Trying to lose weight can often feel like an uphill battle, especially if you’re unsure of what you should be eating to fuel your weight loss journey. Many people assume that to lose weight, they must starve themselves or rely on low-calorie, nutrient-poor foods such as lettuce leaves, carrots, and bland spreads – but this could not be further from the truth.

Instead of depriving yourself, focus on adding healthy, delicious, and nutritious foods to your diet. Good diet foods are real foods that not only help you lose weight but also provide your body with the nutrients it needs to function properly. These foods should be low in sugar and calories while still containing a healthy balance of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals to help keep you feeling satisfied and your metabolism burning over several hours.

Here are some great diet foods to include in your weight loss journey:

1. Bircher Muesli: Bircher Muesli is a homemade blend of oats, nuts, and fruit that have been soaked in water or milk overnight. This food is not only a good diet food, but it is also rich in healthy complex carbs, protein, and fiber. It provides slow-burning energy that keeps you feeling satisfied throughout the day while keeping your blood sugar in balance to prevent sugar cravings. You can customize your Bircher Muesli with low-sugar fruits, nuts, and milk for a delicious breakfast option.

2. Homemade Bone Broth: Bone broth is a great diet food that also has numerous health benefits. It’s especially helpful for gut health, as the amino acid glutamine can help repair the lining of the gut. Bone broth is low in calories and high in vitamins and minerals, making it the perfect addition to your weight loss diet plan. To make your own bone broth, simply simmer high-quality bones with vegetables for 24-48 hours.

3. Chia Seed Pudding: Chia seeds are an excellent source of omega-3, protein, and fiber. Foods high in fiber can help fast-track weight loss, and because chia seeds are rich in fiber, they keep you feeling full for longer and prevent overeating or snacking. Chia seed pudding is a delicious breakfast option that can be sweetened with natural sweeteners such as monk fruit extract. To make chia seed pudding, combine chia seeds with your favorite milk and refrigerate overnight.

4. Keto-Friendly Pancakes: Pancakes don’t have to be unhealthy, even if you’re on a diet! Keto-friendly pancakes are made with protein powder, eggs, and almond milk or water instead of butter and sugar. They’re quick and easy to make and provide long-lasting energy to help you power through your day.

5. Kimchi: Kimchi is a traditional Korean food that has numerous health benefits, including weight loss. Research has shown that eating fresh or fermented kimchi can reduce body fat and overall BMI. It contains gut-friendly bacteria that can help rebalance the colonies of friendly bacteria in your gut. Kimchi is also low in calories and high in fiber, making it an excellent addition to your weight loss diet plan.

6. Golden Milk Latte: Golden milk latte is a delicious and nutritious drink made with turmeric, coconut oil, cinnamon, and almond or coconut milk. Turmeric has been shown to aid weight loss and reduce inflammation, while coconut oil has been linked to reducing belly fat. This drink is also rich in healthy fats to support energy and cognition and cinnamon for stabilizing your blood sugar.

7. Kefir: Kefir is a fermented beverage made with cow’s or goat’s milk that contains healthy bacteria that can help rebalance the colonies of friendly bacteria in your gut. This can help reduce inflammation and lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Kefir is also rich in nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, and vitamin B12, making it a great addition to your weight loss diet plan.

In conclusion, trying to lose weight does not mean you have to starve yourself or subsist on low-calorie foods that lack nutrients. Instead, focus on incorporating real, healthy foods into your diet that are low in sugar and calories but high in protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. With these diet foods, you can lose weight, improve your gut health, and enjoy delicious, satisfying meals.