4 Healthy Ingredients That Can Help You Manage Your Weight

For most of us, it is a constant struggle to keep a check on our weight. We are always promising ourselves to follow a healthy diet, cut down drastically on certain food ingredients, workout dedicatedly and lead an active life. But somewhere down the line, we tend to give up and pile up on the weight all over again. Well, weight loss is never a one time thing. No matter which diet you follow, the key is to be consistent and follow it religiously. In fact, 99% of diet fails because we give up after a certain period of time. So rather than banking on your willpower, make some smart choices. Rather than starving yourself, include certain healthy ingredients in your diet that can help you manage your weight.

We list down four foods that can help you maintain your weight, with inputs from Dolly Kumar, founder of Gaia:

1. Stevia

By now you must already know how elimination refined sugar from your diet can help you in managing your weight. So say no to sugar and yes to stevia because you do need some sweetness in life. Also known as 'Meethi Tulsi', stevia is 100% natural, zero calorie sugar substitute that is obtained from natural herbs. It does not contain aspartame, has little or no after taste unlike other extracts and comes with no side effects. Replace sugar with stevia in your desserts, beverages, cereals, etc and enjoy sweetness without any guilt.

2. Oats

Rich in fibre and protein, oats are touted to aid in weight management. It has zero cholesterol, which makes it good for your heart too. It is definitely a great healthy breakfast option to kick start your day. A bowl of oats or muesli will keep you feeling full for a long time and curb the untimely hunger pangs. Combined with skimmed milk and fresh seasonal fruits, it serves as a low fat yet nutrition rich meal.

3. Green tea

Rich in antioxidants, green tea provides numerous health benefits. Experts suggest that it helps regulate blood sugar level, fights stress and fatigue and keeps the skin looking young. Its fat burning properties can help in weight loss and in keeping you active. So when you include green tea in your healthy lifestyle, you will notice a visible change.

4. Spirulina

Spirulina is one of the richest natural sources of protein and a complete food for the body. It has essential fatty acids, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Considered to be a superfood, it is said to increase hemoglobin level and helps keep a check on cholesterol and blood pressure levels. Thus it's good for the heart. Spirulina is also known to improve overall health and aid in weight management.

So opt for a healthy lifestyle that includes physical activities and keep a check on what you eat.

(Also read: 3 "Diet" Foods That Are Actually Making You Gain Weight)