Let's be honest, weight loss can be a challenging task. From following fad diets to yoga and exercise, there's a lot that one needs to do. Some work well for us, while others may not deliver the desired results. But one thing we learned along the way is the importance of maintaining a healthy diet. It's really important to consume healthy food along with regular workouts. And what may help achieve the weight loss goals is a balanced vegetarian diet. Various health experts, dieticians and nutritionists have repeatedly emphasised the importance of including green leafy vegetables, lentils, pulses and whole grains. Have you ever wondered why? That's because increasing the number of vegetarian foods in our diets will help us fight off many diseases and give us the essential nutrients we need.
You must now be wondering what vegetarian foods are best for losing weight. We've compiled a list of the top vegetarian foods to include in your weight loss diet to address your concern. Take a look below.
Weight Loss: Here're 5 Of The Best Vegetarian Foods You Must Include In Your Diet:
1. Almonds
According to a study, published in the International Journal of Obesity, almonds may help you lose weight. Researchers discovered that people who consumed a lot of almonds lost more weight than those who consumed the same number of calories on a high-carb diet. So, almonds are great for weight loss. Sprinkle some on your salads or toss them in your breakfast cereals, the choice is yours!
2. Broccoli
According to nutritionist Dr. Anju Sood, "Broccoli is extremely beneficial for weight loss. Broccoli is high in fibre, which aids in weight loss. Fibre takes the longest to digest and keeps you full for the longest time. It also prevents you from bingeing on fattening foods and keeps track of your weight."
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3. Chickpeas
Chickpea, also known as chana, is a popular vegetarian ingredient in Indian cuisine. They are best suited for a healthy weight loss diet due to their high protein and fibre content. Protein and fibre are both known to promote satiety, reduce hunger and aid in weight management. Click here for some of our best weight-loss-friendly chickpea recipes.
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4. Sprouts
One of the best breakfast options for dieters is sprout salad. Moong dal is high in protein, which aids in satiety. Meaning, if you feel full, you naturally crave less and avoid mindless snacking. It is also a good source of fibre and plant-based antioxidants. Sprouting improves the nutritional profile of moong dal as well.
5. Paneer
Macrobiotic Nutritionist and Health Practitioner Shilpa Arora says, "Paneer is loaded with healthy fats, proteins and is very low on carbs. It is ideal for weight loss and diabetics. You can eat them raw or cook them in a healthy way. You can add vegetables to paneer bhurji or serve them as tikkas."
Include these ingredients in your weight loss diet and let us know your experience in the comments below.