Superfood List – Lose Post Pregnancy Weight With These 10 Healthy Foods
After a woman has a baby, she usually wants to lose the excess baby weight fairly quickly. One major contributor to the weight loss is good nutrition. Have you ever heard the term “superfood”? Well, there’s no actual legal definition of this term, but it is a term that many people use to describe a food that is loaded with vitamins and minerals (and many contain antioxidants) and is great for weight loss. Wait no more! Here is the superfood list that will help you to lose post pregnancy weight:
1. Salmon (Wild Alaskan). Not only is it low in calories, but it is also low in cholesterol and those unhealthy (saturated) fats. Salmon is an excellent source of lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for the heart. It is also rich in vitamins D and B12 and a good source of potassium. Note: I suggest the wild Alaskan salmon as it is known to contain fewer contaminants than the farm-raised salmon.
2. Broccoli. These greens make the superfood list to lose post pregnancy weight for several reasons. Broccoli is not only low in calories, but also high in fiber and a good source of protein which will help to keep you feeling full longer. That’s, of course, perfect for losing weight. Also, research has shown that broccoli may help to fight several types of cancer. It contains great amounts of vitamins K and C and folate, and is a good source of potassium and vitamins A and B6, among other nutrients.
3. Avocados. Yes, they are high in fat, but it’s the good kind of fat (monounsaturated). Avocados are also a great source of fiber (both soluble and insoluble), and include nutrients such as vitamins C, K, E and B vitamins, as well as folate and potassium.
4. Yogurt. Yogurt is on the superfood list because of its many health benefits. It is recommended that you choose the plain, nonfat/low fat kinds with live active bacterial cultures for the best health benefits and to lose post pregnancy weight. Yogurt is a great source of calcium and protein, and also contains potassium, magnesium and vitamins B2 and B12. Note: Be careful of the sugar content in whichever yogurt you choose; try to pick kinds with 5g or less per 100g serving.
5. Spinach. Not only is spinach extremely low in calories, but it is also an excellent source of fiber and packed full of nutrients and antioxidants. Spinach is especially rich in vitamins K and A, with high amounts of manganese, folate, magnesium, calcium, potassium and vitamins C and E, among several other nutrients. Don’t like spinach? Try a “green” smoothie with blended up spinach in it. In many smoothie recipes, you can’t even taste the spinach, but you sure do reap the benefits of it.
6. Blueberries. These tiny blue morsels are on the superfood list to lose post pregnancy weight because of their low calorie content and high antioxidant content. They are also a great source of fiber, which will help to stave off hunger. Blueberries are an excellent source of vitamins K and C and manganese.
7. Sweet Potatoes. Sweet potatoes provide you with ample amounts of vitamin A, along with good amounts of vitamin C, some B vitamins, manganese, potassium, fiber and antioxidants. Sweet potatoes provide satiety, so they are great for weight loss.
8. Oranges. Giving you a generous dose of fiber, while being low in calories, oranges make the superfood list for losing post pregnancy weight. They also provide great amounts of vitamin C, which of course, helps to stave off colds. Oranges also contain good amounts of potassium, folate and calcium as well as vitamins B1 and A.
9. Eggs (yolks and all!). Eggs are great for weight loss because they help keep you feeling full longer. They are also relatively low in calories and fat, and a great source of high quality protein. The great amounts of choline (which is mostly in the yolk) in the eggs helps to keep your brain in good health while also potentially reducing the risk of breast cancer. The lutein and zeaxanthin (also in the yolk) in eggs are good for your eye health. Eggs also contain good amounts of vitamin B12, E, D and A, as well as folate, to name a few.
10. Brussels Sprouts. Many people may dislike Brussels sprouts for one reason or another, but they are actually extremely good for you. They make the superfood list due to their high amounts of vitamins and minerals. They are rich in vitamins K and C, and contain great amounts of vitamins A and B6, folate, manganese and potassium, and several other nutrients. Brussels sprouts are also high in fiber, making them a great aid to lose post pregnancy weight. Last, but not least, Brussels sprouts contain several antioxidant compounds.