5 Fruits That Work Weight Loss Wonders

By Michael Collins

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Okay, so you've heard both sides of the fruit argument. One side says fruit is bad; that fruit raises insulin levels and keeps you out of the fat burning zone, "so kids, fruit is bad, mmm'kay".

 

The other side says fruit is nature's perfect food, that it provides everything you need. As usual, the truth falls somewhere in between, and of course depends on the circumstances.

All fruit is not created equal- there are many varieties which stimulate different responses by the body. For example, having a banana for breakfast will boost your blood sugar, followed by a hunger inducing crash.

 

Not optimal for weight loss.

 

On the other hand, having some raspberries, which contain less sugar and are relatively high in fiber, will have less blood sugar impact and no crash.

So, of I've laid out my five favorite fruits that can be eaten in moderation without throwing a monkey wrench into your weight loss plans- and may even help the weight loss cause.

 

Avocado- Many people seem to think the avocado is a vegetable (probably because they're not sweet), but it is actually fruit; one that is great for dieting and health. Avocados are packed with monounsaturated fatty acids which raise levels of HDL cholesterol- (good for the 'ol ticker).

 

Avocados are also a rich natural source of the B vitamins, which are crucial to the energy systems of the body. The weight loss wonder of the avocado lies in it's fat and fiber content. Adding a slice or two to your salad or sandwich will add some healthy fats and fiber, which will provide a full feeling for long after you've eaten the meal.

 

Tomatoes- Another fruit often thought to be vegetable, the tomato is well known for it's high lycopene content. Lycopene is a carotenoid that provides the red color tomatoes (and watermelon and pink grapefruit). This carotenoid is an extremely potent antioxidant in that it neutralizes free radicals that cause damage to the body's tissues.

 

Research has also shown correlations between high blood lycopene levels and lowered prostate cancer risks. The tomatoes' weight loss wonder comes in it's ability to provide fullness with it's complex fibrous structure. A few slices of tomato can hold off cravings while stabilizing blood sugar levels.

(Note: The lycopene found in tomatoes is actually more easily processed in our bodies when it is cooked to a relatively higher temperature and some fatty acids such as olive oil added. Don't be afraid to liven up your chicken with some flavorful sauce!)
 

 

Raspberries- These delicious, versatile berries can be eaten in hundreds of different combinations. They can top your late night cottage cheese or make a great addition to your breakfast egg omelet. The weight loss wonder of raspberries are that a handful or two can tame your sweet tooth with very few calories.

 

They are loaded with fiber (which helps the full feeling), as well as antioxidants, which are a crucial part of everyone's diet. Raspberries also contain resveratrol, which has been shown to be effective at increasing the rate at which cells metabolize fat; not to mention all it's latest life extension data.

 

Grapefruit- Research done at the Scripps Clinic has shown that people who ate 3 servings of grapefruit per day over a span of 12 weeks lost 3.6 pounds on average while those that hadn't eaten grapefruit lost an average of 0.5 pounds. So what are the weight loss wonders of grapefruit? The researchers noted that there may be certain chemical properties in the grapefruit that regulate insulin release, which is great on several levels.

First of all, the blood sugar stabilization that occurs is powerful, longevity wise. Chronically raised blood sugar has been associated with everything from inflammation to diabetes, which degrade the conditions of the body. Keeping your blood sugar and insulin levels in check provides a healthy bodily environment, thus a more healthy state.

Second, when your insulin is managed effectively, cravings are greatly reduced, as are your chances of bingeing on unhealthy foods due to blood sugar swings.

Third, steady insulin levels allow your body to burn body fat as fuel- you know, the stuff on your love handles and thighs. Yup, get that grapefruit!

 

 

Apples- Especially my favorite; green apples, can be a weapon in your weight loss arsenal as well as sweet and tangy health boost. Apples are packed with pectin, which is a fiber that helps regulate blood fats and improves cholesterol. Pectin is what gives apples that sort of translucent look and crunchy texture. This crunchy texture itself can actually have some indirect weight loss benefits, as many people have a craving for crunchiness (think potato chips and other snacks). Apple slices may
provide a healthier way to quell your crunch craving.

So what other weight loss wonders can apples provide? Well, the fiber of the apple helps to stabilize blood glucose and insulin levels, and in turn prevents a triggering of the "Must... eat... now!" feeling. In my experience, and also for some of my clients, a green apple or two before a meal can greatly reduce the volume of food you eat at a meal. This in turn of course decreases the amount of total calories you take in.

 

 

 

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