Good nutrition enables the body to function at its best: Food For Cutting cells working properly means better skin and more energy; tissues that are strong and pliable means less injury risk as well as better recovery from injuries; organs that are functioning at full capacity means your immune system will be able to fight off infections much quicker.
Food For Cutting
Healthy bodies come in all shapes and sizes. While weight loss is not a magic bullet for health, and not everyone needs to pursue weight loss, it might be something you want to work toward to feel your healthiest.
Coupled with regular movement, your diet can affect your health outcomes. (Just make sure to talk with a healthcare professional before making drastic changes!)
1. Whole eggs
Once feared for being high in cholesterol, whole eggs have been making a comeback.
These fears were rooted in misconceptions that overlooked how your body regulates cholesterol levels. Your body sources it, as needed, from your diet or your liver to maintain its baseline levels.
2. Leafy greens
Leafy greens include kale, spinach, collard greens, Swiss chard, and a few others.
They have several properties that make them perfect for reaching or maintaining a healthy weight. For example, they pack fiber and nutrients that keep you satiated and hydrated.
3. Salmon
Fatty fish like salmon are incredibly nutritious and very satisfying.
Salmon is loaded with high quality protein, healthy fats, and various important nutrients. That combination keeps you satiated and can help you reach a healthier weight.
4. Cruciferous vegetables
Cruciferous vegetables include broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts.
Like other vegetables, they’re high in fiber and tend to be incredibly filling.
5. Chicken breast and some lean meats
Meat remains a controversial food group for many people.
Beyond issues of sustainability and ethics, we’re still not sure whether and how red meat raises the risk of heart disease or diabetes.
Research on meat consumption and health outcomes has yielded low evidence of causation.
6. Potatoes and other root vegetables
White potatoes seem to have fallen out of favor — possibly, at least in part, due to the rise of lower carb diets.
For what it’s worth, potatoes and other root vegetables have several properties that make them wonderful foods for weight loss and optimal health.
They contain an incredibly diverse range of nutrients — a little bit of almost everything you need.
Best Foods For Cutting
Following is a list of 20 very good food choices for loosing weight. They can be added to any weight-management program, or anyone looking to cut down.
1. Sesame Seed Oil
All the talk about loosing weight lately seems to center around a substance called Sesamin. Sesamin is a lignan only found in Sesame Seeds. It decreases fat storage and increases fat oxidization, and therefore can be extremely beneficial for those wanting to loose weight.
Sesamin works by activating a receptor in the human body (PPARalpha) which has a major role in oxidizing fats and how they are stored. It does this by increasing the enzymes involved in the oxidation of fatty acids.
The reason Sesame Oil is recommended over eating seeds is that the oil will provide the same amount of sesamin per serve, but is a lot less concentrated in fats than seeds are. I would recommend one tablespoon of oil per day, or if you’re prefer eating seeds, then take in 50 grams per serve with calories in mind.
2. Salmon
Protein needs to be high at this time to ensure muscle-loss doesn’t occur, and salmon is one of the best choices because it is low in saturated fats, while also providing valuable Omega 3’s.
It contains the essential fatty acids DHA and EPA, of which the body is unable to manufacture without the assistance of the diet. The reason salmon, and other fish high in Omega-3 are so valuable is that unlike flaxseed Oil, DHA and EPA are readily available without conversion.
Omega 3 DHA and EPA will help fat loss by stabilizing insulin levels which are one of the main causes of storing excess fat, as well as aid in energy production. As a side-benefit, fish is also said to protect against cardiovascular disease, making it an all-round good choice.
3. White Kidney Beans
White kidney beans do not only carry all the health benefits of legumes, but also contain 2500 anti-amylase units per serving. These block carbohydrate digesting enzymes and help reduce carbohydrate absorption. This means less carbohydrates are absorbed, and as a result, less fat storage.
Some may even find they are able to increase their carbohydrate intake when eating kidney beans. This means you are able to eat more food, which is one of the drawbacks of cutting.
On top of being a carb-blocker, white kidney bean is also a highly nutritious food that is high in protein, very low in fat, while containing many vitamins and minerals. Like all legumes, such as butter beans and lentils, the white kidney bean is very slowly absorbed, which means it will keep you full for longer.
4. Green Teas
Green Tea has been long-known as a thermogenic, while aiding in fat-loss. Green tea can be consumed through teabags to get this desired effect. 2-3 cups of green tea per day is ideal for fat loss, preferably consumed at equal intervals.
Green tea also contains the compounds Polyphenols and Catechins, which works as an antioxidant in the body. Antioxidants work by fending off the negative affects of free-radicals, which can be induced by heavy training.
5. Leafy Green Vegetables
These are packed full of nutrition and are an excellent choice to compliment any meal. Green leafy vegetables, as well as most other vegetables, contain significant amounts of fiber which help slow down the rate of absorption of the other foods in your meal.
Eating vegetables is a good habit to get into because it encourages a large portion of your meals to come from vegetable sources, which are bulky and filling with minimal calories. You can also be rest assured that you’re taking care of your health and getting your 5 servings.
Additionally, all vegetables contain phytonutrients, substances only found in natural foods. These have an array of health benefits. Good choices of leafy greens are raw salads, spinach, romaine lettuce, bok choy, silverbeet, sprouts and cabbage.
6. Flaxseed Oil
Flaxseed Oil is the most highly concentrated form of Omega 3’s in existence. Each serve contains a whopping 8 grams of ALA. ALA is vital for fat loss as it helps in the regulation of glucose which is important for carbohydrate equilibrium. ALA also aids the body in effectively metabolizing fats. Both of these make it a great choice for those cutting.
As well as faxseed oil’s fat burning properties, it also an energy booster, boosts brain health and learning and protects the heart.
7. Grapefruit
Grapefruit has long been known as a food that aids in fat loss. Although many studies have been conducted and we are still not sure what ingredients contribute to its weight loss, I’ve read about enough people who have had success with eating the fruit to recommend it.
I do know grapefruit is a low GI food, one of the slowest absorbing fruits, as well as being high in vitamin C and flavonoids for energy production and immunity.
However, it is also highly acidic, so I wouldn’t recommend too much. When weight loss is your goal, half a grapefruit a day as part of an overall fat-burning diet-plan should work.
8. Tomatoes
This is a food that isn’t highly talked about when it comes to fat loss, but when I personally try to cut weight, I always include tomatoes as a staple food. I find it helps regulate my appetite, as well increasing mood.
I was doing some investigating and tomatoes contain two naturally occurring brain chemicals called serotonin and endorphins. Both, especially serotonin, play a vital role in suppressing appetite by sending signals to the brain that make you feel satisfied.
Tomatoes are very low in calories. They also contain a compound called lypocene that gives tomatoes its rich red color, and is said to protect against cancer.
9. Whole-Grain Bread
Foods for bulking and cutting should be different. When bulking you can afford to eat foods more highly concentrated in carbs such as your rices and wholemeal breads, but when cutting its important to find foods that fill you up with less carbs. I think wholegrain breads are one of the best options here.
They contain just half the amount of carbs per serve compared to rice, and at the same time are higher in protein, full of nutrients, and encourage you to eat less. All I need is 3 slices with each meal, equivalent to 30 g. Carbs, whereas I need 1 1/2 cups of rice to give me the same fullness (around 70 grams carbs).
Look for whole grain bread with moderate sodium, a variety of grains and one that is high in protein. Soy and linseed bread is an excellent choices as its high in Omega 3, proteins and very slowly absorbed.
10. Brewer’s Yeast
Brewer’s yeast is in my opinion one of nature’s best super-foods. Brewer’s yeasts contains an abundance of nutrients needed for fat loss, and is full of protein. Each serving can contain up to 10 grams of protein, while providing all the essential aminos in a very balanced way.
Some of these nutrients include a high level of the mineral chromium. Chromium helps regulate insulin levels and will keep you away from eating excess carbohydrates. It is also nature’s highest source B-vitamins, which have a major in how the body uses the carbohydrates you ingest, and can therefore prevent fat-storage.
11. Kelp
Kelp has been classified as one of nature’s superfoods. It is a plant that is found in the sea, and can be either eaten, or taking as a supplement. I will discuss supplements for fat loss in the next section.
Why kelp? It is extremely high in many minerals including selenium and iodine. Iodine is the one most worthy of noting for its role in thyroid metabolism. If you want to target fat-loss effectively, you have to target it from all angles, and considering how effectively your thyroid is functioning is a vital step to getting there.
12. Turkey Breast
One of the best sources of protein for cutting due to its protein/fat ratio. While cutting you should look at getting as much protein from sources that are low in calories and turkey breast achieves this balance perfectly.
There is no one particular ingredient that sticks out in turkey for fat loss, but it is a complete food that is high in amino acids such L-carnitine, it contains plenty of protein and little fat.
13. Cottage Cheese
Cottage has long been known as a staple in the bodybuilder’s diet. Although it’s known as a “bulking” food for several reasons, I have also found it a good food for loosing weight too.
Cottage cheese has one of the highest quantity of protein of all dairy products; but more importantly it is full of calcium which recent research suggests contains valuable weight-loss properties. Always select the low-fat varieties.
14. Lean Beef
What would a diet be without some meat? Beef is high in iron, b-vitamins and creatine, which can work together to increase ATP, and give you longer, harder workouts.
Always choose lean varieties, usually the pinker the color, the less fat it has.
15. Red Lentils
Of all legumes, red lentils have the highest amount of Protein per serving, while being very low in calories and saturated fat. They are low GI, and high in fiber and phytonutrients.
I like them because you can eat a lot without blowing your budget, or your waist.
16. Mushrooms
Very similar in nutrition to brewers yeast, mushrooms are very high in B-vitamins and chromium. You can add mushrooms to salads or eaten raw. Eating vegetables raw are always better to maximize nutrition.
17. Chicken Breast
Chicken breast is another choice of protein for those looking to cut down. Like turkey breast, it has a very high protein ratio and is low in fat. Just make sure you select skinless varieties, or remove the fat.
18. Apples
Apples are great. They have been rated very highly on the Satiety index. The satiety index is a measurement of how filling common foods are.
There have been many studies on different foods, and apples rate as one of the most satisfying foods around. This means they fill you up quicker and keep you full for longer.
Apples are also high in fiber, and contain a lot of other nutrients, so they are a good overall choice in a healthy diet.
19. Soy Lecithin
Soy lecithin is a fat extract from the soy bean. Lecithin is a vital component of both the brain and liver, but is now also being thrown around as a fat-aid.
I’m not sure what it is about lecithin that makes it work so well, but I can conclude through eating the product daily, that it does work. You can add it to your cereal, or blend it into your shakes to give it a nice, nutty taste.
20. Pears
Pears are high in fiber, and very nutritious, but it’s the fact that they contain naturally-occurring endorphins which make it stand out. These are a chemical that provide euphoric feelings, and helps suppress appetite by making you feel more in control.
Overall
Overall, all of these foods above are very good choices for cutting. They should form the staple of your cutting diets, but always remember that the key to any successful diet is variety.
Ensure you are eating plenty of fruit, vegetables, legumes and wholegrain, and a lean body and healthy mind will be yours.
Great Food Combos for Losing Weight
Reviewed by Melinda Ratini, DO, MS on October 06, 2020
Power Pairs
1/15
When it comes to slimming down, two (or more) foods can be better than one. That’s because each has different nutrients that work together. As a team, they can help you fend off hunger, stay full longer, and burn fat or calories better than they would solo.
Avocado and Dark Leafy Greens
2/15
A spinach or kale salad is low in calories and high in nutrients, but it can leave you wanting more. To make it more filling, top it with avocado. It’s likely to be more satisfying since it has a kind of good fat (monounsaturated) that staves off hunger. Bonus: Avocado also helps your body absorb more of the veggies’ disease-fighting antioxidants.
Chicken and Cayenne Pepper
3/15
Chicken breasts are known to be good for weight loss, and for good reason. One breast serves up 27 grams of protein for fewer than 150 calories. Protein takes longer to digest, and that can keep you full longer. Spice up this dinner staple with a rub or sauce made with cayenne pepper. It may boost your calorie burn and make you less hungry.
Oatmeal and Walnuts
4/15
A simple way to slim down: Eat the rough stuff. Simply adding more fiber to your diet can lead to weight loss. That’s because your body can’t break down fiber, so it slows down digestion and takes up space in your stomach. With 4 grams of fiber per cup, oatmeal can be a good source. Walnuts can add about another 2 grams, plus satisfying protein and crunch.
Eggs, Black Beans, and Peppers
5/15
Start your day with this protein-packed scramble. According to research in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition, people who had eggs for breakfast ate less for the rest of a day and a half than those who had a bagel. Black beans and peppers make this morning meal even more filling, thanks to a double dose of fiber.
Bean and Vegetable Soup
6/15
Add a broth-based vegetable soup to your lunch or dinner. The liquid fills your stomach, leaving less room for higher-calorie foods. One study showed that people who started with soup ate 20% fewer calories during a meal. Stirring in beans, such as chickpeas or black beans, can give it more staying power because they’re high in protein and fiber.
Steak and Broccoli
7/15
Too tired to hit the gym? This meal can help you out. Beef is rich in protein and iron, which your body uses to build red blood cells. They take oxygen to your organs, so falling short in those can zap your energy. Broccoli is the perfect side, because its vitamin C helps your body take in iron. A half-cup of this veggie has 65% of all the vitamin C you need in a day.
Green Tea and Lemon
8/15
If you need a pick-me-up, brew some green tea. The low-calorie drink is packed with antioxidants called catechins, which may help you burn more calories and fat. One study suggested that drinking 4 cups of green tea every day may lead to decreases in weight and blood pressure. To make it even healthier, add a squeeze of lemon — it helps your body absorb them.
Salmon and Sweet Potato
9/15
Fish is often called “brain food,” but it’s also good for your waist. Its omega-3 fats may help you lose body fat, and salmon is a top source. Plus, one 3-ounce serving packs in 17 grams of protein. Serve it with a baked sweet potato for a filling yet light meal. A 5-inch-long spud has 4 grams of fiber and just 112 calories.
Yogurt and Raspberries
10/15
This creamy treat may help turn up the fat burn. Research suggests that people who get more calcium and vitamin D as part of a weight loss plan shed more fat than those who don’t. So, look for a vitamin D-fortified yogurt, which serves up about 35% of all the calcium you need in a day. Top it with half a cup of raspberries for sweetness and 4 grams of fiber.
Mushrooms and Ground Beef
11/15
You can eat burgers and lose weight — the key is to swap at least 50% of the meat for chopped or ground mushrooms. With only 16 calories a cup, they can lighten any dish made with ground beef without skimping on flavor. They may also help keep your blood sugar levels steady, which helps curb cravings.
Olive Oil and Cauliflower
12/15
At just 27 calories a cup, cauliflower is a diet-friendly food. It’s also low on the glycemic index (GI), a measure of how much a food raises your blood sugar. One study showed that low-GI vegetables led to more weight loss than starchier ones, such as peas and corn. Drizzle chopped cauliflower with olive oil and roast it — this brings out the flavor, and olive oil’s fats can curb your appetite by making you feel full.
Pistachios and an Apple
13/15
Need a midday snack? This combo offers protein, healthy fats, and fiber to fend off hunger. With about 160 calories for 50 of them, pistachios are one of the lowest-calorie nuts. Plus, they’re usually packaged in their shells, which can slow you down and keep you from munching mindlessly. The apple adds sweetness and crunch to your treat, along with 4 grams of fiber.
Fish, Whole-Wheat Tortilla, and Salsa
14/15
One of the top reasons weight loss efforts fail is taste. Eating bland foods at every meal can lead to a junk food binge. So it’s important to have healthy, flavorful dishes in your lineup. Fish tacos are a perfect example: Make them with white fish for lean protein and a whole-wheat tortilla for fiber. Top them with some salsa for extra vitamins.
Dark Chocolate and Almonds
15/15
Swearing off sweets sounds like a good way to drop pounds, but it can backfire. Nixing them altogether can lead to overeating. With about 7 grams of sugar per ounce, dark chocolate is one dessert you can feel good about eating. Pairing it with high-protein almonds keeps your blood sugar levels steady, and that can keep you satisfied longer.