Slim and In Season

I was watching a news program where they were reviewing fruits and vegetables that are in season (or will be soon) and help with weight loss.  These five foods speed up weight loss because they are low in volume and calories but high in essential nutrients and vitamins. Basically they fill you up without loading you up with fat and calories.  Perfect timing with bikini season right around the corner right?

Here's a little more information on how each of these "super" foods can assist with weight loss. 

Cherries: Cherries are full of antioxidants, sweet, made up of 75% water, and low in calories. Because they are so high in water and low in calories they keep you fuller for long periods of time. They are also loaded with soluble fiber, a type of fiber that helps accelerate weight loss and reduce cholesterol by slowing it's absorption into the bloodstream.

Asparagus: This green vegetable is low in calories and high in fiber. The dietary fiber can help control and satisfy your appetite and serve as a natural laxative. Asparagus also acts as a diuretic to reduce water retention.  

Mustard Greens: When it comes to eating green vegetables you can pretty much eat all you want! Mustard greens are full of vitamins, minerals, and disease-fighting phytochemicals. And they are also rich in fiber, an important nutrient for weight loss. 

Strawberries: This sweet and delicious fruit can help you lose weight by increasing the production of a hormone that stimulates metabolism and suppresses your appetite. They can also slow the digestion of starchy foods, which in turn helps control the rise in blood sugar that usually follows a starchy meal. And one cup of strawberries contains only 49 calories. 

Artichokes: Like these other foods, artichokes are high in fiber and low in calories. They also take longer to eat so they keep your mouth busy while your stomach has more time to feel full. Artichokes also act as natural diuretics and can help prevent water retention and aid kidney function. One medium artichoke has 16 grams of fiber, 10 grams of protein, and 150 calories.