Top 10 Weight-loss Foods and Drink

Ok, so here's the deal: this article is naming and describing the top 10 foods (and drink) for significantly aiding weight loss and maintenance programmes. I always write from experience, so i would love for people other than me to experience the richness of leading a healthy and therefore happy life.

1. Green Tea - once a day. Crammed to an inch of its life with skin-cleansing, hair-replenishing antioxidants, it's a wonder that supermarkets aren't selling packets out their ears. Yes, it may taste just like grass, but lets face it: who on earth enjoys botox, smearing their faces with cream every night and so on? The difference is, this beauty treatment costs around a quid for a packet. I would also recommend drinking the tea cold; it's refreshing and a total pick-me-up. After a fortnight of drinking the stuff, my appetite was more regular and i was less prone to cravings. Whether there is a chemical reason for this i'm not sure, but to be honest, i felt totally cool and fit. Either way, snacking went out of the window and self-esteem climbed back in.
2. Egg - boiled, poached, scrambled, you name it. This little wonder is perfect for breakfast with a piece of wholewheat toast; containing essential proteins, you'll stay strong until lunchtime. But lets get to the yoke (pun fully intended) - an average boiled egg is approximately 100 calories, 75 of which resides in the yoke (look out for another article for a good diet egg recipe). An egg is therefore perfect for a low-calorie, high energy breakfast. Warning: avoid preparing your egg with stuff like oil or butter if you're using a frying pan. The calories do add up.
3. Miso Soup - is a cool name for soya bean soup. It comes in small packets of brown paste (you add hot water). Now i know that doesn't sound especially appealing, but trust me, one packet is 10 calories of meaty goodness. Miso soup is a great starter at lunch and dinner because it is warming and a natural appetite suppressant. However, i would not suggest exceeding 2 packets a day because the soup is quite high in salt. If you're still hungry or just want a bit more satisfaction, add a tablespoon of cooked wholewheat rice. The Japanese are one of the world's healthiest peoples. Now we know why.
4. Carbonated Water - fills you up. The bubbles are a healthy alternative to fizzy drinks, so chug a glass in the morning and during the day to avoid those irritating stomach rumbles. Feeling adventurous? Squeeze in a bit of lemon for a tang. Although you may feel bloated, i would say that a little bit of discomfort is a better alternative to overeating.
5. Cherry Tomatoes - 6 are 11 calories, so what's not to love? They are sweet, bursting with vitamins and generally brilliant, so don't be afraid to be caught red-handed (haha) with a handful before going out for dinner. Alternatively, if you fancy something sweet on your salad, i found that cherry tomatoes step up to the calling quite nicely. Lets not forget they're mostly water, so can again work to sate hunger between mealtimes.
6. Grapefruit - is a messy, bitter fruit, yet can work miracles for those, like me, who wake up each morning craving for something covered in sugar. The sharpness literally takes the desire for sweetness out of your mouth and means you can focus on having a healthier breakfast. One half each morning is probably all you can stand. Try grilled grapefruit as a dessert - serve with a teaspoon of brown sugar and a dollop of yoghurt; a low calorie sweet treat! Grapefruit is also packed full of nutrients and can make you feel energized, happy and is said to improve concentration.
7. Tuna Steak - something i could not live without. I swear by its nourishing, filling qualities and you will too. This miracle fish contains a great source of iron (13% of your R.D.A in a portion) and is light enough to eat in the evening with no discomfort. Grill, streak over salad and enjoy.
8. Honey Milk - either you'll love it or hate it. Get a blender, add a cup of cold skimmed milk and half a tablespoon of clear honey, then buzz (get it?) it up. Have a mug in the evenings for a pleasantly low calorie treat which, i guarantee, will relax you and fill you up. Rich in calcium and zinc, your stamina will increase and tiredness won't be so much of a factor in your life.
9. Nuts - don't be afraid to go crazy for these high fibre, high protein, craving suppressants. Naturally high in essential oils, nuts are a perfect addition to salads and in small quantities throughout the day. I would say, however, that these should be enjoyed in moderation as they are still high in calories. Chestnuts are the lowest in calories (175) and fat (3g), whilst pine nuts reign highest (and tastiest) at 694 calories and 69g of fat. Eek. Don't be fooled by their size - a portion of nuts is approximately 5-7.
10. Wholewheat products - rice and pasta are both examples of complex carbohydrates, providing you with 'good' energy throughout the day. They keep a person fuller for longer, don't contain as much sugar and are simply lower in calories than simple carbohydrates such as fudge and tinned fruits. Wholewheat produce is also proven to improve digestion and helps in maintaining a regular appetite.

Each of the 10 foods i've mentioned are thorough miracle workers in their own right. However, i do not think it is realistic for a person to base their whole diet around these foods. You must remember to incorporate exercise and portion control when trying to lose weight (look out for other articles by me talking about these subjects). There is one aspect, i believe, that no one can succeed without. This essential ingredient is motivation. Without willpower, you will be powerless to make any changes in life, be it weight loss or a new job. That said, anything is possible, so do not give up, even if none of these foods work for you. Just remember, even looking at this article shows a sense of willpower. Expand on it.

katacham - Florence.