1. Fruits and Vegetables that are high in antioxidants – Antioxidants are excellent chemicals that help neutralize free radicals in our body. Antioxidants when not neutralized can cause a condition called “oxidative stress.” It is a condition where there is an imbalance between the factors that causes oxidation and the factors that inhibit oxidation. Free radicals can cause cell damage that results our body’s meta-block system and organ’s system to break down. Here are the top antioxidants that can help you in weight loss:

Blueberries – They are chock-full of antioxidants and fiber, low in sugar and calories. Research shows that blueberries has the greatest anti-oxidants among fruits and vegetables. Aside from that, blueberries has contents that reverse cell degeneration. They also has flavonoids and beta-carotene which helps to prevent Alzheimer’s disease and an effective anti-inflammatory components.

Kale and Spinach – These two vegetables are rich in antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin which help protect against age-related cataracts and macular degeneration.

Broccoli – New medical study shows that eating broccoli and broccoli sprouts reduces your risk of heart disease, high-blood pressure and stroke. Broccoli has high contents of antioxidants called “glucoraphanin,” a chemical which boost the body’s defense system against cancer-forming free radicals.

2. Fiber-rich and low-calories fruits – Eating fruits a day like apple does not only keeps the doctor away but also helps you loose weight. Aside from the benefits of helping prevent cardiovascular problems, stroke, cancer, diabetes, and high cholesterol, the nutrients found in fruits are excellent source of fat burning compounds. Fruits satisfy hunger by taking longer to consume, thus your appetite is reduced.

3. Zero-Fat Vegetables – Vegetables are good source of fiber which helps reduce fat soluble and other fat-causing factors that we have taken making it great foods for weight loss and maintenance. Vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, brussels sprouts, potatoes, and squash are just some of these vegetables.

4. High-Energy Foods – Great “go” foods has numerous health benefits. Examples of these are oatmeal, yogurt, spinach and canned salmon, tuna or sardines.

Canned Salmon, Tuna, or Sardines – These three fishes are great souce of omega-3 fatty acids, provide extra calcium and protein aside from milk. You can add salmon, tuna or sardines as filling to a whole wheat sandwich with onions, lettuce, tomato, and less-fat dressing for a healthy lunch or heavy snack. You can also add them to your favorite salad. It is much healthier to opt for those packed in water than those in oil.

Oatmeal – Oatmeal balances your cholesterol in the body and an essential heart-protecting food.

5. Foods with Incredible Crunch – Foods that require a good bit of chewing are excellent diet foods because require you ample time to chew and thus the brain’s appestat or appetite is satisfied long before you have the chance of consuming too many calories. Crunchable foods provide healthy benefits because they are high in fiber and promotes good metabolism. Examples of these foods are apple, corn, celery and carrots.

6. Power Foods – Power foods are foods not only packed with vitamins but contain many different types of unique nutrients such as phytonutrients, flavonoids, monounsaturated fats, omega-3 fatty acids, complex carbohydrates, proteins, minerals, fiber, and other nutrition-boosting compounds. Examples of these are:

Whole grains breads and cereals especially those that contain bran, an excellent source of fiber, B vitamins, and minerals including zinc, iron and magnesium.

Green leafy vegetables like spinach, dark lettuces, bok choy, chard, collard greens, and seaweed.

Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower because they are excellent source of complex carbohydrates and dietary fiber.

Orange vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkins, butternut squash, winter squash, and cantaloupe because they are loaded with cancer-fighting anti-oxidants beta-carotene and vitamins C and E.

Legumes, nuts and seeds are also power foods that help weight loss. Examples of these legumes are beans and lentils. The high fiber content of beans and lentils helps to reduce the absorption of saturated fat, cholesterol, and calories from the intestinal tract, reduces your appetite, and may reduce the risk of heart disease.