Food is necessary for life. It has become a cause for profit, for socializing, for peace. Food and its availability are crucial to human existence and food for weight loss? Now that has become a deafening chorus worldwide. But the reality remains- which food choices are great for weight loss and which ones are the losers?

We are here with information that’s up to date and localised so that you can confidently walk to the markets and buy that which will trim your waistline.

Here we go:

AVOCADO

Avocado, the fruit of the Persea Americana tree, stands out in the fruity crowd because of its unique shape and colour even when ripe! This fruit has an impressive list of essential vitamins including Vitamins K, C, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, E. The minerals are folate, potassium, magnesium, manganese, copper, iron, zinc, phosphorus.

Avocado is a high-fat food (those good for-you-healthy fats, please). In fact, 77% of its calorie content comes from its monounsaturated fat. Avocado oil is a good plant source of Omega 7 which is believed to hasten weight loss. The oils in avocado are Oleic acids which help reduce inflammation and are resistant to heat-induced oxidation. Long story short- avocados are your best friends

Other facts in favour of Avocados for weight loss include the fact that they are readily available, cheap, low in sodium, cholesterol free, highly filling and works well with a lot of other foods. Their creamy texture when blended makes it ideal for smoothies, dressings, soups and sandwiches.

GREEK YOGURT

Yogurt is a weight loss champion due to its versatility in diet and menus.

Greek yogurt contains protein, probiotics vitamin B12, Potassium, Iodine, Calcium. These nutrients are essential armory in your weight loss quest! The protein helps to repair tissues, probiotics populates your gut with friendly microorganisms ensuring regularity, fewer cravings and leaves you feeling fuller after eating. Iodine powers your thyroid activating your metabolism while calcium and potassium helps lower acidity, keeping Blood Pressure in check and helping with bone health.

Vitamin B12 superabundant in Greek yogurt is necessary for healthy brain function and energy.

WATER

Water, aqua, eau whatever your language is essential to life! Technically water is not food but because of its importance in our lives, I decided to give it a slot here. Our bodies are 60%water. Thus your very body cell –your muscle, skin, brains (you name it) is chock full of water. Drinking water, especially in its pure form, is key to weight loss and healthy living. Note that staying hydrated is essential for proper brain, kidney and liver function, bowel movement, skin health, energy generation and yes weight loss.

Drinking water for hydration is not the same as drinking other fluids aka juices, teas, sodas- yes the drinks contain water but they require more water for their digestion. But water taken in its pure form goes straight to work flushing out toxins, regulating temperature and carrying much-needed nutrients to the cells.

Water intake, especially before meals, helps reduce food intake and cravings. Again some studies suggest that cold water 30 minutes before meals may further help weight loss as the body will burn more calories to heat the water to normal body temperature. Dr Batmanghelidj in his book ‘YOU ARE NOT SICK, YOU ARE THIRSTY’ states that our body’s average water requirement per day is between 6- 10 glasses.

LEAFY GREENS

Leafy green vegetables like pumpkin, carrot, lettuce, African spinach, waterleaf, spinach, atama, ewedu, garden egg, scent leaf, curry leaf, cabbage, beet greens are all weight loss friendly food items. A diet that includes leafy vegetables helps us to maintain our cardiovascular, eye, digestive hair and skin health keeping you in great shape!

Regular consumption of leafy vegetable arms with your body with Vitamins K, C, A, B9; minerals like Magnesium, Manganese, Calcium, Iron and others such as fibre, antioxidants, flavonoids, water.

Leafy greens are easily incorporated into meals like salads, soups, juices, fold-ins, smoothies or stir-fries. Edible leafy green offers a huge variety in taste, texture and use.