5 Foods to Eat/Drink when trying to Lose Weight

Girl - Weight LossUltimately, this list of foods to eat to lose weight is a bit more extensive than just 5 and should really include fruits and vegetables of all kinds. A diet full of fruits and vegetables is more likely to result in weight loss than one filled with refined sugars. The following is a list of some extra components to add to a balanced diet in order to achieve weight loss.

  1. Chia Seeds: Chia seeds have many beneficial properties that help them in the goal of weight loss. Chia seeds are a good source of protein, omega – 3 fatty acids (not substantial levels to compensate for supplementation), and fiber. All three of these help with digestion, to decrease appetite, to increase energy, and to decrease inflammation. All of these can be beneficial on the road to weight loss.
  2. Sweet Potato: Sweet potatoes can be beneficial for weight loss for the reason that they can be a substitute for a regular white potato. A sweet potato has far fewer calories than a regular potato and are low in glycemic index. What this results in is a reduced impact on blood sugar levels which leads to less sugar being stored in the form of fat in the body.
  3. Hot Water with Lemon: starting each day with hot water with a slice of lemon in it can be beneficial for weight loss for a number of reasons. To start with it can increase metabolism at the beginning of the day meaning more calories burnt. In addition, this drink can stimulate digestion and liver functioning. This can help to process hormones more efficiently and to eliminate toxins from the body. Some sources also suggest that this drink can be a source of vitamin C, which some studies suggest can be important for weight loss.
  4. Green Tea: many studies have suggested that even just 1 cup of green tea per day can be enough to stimulate metabolism. Green tea can also act as a substitute for coffee and the potential to “drink your calories” through having sugary coffee beverages.
  5. Water: Drinking water is important for many bodily functions in general. In addition, feeling hungry could be a sign that we are actually just thirsty. By curbing your appetite through drinking water first, this can help with weight loss. Research has suggested that drinking a glass of water before each meal helps to increase potential weight loss by 3lbs compared to individuals who did not drink water before meals. Water can also increase the amount of calories burned in one hour, after consuming 500 ml of water.

Have you benefited from reading this blog? Know someone that would benefit as well? Share, Like, Comment, or Tweet this article, and let me know what you think.

Some of the information provided above may not be appropriate for everyone, please consult with your doctor before trying any of the above. If you are interested in Naturopathic Medicine and wanting a different approach to your health care needs, contact Dr. Elisha Cook ND by calling 519-537-7058 and book your appointment today!

Leaky Potato Soup Recipe – Elimination Diet-Friendly

This soup is loaded with flavor and makes a great dish for the elimination diet! The following recipe makes approximately 6 servings of soup.

Ingredients:

  • 2 large leaks
  • 2 large sweet potatoes
  • 10 cups of chicken broth (preferably home-made or a chicken broth that coincides with elimination diet guidelines)
  • 3 stems of fresh cilantro
  • ½ cup coconut milk
  • 1tbsp olive oil

Directions:

  1. Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in soup pot and add sliced leaks. Cook on medium until soft (approximately 5-10 minutes).
  2. Add in sliced sweet potatoes and cook for 2 more minutes.
  3. Add 10 cups of chicken broth, and cook over medium heat for 20 minutes. Then, slowly add ½ cup of coconut milk to mixture, whisking while doing so. Cook for 10 more minutes.
  4. Add cut cilantro and cook for 5 minutes.
  5. Remove from heat, let cool, and serve.

Have you benefited from reading this blog? Know someone that would benefit as well? Share, Like, Comment, or Tweet this article, and let me know what you think.

Some of the information provided above may not be appropriate for everyone, please consult with your doctor before trying any of the above. If you are interested in Naturopathic Medicine and wanting a different approach to your health care needs, contact Dr. Elisha Cook ND by calling 519-537-7058 and book your appointment today!

Double – Stuffed Sweet Potato Recipe – Elimination Diet Friendly

Double stuffed sweet potatoeThis recipe is great for those trying to mix it up with the elimination diet, or those just wanting to try something different. This recipe was adapted from a recipe I found in the cook book “Paleo takes 5 or fewer” by Cindy Sexton, but modified to be elimination diet – friendly. Let me know what you think!

Ingredients:

  • 6 Large Sweet Potatoes
  • ½ Large Red Onion cut into small pieces
  • Approximately 100g of finely cut mushrooms (if your elimination diet is able to have this)
  • 2-3 cloves of garlic
  • Olive oil
  • Sea salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste
  • 3 green onions finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp Parsley
  • 1 tsp Basil
  • 1 tsp Oregano

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375F.
  2. Cut sweet potatoes in half length – wise and place face down on a baking sheet that is lined with aluminum foil.
  3. Take some olive oil and lightly brush the flesh side of the potatoes. Sprinkle some sea salt on eat potato and puncture the flesh side of the potatoes in multiple places along the surface (i.e. stab the potato with a knife in multiple places – just a small depth).
  4. Bake in oven for 35-45 minutes.
  5. Add the red onion and mushrooms to a frying pan, starting it on low heat and gradually increasing to medium heat. Cook for approximately 10 minutes or until softened. Mince the garlic and add to the mixture, stirring for another 3-5 minutes, then remove from heat.
  6. Once the potatoes are baked, gently scoop the insides of the potato and add it to a bowl with the red onion mixture. Combine the ingredients, and add the green onion, parsley, oregano, and basil. Mix well.
  7. Add the final mixture to the sweet potatoes skins and place back on the baking sheet. Broil for 5 minutes on low. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.

Have you benefited from reading this blog? Know someone that would benefit as well? Share, Like, Comment, or Tweet this article, and let me know what you think.

Some of the information provided above may not be appropriate for everyone, please consult with your doctor before trying any of the above. If you are interested in Naturopathic Medicine and wanting a different approach to your health care needs, contact Dr. Elisha Cook ND by calling 519-537-7058 and book your appointment today!