For years, conventional wisdom has told us that the key to weight loss is cutting calories. We’ve been told to avoid high-calorie foods at all costs, but what if we told you that some high-calorie foods can actually help you lose weight?.
It’s true. Not all calories are created equal, and some high-calorie foods are packed with nutrients that can help regulate your metabolism and keep you feeling full.
So, if you’re tired of feeling deprived and hungry all the time, try incorporating some of these high-calorie foods into your diet.
1. Nuts and Nut Butters
It might seem counterintuitive to eat calorie-dense nuts and nut butters when you’re trying to lose weight, but research suggests that nuts can actually help you shed pounds.
In a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, researchers found that people who ate nuts at least twice a week had a lower risk of weight gain than those who didn’t eat nuts.
Why? Nuts are packed with healthy fats, protein, and fiber, which can help keep you feeling full and satisfied. Plus, the fat in nuts is the kind that can actually boost your metabolism, helping you burn more calories throughout the day.
2. Avocado
Avocado is another calorie-dense food that’s packed with nutrients. Just one medium avocado contains about 250 calories, but it’s also loaded with healthy monounsaturated fats, fiber, and potassium.
Studies have shown that adding avocado to your diet can help you feel more satisfied and reduce your appetite, which can lead to fewer calories consumed throughout the day.
Plus, the healthy fats in avocado may help boost your metabolism and aid in weight loss.
3. Full-Fat Greek Yogurt
Low-fat or fat-free yogurts are often touted as diet-friendly options, but they’re not always the best choice when it comes to weight loss.
Full-fat Greek yogurt, on the other hand, is a high-calorie, nutrient-dense food that can help you slim down.
Why? Like nuts and nut butters, full-fat Greek yogurt is high in protein, which can help keep you feeling full and satisfied. It’s also a good source of calcium, which can help regulate your metabolism and reduce the risk of weight gain.
4. Dark Chocolate
If you’ve got a sweet tooth, you don’t have to swear off chocolate to lose weight.
Dark chocolate is a high-calorie food that’s packed with flavonoids and antioxidants, which can help boost your metabolism and reduce inflammation in the body.
Research has shown that eating dark chocolate can also help curb your cravings for sweet, salty, and fatty foods, which can help you consume fewer calories overall.
5. Quinoa
Quinoa is a high-protein, nutrient-dense grain that can help you feel full and satisfied. One cup of cooked quinoa contains about 220 calories, but it’s also packed with fiber, iron, and magnesium.
Research has shown that incorporating quinoa into your diet can help regulate your appetite, reduce inflammation in the body, and improve insulin sensitivity, which can all lead to weight loss.
6. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is high in calories, but it’s also packed with healthy MCTs (medium-chain triglycerides), which can help boost your metabolism and aid in weight loss.
Studies have shown that consuming coconut oil can help reduce belly fat and improve cholesterol levels.
While it’s important to use coconut oil in moderation, incorporating it into your diet can help you feel more satisfied and reduce your overall calorie intake.
7. Salmon
Salmon is a high-protein, high-calorie food that’s also loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, which can help regulate your metabolism, reduce inflammation in the body, and improve insulin sensitivity.
Plus, the protein in salmon can help keep you feeling full and satisfied.
Research has shown that consuming fatty fish like salmon can help reduce belly fat and improve heart health, making it a smart choice for anyone looking to lose weight.
8. Eggs
Eggs are a nutrient-dense food that can help you slim down. They’re high in protein, which can help keep you full and satisfied, and they’re also a good source of vitamins and minerals like vitamin D and choline.
Incorporating eggs into your diet can help you consume fewer calories throughout the day, which can lead to weight loss. Research has also shown that consuming eggs for breakfast can help regulate your appetite and reduce cravings throughout the day.
Conclusion
If you’re tired of feeling deprived and hungry on your weight loss journey, don’t be afraid to incorporate some high-calorie foods into your diet.
These eight nutrient-dense foods can help keep you feeling full and satisfied, regulate your metabolism, and boost your weight loss efforts.
Just remember to enjoy them in moderation and pair them with a healthy, balanced diet and regular exercise for best results.