Trim Your Plate with These 8 Healthy Veggies for Better Living

We often tend to picture weight loss as a complicated and tough task – counting calories, enrolling in gyms, trying various diet options, or getting enticed by slimming products. While it is not easy by any means, certain science-backed measures can make your weight loss journey smoother.   With the recommendations below, you can easily trim your plate and still feel satisfied.

One of the recommended measures is going natural by incorporating more farm-fresh produce such as vegetables and fruits. All vegetables and fruits are inherently healthy. However, specific vegetables are known to aid in weight loss. These vegetables are generally low in calories and high in water and fiber content. Read on to learn how to incorporate these veggies for a trimmer plate and a trimmer you. 

 

#1: Spaghetti Squash 

One of the things that makes this squash a popular choice is its possibility as a spaghetti substitute. The fiber content helps you stay fuller for longer, and the squash is low in fat. 

Try spaghetti squash in the following dishes: 

• Stuffed spaghetti squash with chickpea kale curry 
• Marinara spaghetti squash 

• Chicken spaghetti squash 

 

#2: Kale 

Kale is a superstar when it comes to a trim plate!  One serving has only seven calories so you can easily enjoy four to five servings while staying under 50 calories. Because the texture is a little tougher, you’ll also eat a little more slowly.  

You might want to consider using kale in these tasty ways: 

• Kale chips 
• Green smoothie 
• Salad with lemon juice, olive oil, and dried cranberries 

 

#3: Spinach 

Popeye the Sailor (seen in The Popeye Show on Prime Video) is perhaps one of the greatest proponents of spinach. Misconceptions aside, spinach is one of the top foods that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) associates with a lower risk of some cancers, heart disease, and Type 2 diabetes. Spinach is perfect for use in many kinds of dishes and is low in calories. 

 Try these spinach recipes: 

• Green smoothie 
• Lupini bean salad 
• Mason-jar salad 

 

#4: Green Peas 

Green peas have almost nine grams of fiber, allowing you to feel fuller with minimal effort. If you always have a package of peas handy, you have an excellent addition to soups for some extra color or as a side with olive oil, salt, and pepper. 

 Consider these recipes: 

• Pea pesto 

• Green pea soup 
• Farro fried rice 

 

#5: Cauliflower 

According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), cauliflower has only 27 calories per serving. The increased fiber makes you feel fuller and slows your digestion, and is an easy choice for the trim plate club. 

This cholesterol-free, fat-free, low-sodium superstar veggie is great in these types of recipes: 

• Carrot cauliflower soup 
• Cauliflower tacos 
• Cauliflower rice 

 

#6: Sweet Potato 

Sweet potatoes have a higher fiber content than white potatoes, helping you feel fuller. Roasting these potatoes with the skins on them is a great way to get all the necessary nutrients. 

 Some great ways to use sweet potatoes include; 

• Casserole with black beans 
• Wheat-free pizza crust 

• Sweet potato beet hash 

 

#7: Avocado 

Avocados are high in monosaturated fats, which are good for your heart. These tasty veggies also digest more slowly than many other foods, making them a great choice for sticking to your weight loss goals. 

 Some of the ways you can use avocados include: 

• Green smoothies 
• As a salad ingredient 
• Guacamole with low-fat chips 

 

#8: Bell Peppers 

Bell peppers are low in calories, with two grams of fiber. These peppers also contain more vitamin C than oranges, which is helpful because higher amounts of vitamin C help you burn 30% more fat. 

 Some tasty recipes that use bell peppers include: 

• Hummus with bell paper 
• Turkey wrap with peppers 
• Steak or chicken fajitas with peppers 

From the versatile spaghetti squash to the nutrient-packed avocado smoothie or bell pepper hummus, veggies offer satisfying recipe options for weight loss. You can get creative and experiment with more recipes to see which ones work best for you. 

Be sure to track your food choices along with your weight and body measurements. Over time, you might be able to pick out patterns in your weight loss journey to confirm whether the addition of these items has had an impact.