Almonds contain Omega 3 fatty acids that help regulate blood sugar and reduce inflammation. This helps in increasing your body’s metabolism. They’re cheap, easily available and easy to keep on the go. So munch on a handful of almonds or walnuts but not more because they are high in calories. They’re bound to help with your next sugar craving!
2. Grapefruit
Antioxidants found in grapefruits are instant calorie burners. It controls high insulin levels to aid weight loss, making your body process food more efficiently. Plus, its low in calories and half a grapefruit a day has almost all of your daily Vitamin C requirement. Though healthier in fresh fruit form, you can still opt for grapefruit juice for a blast of nutrition.
3. Flax seeds
Overlooked more often that not, these simple seeds can be more beneficial to us than we realise. Easily available, and called ‘Alsi’ in the market, they can be added almost to every meal be it yogurt, cereal or chutney. Flax seeds help lower cholesterol and leave you feeling satiated, thus curbing your calorie intake later. Grind the seeds before having them, otherwise they will pass out of your system undigested.
4. Yogurt
You can choose to have yogurt any time of the day. Probiotics in yogurt help in digestion and building lean muscle mass. Avoid the fruit flavoured yogurt, they have more sugar and preservatives than you need. Instead add a few fresh berries on top yourself. Greek yogurt, which is even healthier than regular yogurt is available at Agha’s and EBCO. Homemade yoghurt is even better and it’s super easy to make.
5. Strawberries
Strawberries are too yummy to stop at just one! And that’s completely okay, because apart from being calorically low they help the body produce hormones that stimulate metabolism and blast fat. A cup of strawberries is only 50 calories.
Try avoiding the high sugar strawberry desserts, they cancel out the nutritional benefits. Make sure they are fresh and don’t forget to wash them before you eat!
By Manaal Khalid
