Seven “Bad” Foods Which Might Assist With Your Weight Loss

There are all kinds of enticing foods that seem to be around every corner when you’re attempting to lose weight. But did you know that some foods that are labeled “bad” for you aren’t really unhealthy at all? It’s astonishing, but true! Keep reading to discover which foods may actually help you with your weight loss.

Eggs – This food has been widely discussed for many years as to whether or not it’s unhealthy for you. Studies have shown that one egg per day is good for adults and by starting your day with an egg you could increase the likelihood of dropping a few pounds. Sounds great doesn’t it? But why would eggs help you lose weight? Well, they’re loaded with protein. Protein takes longer to digest which means that enjoying an egg for breakfast will let your tummy remain fuller and you won’t eat as much throughout the day.

Pork – The “other white meat” has gotten a bad rap for many years simply because it’s always been used to describe an overabundance such as in Congress’s “pork barrel spending”. But dieters don’t have to fear this wonderful meat anymore! Pork has changed quite a bit in the last 20 years; for instance, pork tenderloin is now 31% leaner which gives you lots of protein and all the benefits of lean beef.

Steak – We’ve all heard the recommendations from TV “experts” and our own doctors to cut down on the quantity of red meat that you consume. In reality, choosing a lean cut of beef like a sirloin or tenderloin has little more saturated fat than that piece of skinless chicken breast that’s of the same size. Like with everything else, you have to watch your portion size and keep it to a palm-sized piece of beef. So go ahead, enjoy that protein-filled, extra lean cut of beef, it’s good for your waist after all!

Nuts – Yes, it’s true, nuts contain a lot of fat and if you eat a handful you’re sure to get a few extra grams of fat—but it’s the good fat, the kind of fat your body needs. Grabbing a small handful of nuts is much better than going after those Oreos! When you’re on a diet peanut butter can also be your friend. Nuts are loaded with nutrients, fiber and protein and eating one handful per day could aid in balancing blood sugar levels, help you lose weight and possibly live a longer life.

Pasta – Okay, you love your pasta dishes, right? Well, don’t despair, just because you’re trying to shed some extra pounds doesn’t mean you have to stop enjoying your pasta. Take a smaller helping and try the alternative whole wheat or whole grain pasta. If you choose to consume whole grain pasta instead of the refined pasta, you could actually assist with burning belly fat. One study claims that anyone who eats a few servings of whole grain foods each day stands a better chance of maintaining a healthy weight and getting a slender body.

Coffee – This really isn’t considered “bad” for you—unless you’re one of those people who have to throw in sugar, cream or flavored syrups or can’t survive on less than four coups a day. Black coffee is best because you won’t be getting any extra calories or fat and it’ll increase your metabolism. To receive an added bonus of vitamin D and calcium, you could mix in skim milk and one teaspoon of sugar or artificial sweetener.

Cheese and Other Dairy – In the past, it’s been said that you should exclude dairy products when you’re attempting to melt away pounds—but that’s something you don’t want to do! Dairy items are loaded with protein as well as calcium. You’ll not only feel full but consuming low-fat milk, yogurt and cheese will help your body to receive the required amount of calcium and, thus, burn more fat—and we all know that the more fat you burn, the more weight you’ll lose. Calcium pills and the like don’t provide you with the same advantages as eating calcium-rich foods—so keep dairy foods in your diet!

When you’re trying to slim down, you can include pretty much any “bad” food into your balanced diet—just be sure to keep the portion sizes small. Don’t ever deprive yourself of any type of foods. Nutritionists always recommend that you never ban your favorite snacks since it will just set you up to fail. A much better plan is to put restrictions on the amounts you eat. For instance, don’t gobble down half of that box of Russell Stover’s chocolates but rather eat only one piece per day—look at it this way, those chocolates will last longer! It’ll be difficult down-sizing your meals at first, but you can do it and it’ll be a bit easier if you know that you can enjoy the “bad” foods.