As the new year approaches, it’s officially time to start thinking about resolutions. Of course, a resolution can be anything, but if weight loss, exercise, or improving your diet are on your list, you’re not alone. According to Statista, a survey on 2021 New Year’s resolutions showed that 48% of respondents aimed to lose weight in the coming year. Additionally, 50% said that exercising or improving their fitness levels was a resolution as well, while 39% said improving their diet.
Because many Americans are likely looking to lose weight fast at the start of 2022, we consulted Lisa Moskovitz, RD, CEO of NY Nutrition Group, author of The Core 3 Healthy Eating Plan, and member of our medical expert board, who explained that to crush hunger cravings and lose weight fast, reach for high-fiber foods.
“While there is no magic bullet for weight loss, certain foods can help you feel full and satiated to create the necessary calorie deficit for healthy weight loss,” says Moskovitz.
Specifically, high-fiber foods are essential for stopping those hunger cravings, which often directly impact weight loss.
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According to Moskovitz, “fiber is a non-digestible, zero-calorie carbohydrate that slows down digestion so that you feel full for a longer period of time.”
Given that high-fiber foods fill you up, you’ll feel less hungry, and ultimately help your body work towards losing weight.
Wondering which food is the best source of fiber? Moskovitz recommends legumes, specifically kidney beans, black beans, and chickpeas.
“[Beans] contain a specific type of soluble fiber that can even boost metabolism,” says Moskovitz. “They are also an excellent source of muscle-preserving plant protein, bloat-fighting potassium, and energizing iron.”
Whether you’re adding them to a salad or putting them into a soup, stocking up on beans could be your key to jumpstarting your weight loss journey. If you’re on the hunt for more ways to incorporate beans into your meals, check out our list of 17 Delicious Recipes Featuring a Simple Can of Beans.