Many people approach their weight loss by cutting down on food, but dietary swaps may be a better starting point.
When it comes to snacking and breakfasts, foods like yoghurt and nuts are highly recommended for their nutritional profiles.
They help curb cravings by keeping the body fuller for longer thanks partly to their protein content.
Ana Residorf, MS, RD for The Food Trends, told GB News: “Adding Greek yoghurt can help you lose weight due to its high protein content.
Upping protein intake is key for shedding more belly fat
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“Protein helps increase satiety and reduces overall calorie intake by keeping you fuller for longer.
“It is also a good source of calcium and probiotics, which may help support fat loss and improve gut health.”
It should be noted that low-fat Greek yoghurt contains twice as much satiating protein as traditional yoghurt.
Research published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggests protein ingestion from such sources supports greater calorie burn throughout the day.
This not only gives people a metabolic advantage during exercise, but it also means the body could lose more weight when it’s resting.
“A high protein intake can make you burn 80 to 100 more calories per day, with one study showing an increase of 260 calories during overfeeding,” experts at Healthline noted.
Despite the high protein content of yoghurt, the dairy product is unlikely to make a person burn more calories alone.
Eating yoghurt as part of a balanced diet that incorporates fibrous carbohydrates, and healthy fats, is more likely to boost weight loss and metabolism.
Another highly recommended dietary addition for weight loss is nuts, which despite their fat content, are highly nutritious.
“Nuts can help with weight loss because they are also rich in protein and fibre,” explained Ana.
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Nuts and protein support weight loss by promoting fullness
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“This can help you feed full after meals so you eat less. Nuts also have a low glycemic impact, which helps to stabilise blood sugar levels.”
Due to the high fat content of these foods, intake should be moderated. Eating too much nuts and yoghurt could lead to weight gain if portions are poorly controlled.
Experts have also stressed the importance of other elements like hydration to support a healthy weight.
Without water, the body cannot metabolise stored fat, explaining why weight gain is sometimes interpreted as a sign of dehydration.
