17 Essential Superfoods for Weight Loss

Super-power your weight loss with these clean-eating foods.

Don’t fall for the processed “health” food trap! Instead of consuming processed and refined ingredients that inhibit your ability to shed pounds, add these 17 essential superfoods for weight loss to your menu.

When you need weight loss foods, it can be tempting to grab processed foods labeled “healthy” or “diet.” Are they convenient? They can be. But that convenience comes at a price. Many of them are made with refined grains. Refined grains have been stripped of nutrients like fiber and vitamins. As a result, refined foods offer nothing but empty calories. Often those “healthy” crackers, snack bars, and cereals contain added sugar or artificial sweeteners that raise the numbers on your waistline and scale.

By adding superfoods for weight loss to your menu, you nourish your body with the fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins it needs to shed pounds and maintain a healthy weight. We’ve included recipes with each food below so you can incorporate these superfoods into your menu with delicious, nutritious recipes.

Almond Pesto Pasta
Almond Pesto Pasta

1. Almonds
Superfoods for weight loss can come in small delish packages, like almonds. Serve up yumminess with Almond Pesto Pasta or an Almond Protein Smoothie.

2. Apples
An apple a day does more than keep the doctor away — it keeps the pounds away, too. Apples are packed with pectin, a type of fiber that satisfies the appetite while reducing the risk of some types of cancer. Snack on Baked Apple Chips or say “good morning” with Cinnamon Apple Breakfast Quinoa.

3. Avocado
With monounsaturated fats to boost belly fat burn, this is a versatile weight loss food you can enjoy any time of day. Try it in Open-Face Scrambled Eggs and Avocado Toast or Grilled Chicken and Avocado Tacos with Cilantro Crema.

4. Blueberries
Fresh or frozen, these fiber-filled gems are rock stars when you want to lose weight. We love Vanilla Quinoa and Roasted Blueberry Breakfast Bowl and Clean-Eating Blueberry Jam.

Chicken Broccoli and Asparagus Stir-Fry
Chicken Broccoli and Asparagus Stir-Fry

5. Broccoli
Go green by adding broccoli to your weight loss menu. It delivers fiber and a hefty dose of antioxidants for maximum nutrition. Chicken, Broccoli, and Asparagus Stir-Fry and Slow Cooker Broccoli, Brown Rice, and Cheddar Casserole are tasty ways to enjoy this veggie.

6. Cauliflower
This non-starchy vegetable is low in calories and high in nutrients to support healthy weight loss. Serve Cauliflower Stir-Fry or try Roasted Cauliflower Soup.

7. Eggs
Superfoods for weight loss don’t need to bust your budget. Eggs are a relatively inexpensive protein source. Enjoy them in a Slow Cooker Spinach and Mozzarella Frittata.

8. Greek Yogurt
With more protein and probiotics than typical yogurt, this healthy dairy food fills you with healthy ingredients and supports digestion (i.e. it may relieve bloating and constipation). Dip into Curry Greek-Style Yogurt Dip or wake up to Breakfast Yogurt Parfait to Go.

9. Green Beans
Superfoods for weight loss don’t need to be exotic. Green beans are rich in iron and fiber, fat-free, and low calorie. Power up your menu with Green Bean and Zucchini Salad or Slow Cooker Southern Style Green Beans.

10. Green Tea
The secret to green tea’s weight loss power is EGCG (epigallocatechin-3-gallate), an antioxidant believed to battle fat and boost metabolism. Sip some Orange-Pomegranate Green Tea or a Green Tea Mango Smoothie.

Supermodel Superfood Salad Recipe
Supermodel “Superfood” Salad

11. Kale
From fiber to iron, kale is packed with nutrients that help you lose weight and stay slim. Supermodel “Superfood” Salad and Low-Calorie White Bean Kale Soup are delish healthy lunch recipes.

12. Lentils
These weight loss staples are high in protein and iron, plus they’re easy on the budget. Enjoy Herby Lemony French Lentil Salad or Slow Cooker Lentil and Veggie Stew.

13. Oats
The fiber in oats satisfies the appetite and delivers slow-burn energy. Treat your body to Slow Cooker Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal, Oatmeal Chocolate Breakfast Muffins, or No-Bake Almond Cranberry Energy Balls.

14. Peppers
Whether you dig sweet varieties or prefer spicy types, peppers offer capsaicin, a natural metabolism booster. Try Zucchini-Bell Pepper Pizza or Roasted Red Pepper Hummus.

One-Pot Southwestern Quinoa Bake
Southwestern Quinoa Bake

15. Quinoa
This grain-like seed deserves its growing popularity; it’s a combination of complete protein and complex carbohydrates, making it a natural choice for weight loss foods. One-Pot Southwestern Quinoa Bake and Quinoa Veggie Rolls make for tasty, healthy recipes on any menu.

16. Salmon
Love your heart and other muscles with this cold-water fish that offers healthy fats for weight loss. Add Protein Salmon and Eggs on Toast or Blackened Sockeye Salmon to your meal plan this week.

17. Sweet Potatoes
Get sweet on these ‘taters, which offer dietary fiber to help regulate blood sugar spikes. Sweet Potato Fries and Slow Cooker Sweet Potato and Black Bean Chili are yummy recipes—try them this week.

Slim that middle! Start our 6-Week Flat Belly Program. This ebook includes ab-building, calorie-burning workouts along with a clean-eating guide to tasty, healthy recipes.

For more delish meal ideas that include superfoods for weight loss, check out our Facebook page and follow us on Pinterest. Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter. Stay updated on the latest and greatest in health!

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Amy Wagner

Amy is a writer specializing in health & wellness, business, and entrepreneurship. She's a long-time martial arts teacher who has earned a 4th degree black belt in tae kwon do. When Amy's not writing or kicking, she's wrangling sons, reading fiction, or crushing on BBC actors.

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