Weight Loss Myth? Bananas, Carrots, and Almonds are Good if You are Trying to Lose Weight

While you may often hear that foods like bananas, carrots, and almonds are good for weight loss, there is so much conflicting information that it is hard to make an educated decision. This article will discuss the question--are bananas, carrots, and almonds good to consume if you are trying to lose weight?

Bananas

Bananas are loaded with potassium, which is an essential mineral that is sometimes missed if you are on a diet. In addition, the ease of which bananas can be packed, transported, and eaten makes them a great choice if you are on a diet. While bananas are relatively low in calories and fat, they don't necessarily have a whole lot of fiber. Fiber is an essential nutrient if you are on a diet, because it helps to keep you feeling fuller, longer and prevents overeating at future meals. In short, bananas make a good choice if you are on a diet because they are low in calories and fat. However, don't plan on eating a banana and having it keep you feeling full through your afternoon meeting.

Carrots

Carrots are a great choice if you are trying to lose weight. Not only are carrots loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, but they are also relatively fluid-dense. This means that they contain a lot of water, which is important to helping you feel full. In addition, carrots contain tons to fiber which, as described above, is essential in healthy weight loss. The fiber found within carrots is slow-digesting. This means that it takes a long time for it to leave the stomach, and therefore helps keep you feeling satiated. In addition, the fiber found within carrots has been found to be effective in the treatment and prevention of a variety of health concerns, including cardiovascular disease, stroke, and some cancers, including colon cancer. Finally, carrots don't need to be refrigerated, and therefore make a handy on-the-go snack option.

Almonds

Almonds are another great choice if you are trying to lose weight. Like carrots, almonds contain high amounts of dietary fiber--especially in the skin of the almonds. In order to achieve optimal benefits, be sure to choose almonds that still have their skin. In addition, while almonds contain a relatively high amount of fat, it is a "healthy" type of fat. Unlike saturated and trans fats which have been linked to the development of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and death, healthy fats can actually help prevent some of these chronic conditions from occurring. When choosing almonds, make sure to look for them in their most natural state--this means raw and with no added salt or additives. Finally, like the other two items described above, almonds are a great snack because they are easily transported.

The Verdict

In general, yes, bananas, carrots, and almonds are good for you to consume if you're trying to lose weight. Remember to choose them in their most natural form to achieve optimal results.

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