You may have heard the old saying: “You are what you eat.”
Well, it’s true.
But not just because of all the nutrients and vitamins that food contains—some foods also contain chemicals that can actually help you lose weight faster than you thought possible.
These are called “bioactive compounds,” and they’re found in all kinds of foods—even ones you might not expect!
If you’re on a diet and trying to lose weight, chances are you’ve heard of the importance of pairing foods. It’s a little-known fact that certain combinations can actually double your weight loss!
But when it comes to healthy food pairings, you want to ensure that your dish’s flavors are balanced. You don’t want to have one very strong flavor overpower another.
So what are the best food pairings for weight loss? Here are a few of our favorite combos:
Blueberries and Oats
Blueberries are a great source of antioxidants and fiber, which makes them an excellent addition to your morning cereal or yogurt. Oats are rich in complex carbohydrates that release energy slowly over time, which helps prevent spikes in blood sugar levels after eating. Add these two together in a smoothie or oatmeal for a delicious treat!
Cinnamon and Honey
This combination isn’t just tasty—it can also help reduce inflammation in the body. Cinnamon helps regulate blood sugar, while honey adds sweetness without adding calories or sugar. Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and 2 teaspoons of honey to hot tea or coffee for a delightful beverage. Cinnamon helps reduce cravings while honey helps satisfy them by slowing digestion, so the food you eat stays in your stomach longer than it would without the honey.
Peas and Celery
These two vegetables have very different textures, but they taste great together. Peas are sweet, while celery is crunchy and salty. These two veggies contain soluble fiber that helps slow digestion and keeps you feeling full longer. Plus, they’re both low in calories, so they’ll help curb your appetite if you’re trying to lose weight.
Whole-Grain Bread with Hummus
Whole grains have more fiber than refined grains, and hummus has more protein than most plant-based proteins, such as tofu or beans. Both are filling and good for heart health, making a healthy pairing for lunchtime sandwiches or wraps.
Parmesan and Peppers
Peppers are an excellent source of vitamin C, fiber, folate, and potassium, all of which help fight inflammation in the body. Parmesan cheese contains vitamin K2, which helps produce new bone tissue cells and prevents osteoporosis fractures. The combination of these two foods is a great way to curb your appetite and get the nutrition you need without consuming an entire meal.
Peanut Butter, Banana, and Flaxseed
This combination is perfect for an afternoon snack or a morning breakfast. It’s creamy and sweet with a nutty twist from the peanut butter. Plus, it has flaxseed in it, which is rich in fiber, so it helps fill you up faster while keeping your blood sugar levels stable too!
Eggs with Avocado
Eggs are a great way to start your day. They’re packed with protein, which helps to keep you full until lunch. The healthy fat from the avocado provides a dose of good fat that will give you long-lasting energy.
Pumpkin and Spinach
If you love pumpkin pie but don’t want all the extra calories that come with it, try pairing it with spinach instead of whipped cream. A study published in the journal Appetite found that incorporating spinach into pumpkin dishes can reduce their caloric content by as much as 20 percent. Researchers believe this is because spinach contains nitrates, which may help stimulate satiety signals in the brain and lower overall calorie intake.
Watermelon with Feta Cheese
Feta cheese has been shown to help increase metabolism by 30 percent! It contains probiotics that help regulate digestion and improve gut health. Watermelon is a low-calorie fruit that helps suppress appetite and reduce cravings throughout the day without giving you unwanted sugar highs or lows like other fruits do. Put them together, and they become a powerful duo that will help burn fat all day long!
Takeaway
When you’re trying to lose weight, it’s important to create a plan that is both effective and easy to follow. But usually, much focus is placed on the foods you should avoid. After all, many of us have dietary restrictions or preferences that limit our options. But did you know that there are actually certain foods that can boost your metabolism, too?
Much like desserts, some healthy food pairings can be very satisfying. The benefits of these weight-loss foods are often overlooked because they are so full of flavor. Next dinner, try some of these healthy food pairing combinations that can get you on the path to sustained weight loss—and a healthier lifestyle!
