10 Best Foods to Lose Weight

One of the best ways to lose weight is to embrace healthier meal plans and make appropriate changes to your diet. For many, it comes down to choosing food that raises metabolism, controls hunger, burns calories and stabilizes blood sugar levels. Fruits with high-water content, fiber-rich vegetables and lean meats are some of the best foods for weight loss.

Skinless Chicken and Turkey

Eating protein helps maintain and increase lean muscle mass, which raises metabolism. Protein causes eaters to feel fuller for a longer period of time, which cuts down on in-between snacking. The best foods for lean protein include skinless chicken and turkey breast.

Berries

Juicy foods that contain at least 75 percent water by weight helps keep stomachs feeling fuller for a longer time and discourage overeating. The best juicy foods include blackberries, cranberries, raspberries and strawberries. Berries also contain fiber, which aids weight loss.

Low-Fat Dairy

Low-fat and fat-free dairy products, such as yogurt, milk and cheese, help to balance blood sugars and enhance your overall mood. As a result, dieters are less likely to overeat or crave comfort foods.

Seafood

In moderation, omega-3 fatty acids provide the body with "good" fats without compromising your health. Suggested omega-3 sources are found in seafood, such as wild salmon, herring, mackerel, sardines, anchovies, Pacific oysters and rainbow trout.

Salads

Salads made with lettuce promote weight loss because they are typically low in calories and with high water content. Add low-calorie vegetables, such as tomato, carrot, cabbage and cucumber, to provide the body with fiber and quality carbohydrates. Choose lemon, olive oil or fruit dressings to avoid unhealthy calories.

Green Vegetables

Stay full longer and suppress your appetite by eating green vegetables, such as broccoli, cabbage and spinach, which contains soluble fiber. Brussels sprouts, kale, artichokes, olives and asparagus are low-calorie foods with a high-water content.

Whole Grains

Full of vitamins, minerals and fiber, whole grain foods (such as breads, cereals and crackers) offer high-quality carbohydrates that promote weight loss. The insoluble fiber in whole grains also adds bulk to meals and allows you to eat more food without the extra calories.

Beans

The soluble fiber found in beans helps control hunger and keeps the stomach satisfied. The best beans for weight loss include lima, kidney, black, navy and pinto.

Nuts

Fats help stabilize blood sugars and satisfy your appetite. According to nutritionist Joy Bauer, healthy fats for weight loss include monounsaturated options found in some nuts. Healthy choices include pecans, almonds, peanuts, cashews, Brazil nuts, pistachios, macadamia nuts, hazelnuts and pine nuts.

Oatmeal

Oats contain a rich source of fiber, which increases metabolism and promotes daily calorie burn. Oatmeal is associated with weight loss because it slowly breaks down in the stomach and does not cause a spike in insulin levels. Oatmeal is filling, maintains your appetite and discourages hunger. Avoid overly processed instant oatmeal that is high in sugar.