Managing our weight is rarely easy. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner seem to mock us all day long. We resist the donut handed to us by a co-worker. We choke down that meager salad during our lunch break. And we push the cauliflower around on our plates at suppertime. But if we feel we’re depriving ourselves, we become more susceptible to emotional eating.
Top foods you can eat without gaining weight
Almonds
Almonds contain fewer calories than most other nuts, but they also offer a “full” sensation, prompting you to eat less and not as often. It’s an excellent source of fiber, Vitamin E, and mono- and polyunsaturated fats, which support healthy cholesterol levels.
Apples
These fruits contain pectin, which slows digestion and helps you feel full quicker and longer. Apples are considered natural appetite suppressants.
Broth
Whether chicken or vegetable, the broth will fill you up and satiate your hunger. Its mild temperature will also offer your insides a comforting warmth.
Greens
From lettuce, celery, and spinach to cabbage, cucumbers, and bok choy, the leafy greens will satisfy your palate for longer. They have very few calories and are quite tasty when seasoned to perfection.
Pickles
Natural pickles, without artificial colors, flavorings, or added sugars, are great if you want to eat as much as you want without gaining weight. They’re low-calorie and great for munching.
Bananas
These fruits contain a high amount of resistant starch, which is a great help in any weight loss or weight management program. Because your body digests this starch slowly, bananas help you feel full longer. Resistant starch also prompts your liver to switch on its fat-burning process (and speaking of fat-burning, this honey and lemon water mix might be worth your try!)
A Recipe You Can Feel Good About
Bananas are one of the most versatile foods. From banana bread to banana smoothies, they pack a serious punch when it comes to satisfying appetites. They’re also great in cookies!
Banana Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies
Makes 10-12 cookies
What You’ll Need
- 3/4 cup flour
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 3/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp of baking soda
- 1/4 tsp of salt
- 1 cup mashed banana (usually 2 medium)
- 2 Tbsp honey
- 1/4 cup melted but room temperature coconut oil
- 1 tsp of vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup nuts or seeds of your choice (optional)
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (optional)
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Cover a large baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
- Whisk together cinnamon, flour, oats, salt, and baking soda in your large bowl. Set aside.
- Thoroughly combine mashed banana, honey, coconut oil, and vanilla extract in another large bowl.
- Mix wet and dry ingredients until just blended. Add nuts, seeds, and dark chocolate chips if you’d like.
- Place approximately 1/4 dough on the baking sheet 2 inches apart from each other. Gently flatten with your palm. Bake for 14-17 minutes.
- Allow cooling on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before moving them to a cooling rack. Enjoy!
Your Health and Wellness Source
Eating healthy never tasted so good. To eat well without gaining weight, you don’t have to deprive yourself – focus on the right foods. Also, do not forget to check out these 20 tips for weight loss and learn how to lose weight without losing all your money!
Rick Kaselj MS, is a leading kinesiologist and injury specialist as well as co-creator of the best-selling Unlock Your Hip Flexors program. Rick creates exercise programs that help people heal injuries and eliminate pain, so they can go back to living a full, active, healthy life.
