Which Healthy Green Foods Help You Lose Weight?

All green foods aren't fully loaded with fat releasing nutrients, but these power picks are.

1) Green Cabbage

Often paired with corned beef on St. Patrick’s Day, fiber-filled green cabbage also goes nicely with a lean protein like chicken breasts, lean ground turkey, or tofu on the side. You heard right: Make this veggie the focus of your plate—it’s rich in fiber, vitamin C, folate, and manganese—and you’ll fill up on the good stuff faster and be less likely to grab seconds or dessert. Easiest recipe? Shred a small head of green cabbage and sprinkle with olive oil, vinegar, honey, sea salt, and pepper.

2) Avocados

Avocados provide a healthy dose of belly fat-melting monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) as well as 20 essential nutrients, including fiber, potassium, Vitamin E,  and folic acid. A recent CDC study found that people who ate them frequently had more nutritious diets overall, ate less sugar, and had a lower BMI and waist circumference. A new UCLA study found that participants who topped their burgers with a slice of Hass avocado had lower levels of inflammation and less reduction in blood flow than those who ate their burgers without it. Not a fan? Blend them to smoothies and you’ll also add body and creamy texture.

3) Pumpkin Seeds

These tasty green morsels burst with essential minerals like iron, phosphorus, and
magnesium, and are also a great source of zinc. Try sprinkling a handful
of the toasted seeds on a savory soup, or chomping on them as a mid-morning snack. If you can’t easily locate the seeds, then pistachios are
an equally excellent bet. These green nuts are
filled with antioxidants, and have been linked to a decrease in heart
disease. The extra effort it takes to open each one also helps with
weight management, because it slows down snacking and may help
prevent overeating.

4) Green Peppers

Green peppers are loaded with vitamin
C, a powerful fat releaser. Studies show that people who have inadequate
levels of C cling more tightly to fat, so chowing down on fruits and
veggies rich in this vitamin can help coax your body into weight loss
mode. Vitamin C also helps your body absorb iron—so try tossing your
peppers into mineral-rich dishes with beef, salmon, chicken, or spinach. Looking for a quick weight-loss snack? Top a pepper slice with a
scoop of low-fat ricotta cheese and a sprinkle of black pepper and crunch on.

5) Kale

This nutrient-dense green, with a subdued, cabbage flavor, is superfood royalty. It’s chock full of fat releasing calcium, which research has linked to slimmer waistlines, It’s also got
iron and lutein (“the eye vitamin”) and is versatile enough to use in soups in place of other greens. A great snack: Bake washed kale in the oven for 10 minutes with a
sprinkle of sea salt as a healthier alternative to potato chips.

6) Limes

Not just a drink garnish, this
incredibly versatile citrus fruit has also been linked to weight
loss. Choose limes that are firm and heavy for their size, with glossy
skin and a deep green color. For a simple and healthy dessert, grate the
rinds of two large limes and then mix with their juices, three cups of
light coconut milk, and a half of cup of pure honey. Mix in a blender, pour in a bowl,
and set in the freezer until frozen. Limes are also the
easiest way to jazz up a glass of ice water—or a light beer.

Reader's Digest
Originally Published in Reader's Digest

Liz Vaccariello
Liz Vaccariello is the Editor-in-Chief of Parents magazine, the 2.2 million rate-base title. In addition, she is currently the Group Editorial Director for Parents Latina and Meredith's lifestyle titles including Shape, Real Simple, InStyle, Martha Stewart Living, and Health. Vaccariello has led many of the media industry's most recognizable brands, developing content across print, digital and social channels. Prior to joining Meredith, Vaccariello held numerous executive editorial roles including serving as the Chief Content Officer for Reader's Digest. She has also served as Editor-in-Chief of Rachael Ray Every Day; Editor-in-Chief of Prevention; Executive Editor of Fitness; and Editor-in-Chief of Cleveland Magazine. Vaccariello regularly appears on national broadcast media including The Today Show, CBS This Morning, Good Morning America, and Dr. Oz. She is the author of nine best-selling books, including the #1 New York Times bestselling Flat Belly Diet! She has received numerous awards and honors over her distinguished career and is a frequent speaker at major summits presented by the MPA, Folio, MIN, and Digiday among others. Vaccariello, who is the parent of twin daughters, earned a BA in Communications with Distinction from the University of Michigan and lives in New Jersey with her family.