8 Super "Greens" to Boost Weight Loss

Green vegetables are important superfoods for weight loss.

Green vegetables are important superfoods for weight loss. In general, green vegetables deliver a high amount of nutritional value in very few calories, and are low on the glycemic index. This latter fact is important; excess insulin in the body can lead to weight gain, and low-glycemic foods keep insulin levels low. Incorporating weight loss greens into your daily diet will only make you healthier. These 8 super “greens” to boost weight loss will get you started.

1. Turnip Greens
These greens are high in fiber, with 5 grams per cup. Fiber helps to fill you up and usher fats out of the blood stream.

2. Kale
Full of essential vitamins and nutrients, including vitamin A and manganese, one cup of kale also contains 71% of your daily value of vitamin C. Vitamin C can assist in weight loss by helping your body liquefy fat. Our Kale Berry Salad makes for a great light lunch.

3. Cucumber
This green is refreshing and crisp, a great addition to smoothies, juices, and salads. Cucumbers have a very high water content and are low in calories. Enjoy them in this Classic Cucumber & Tomato Salad.

4. Broccoli
This green favorite is loaded with complex carbohydrates, meaning that your body burns it slowly, keeping you full longer. Like kale, it’s full of vitamin C. You’ll also get a good dose of fiber and folate. This Roasted Broccoli with Red Pepper recipe makes a great dinner side.

5. Spinach
This classic green is packed with fiber, water, and vitamin C, and it’s very versatile. Spinach can be used raw in salads or quickly steamed or sautéed; it is also one of the mildest greens to add to a green smoothie. See our Coconut Milk Smoothie recipe with spinach.

6. Celery
Munching on celery will fill you up with water and fiber with almost no calories attached.

7. Avocado
This creamy green fruit is high in monounsaturated fats, which usher unhealthy fats from the body, helping to lower cholesterol and manage weight. Use in moderation; these are not a low-calorie food. Indulge in our Creamy Avocado Dip.

8. Brussels Sprouts
In order to reap the full weight loss benefits of sprouts’ fiber content, steam them. Brussels sprouts are also filled with vitamin C, and other important nutrients including folate and manganese. Try these Brussels Sprouts Smothered in White Sauce.

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Sources:
Mayo Clinic
All Women’s Talk
WHFoods