If you’ve been trying to lose weight for a while, you’ve probably noticed that many weight loss programs recommend piling your plate with vegetables. That’s because they fill up your stomach to prevent overeating while still keeping you at a calorie deficit (learn more about how to safely try a calorie deficit!) so that you can still shed some pounds. But, if you hate the idea of bland bowls of salad, don’t worry—there are still veggies that will satisfy your cravings while still helping you lose weight.
To learn more about hearty vegetables that are rich in fiber, boost metabolism, and burn body fat, we spoke with Carrie Gabriel, a registered dietitian and nutritionist of The Homecooking Dietitian, and Dr. Sarah Mathis, a board-certified physician, who recommend adding broccoli to your diet. This is because, they say, broccoli is low in calories and a good source of protein and dietary fiber so it aids in weight loss. Read on to learn more!
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Broccoli
It's no secret that broccoli is beneficial for your overall health—that's why your parents were always telling you to finish the broccoli on your dinner plate. Broccoli is a high-fiber cruciferous vegetable that is a fantastic option for anyone looking to boost their metabolism. They also provide you with the energy your body needs to exercise and kickstart fat burn. Love it or hate it, your body can seriously benefit from eating this hearty vegetable.
"Broccoli is one of the best vegetables for a metabolism boost," Gabriel says. She explains that this is mainly because of its glucophoranin content. "[Glucophoranin] is a precursor to sulforaphane, which is known to ease inflammation in the body. This includes reducing obesity-related inflammation and insulin resistance." And, when you reduce inflammation you can start to lose weight.
Mathis confirms that this superfood makes a great addition to any weight loss diet. She notes, "Not only is it full of fiber but it contains sulforaphane, a substance that helps protect your DNA and slow tumor growth (that can decrease your cancer risk) and decrease inflammation." Broccoli's fiber content is 2.6 grams per a 100-gram portion, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Luckily, there are so many ways to prepare broccoli. "You can eat a large plateful either steamed, blended up into a soup, or even take the stems and 'rice them' to turn into your favorite salad like coleslaw," Mathis advises. You can even make garlic parmesan broccoli in your air fryer. Gabriel suggests adding broccoli to a "vegetable stir fry or pasta dish, blend it into a soup, or eat it raw with your favorite dip, like hummus or guacamole." Yum!
Whenever possible, eating a hearty vegetable like broccoli is the best way to go lose weight. Although broccoli may not be the most fun food in the world, it is one of the most versatile. Add some broccoli to your favorite salads, soups, and bowls, and your waistline will definitely thank you for it.
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