli, spinach, sweet potatoes, carrots, etc. There’s nothing wrong with these choices, of course, but there are some other fiber-rich ones out there that you probably rarely even think about — but can help you reach your goals while adding some extra flavor to your life.
Foods That May Not Be On Your Culinary Playlist…But Should Be:
Artichokes (1 large)
8 g fiber & 87 calories
Bet you didn’t know: Frozen artichokes have nearly as much fiber as fresh ones
Raspberries (1 cup)
8 g fiber & 64 calories
You May Also Like
Bet you didn’t know: These berries are high in cancer-fighting ellagic acid.
Pumpkin (1 cup pureed)
7 g fiber & 116 calories
Bet you didn’t know: Pumpkin is a rich source of alpha and beta carotene.
Brussels Sprouts (1 cup)
6 g fiber & 65 calories
Bet you didn’t know: Brussels sprouts also have more protein than most veggies (around 4 to 5 grams per cup).
Kiwi (1 cup)
5 g fiber & 110 calories
Bet you didn’t know: One kiwi provides 273 percent of your daily vitamin C needs.
Pear (1 medium)
6 g fiber & 103 calories
Bet you didn’t know: Pears are high in soluble fiber, which lowers cholesterol.
So, don’t neglect your old healthy faves, but definitely make room for some soon-to-be new ones!
