For many of us, the arrival of summer, school holidays and vacation plans means we think even more about losing a few pounds to look good when we are at the beach or wherever we plan to go for vacation. When you think of weight loss are you thinking of the important nutrients for weight loss? I know I never used to think about weight loss from that perspective.
For so many years, I struggled to lose weight and keep it off. I didn’t know any better then so I would jump from one type of diet to another – anything to lose a few pounds and look better in a swimsuit or clothes for vacation. I have learned so much over the last years since I became a health coach, but I have to tell you, I was so oblivious to what a healthy lifestyle was all about and how I could lose weight and keep it off. I jumped from one “diet plan” or “fad diet” to another just hoping it would bring lasting results. But I’m sure it’s no surprise to you, but they just didn’t! It was one disappointment after another for me. I thought I was doomed to keeping a variety of clothes sizes in my closet so that I always had something to wear. It was exhausting, disheartening and embarrassing! I never want anyone to go through what I did. And I would just love to wave a magic wand and give you the permanent results you want, but it’s just not that simple!
So here are some tips to help you on your way to losing those few pounds!
Important Nutrients For Weight Loss
When it comes to weight loss, it isn’t just about exercising as much as you can or ‘dieting.’ You also want to focus on proper nutrition, which includes the vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that help you live a healthier life, while also burning fat. Here are some of the top nutrients to add to your diet.
Whole Grains
The first type of nutrient you should add to your diet if you want to start losing more weight is whole grains. These are recommended for many different types of diets, even some low-carb diets. Whole grains are good for you, not heavily processed, and contain a lot of important nutrients like a high amount of fiber. You definitely want more fiber in your diet if you are going to burn more fat and calories.
Some good sources of whole grains and high fiber are brown rice, whole grain breads, and oatmeal.
Vitamin D and Calcium
Both vitamin D and calcium are important when you are getting healthy and losing weight. These nutrients help to burn more fat by building muscle mass and helping to protect your muscles and bones as you age. Both of these nutrients are often found together in dairy products, so those are good to add to your regular diet. You can go for fat-free or low-fat dairy products if you are watching your overall amount of fat and calories each day as these still contain the important nutrients you need.
Iron
Another nutrient you can try to get more of and burn fat at the same time is iron. Iron is often found in lean protein, vegetables, and lentils. Many people know that if they have more turkey and lean cuts of beef, they will get plenty of iron and protein at the same time, but they often forget about their lentils and veggies.
Some good sources of iron include leafy greens like spinach and kale, plus your different lentils. Both of these together can be added to a low-fat chili or soup recipe, which is filling and is loaded with essential nutrients.
Start thinking of ways to add these types of foods to your diet, from making a vegetable and lentil soup for a light and filling dinner, to having more low-fat dairy products like smoothies or yogurt with fruit as a healthy snack. As long as you know what to add, it is easy to have a healthy diet that also helps you to burn more fat.
Want to learn more about how you can add better nutrients to your lifestyle so that you can have the energy, rejuvenation and weight loss results you want? Schedule your free breakthrough strategy session with me >>HERE<<