The journey to weight loss is a long and strenuous one, and it is very easy to give up midway, especially if one does not find their diet filling and satisfying.
While becoming calorie-deficient is essential for weight loss, it is not the same as starving oneself, argues fitness trainer Adi Rad, who goes by Adixfit on Instagram.
In a post dated December 2, Adi shared a list of 23 food items that we can consume to our fill without feeling guilty about massively increasing our calorie count.
“Fat loss will NOT be sustainable if you’re starving,” she reminded. “It’s about smart food choices that keep you full and consistent. That’s how you lose fat, that’s how you stay full (and) lean.”
List of regular foods with low calories
Adi broke down her food list into three distinct groups. The first included foods that are “high-volume, low-calorie, high-fibre” and can keep us feeling full without significantly increasing the calorie count and derailing the weight-loss journey. Such foods include the following:
- Egg whites
- Greek yoghurt (0-2%)
- Watermelon
- Berries
- All leafy greens (spinach, arugula, lettuce)
- Hydrating veggies (cucumber, tomato, zucchini)
- Cruciferous veggies (broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage)
- Carrots (smack them raw – also great for your teeth)
- Pumpkin/squash
- Bone broth (big volume, almost no calories)
- Pickles (super filling, almost zero calories)
- Air-popped popcorn (3 cups = nothing)
List of lean proteins
Proteins are the building blocks of our body and are absolutely essential for muscle growth. As such, lean proteins are an important part of the diet to stay healthy, even as we cut weight. Adi’s proteins of choice are listed as follows:
- White fish (cod, tilapia)
- Shrimp
- Chicken breast
- Turkey breast
- Cottage cheese (0-2%)
- Edamame
List of carbohydrates
While controlling the intake of carbohydrates is essential for hitting the weight loss target, the energy-rich food group is also necessary for vital functions. Foods that are rich in carbohydrates yet support fat loss as as follows:
- Potatoes (one of the most filling foods on earth)
- Oats (huge volume when cooked with water)
- Rice cakes
- Lentils + beans (absolute health powerhouse)
- Whole fruits
Adi highlights the benefits of the above foods, stating that they allow us to fill our tummy with big portions, provide nutrition without empty calories and thus make fat loss easier with fewer cravings.