Losing weight isn’t easy — it requires incredible amounts of patience, determination, and self-control. It isn’t uncommon to fall off the wagon when it comes to slimming down, which is why I’ve previously written about “‘Five Ways to Get Back on Track.” In that post, I outline the different ways you can set yourself up for success with better food choices and a healthier mindset.
If there’s one thing that you absolutely need to listen to on your weight loss journey, it’s your gut. A healthy gut means that your food is digested properly, and that the correct signals are being sent to your brain so you aren’t feeling too hungry all the time. Maintaining your digestive health is absolutely essential if you’re aiming to lose weight, so today we’ve put together a list of five things you need to do just that.
Fermented Foods
Yogurt and other fermented foods are well known for the positive benefits that they bring to your gut. Natural fermentation creates the perfect environment for probiotics, which are healthy bacteria that help maintain and strengthen your digestive system. Time Magazine lists a few of these foods, including miso, sauerkraut, kimchi, and, of course, yogurt. Many fermented foods also contain prebiotics, which can help nourish good bacteria and keep them healthy and thriving.
High-Fiber Foods
If you have a digestive problem, chances are that you’re low on good fiber. Digestive health experts at Everyday Health say that fiber is essential for regular bowel movements, and reduce the chances of hemorrhoids and diverticula in the colon. When bacteria in your gut digest fiber, it can also produce healthy fatty acids, and fuel for your colon cells. Too much fiber can lead to diarrhea or bloating, however, so make sure to keep your intake reasonable.
Alkaline Foods
While the jury is still out on whether alkaline diets really work, alkaline foods are still pretty important. These foods include most fruits and vegetables, as well as soybean products like tofu, and some nuts, legumes, and seeds. A featured post by Brightcore suggests alkaline food like wheatgrass, which can help reduce acid reflux and detoxify your body. Wheatgrass is especially helpful for people trying to lose weight because it’s full of fiber, and can even help reduce cravings and increase your feeling of fullness. It’s also full of vitamins and minerals, which are necessary for proper body function.
Healthy Fats
It’s common knowledge that you need to cut fat out of your diet if you want to lose weight, but the right fats can actually be good for you. While cutting out processed sugars and ‘bad’ fats are definitely important for any diet, ‘good’ fats definitely have their benefits.
An article by Healthline recommends healthy fats like medium-chain fats found in coconut oil can actually help suppress your appetite and boost your metabolism by up to 120 calories per day. Another healthy fatty food is extra virgin olive oil, which is packed with antioxidants that can lower blood pressure, improve your cholesterol levels, and even reduce the risk of heart disease.
Less Artificial Sweeteners
Artificial sweeteners might seem like a good idea if you’re planning on losing weight, but they definitely have their downsides. CNBC reports that artificial sweeteners like aspartame have actually been found to be toxic for gut bacteria. This can affect your metabolism and overall health. So if you’re planning on cutting out on sugars, artificial sweeteners might not be the way to go.
About Jennifer Swafford
