Spring and warmer weather are right around the corner. The changing seasons can bring excitement for some, but it can also bring trepidation if you haven’t met your weight loss goals quite yet. But don’t despair! There are plenty of easy, delicious diet tweaks that can help get you back on the right track.
Just as spring brings beautiful weather, it brings a bounty of tasty seasonal vegetables, too. Vegetables help keep you satisfied and promote weight loss due to their low calories and high fiber and water content. Let’s look at some delightful seasonal April vegetables that can help you lose weight.
Artichokes
These strange-looking veggies are actually a species of thistle! The portion of the plant that we eat is made up of flower buds and is harvested before they bloom.
Artichokes have the highest amount of antioxidants of any vegetable. A medium artichoke contains nearly seven grams of fiber and lots of magnesium, both of which promote satiety and healthy digestion.
Broccoli
As you may discern from the similarity of appearance, broccoli is closely related to cauliflower. The portions of the broccoli plant that we eat are the stalks and flowering heads.
Broccoli is full of fiber and is 89% water, which makes it excellent for weight loss. Just 100 grams of broccoli contains your total recommended daily value of both vitamin C and vitamin K and has several essential B vitamins as well.
Cauliflower
This close relative of broccoli has long been popular in weight loss circles. It has become quite a trendy vegetable as well and is used to replace everything from pizza crust to rice. Cauliflower’s impressive nutritional profile makes this an extremely healthy swap.
This vegetable is rich in fiber, full of antioxidants, and contains plenty of choline, an essential nutrient many people lack. Like broccoli, cauliflower has a high fiber and water content, making it a favorite for weight loss.
Parsnips
Parsnips are root vegetables that bear many similarities to carrots. They are comparable in appearance, and both have a light, sweet taste. Parsnips were historically used as a sweetener before cane sugar became common in Europe.
These veggies contain plenty of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and both soluble and insoluble fiber.
Peas
Frozen peas are accessible year-round, but fresh peas come into season in the spring and summer months. Peas are a type of legume and pack plenty of nutritional punch.
Peas are high in both fiber and protein, which are helpful for weight loss. They also contain lots of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytonutrients that benefit both your digestive and eye health.
For many dieters, spring brings healthy weight loss goals to mind. Luckily, it also brings plenty of fresh, fat-blasting veggies. Need a little extra help to accomplish your weight-loss goals? MediPlan’s personalized diet plans and professional advice are sure to help you lose weight and keep it off. If you’re ready to change your health and lifestyle for the better, contact MediPlan Diet Services today!