7 Delicious Fall Foods That Are Great for Weight Loss

Candied sweet potatoes. Mashed potatoes. Apple crumble. They're pretty much synonymous with autumn—but they're not exactly waistline-friendly. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to prepare fall produce that actually help promote weight loss (and taste amazing to boot). Here are my favorite picks to ensure that the only extra layers you put on this season involve clothing.

Beets
Aside from being deliciously sweet, beets contain a phytonutrient compound called betalain, which has been shown to help your body’s natural detoxification process. When your body's eliminating toxins properly, it can more efficiently metabolize your food.

Broccoli
Broccoli is 91 percent water—and H2O-dense foods are a great way to help you control your weight, as they help you feel full and hydrated. Research from the University of Tennessee found that consuming vegetables with a high water content can also help you maintain weight loss. Try roasting florets with a bit of of olive oil and garlic for a yummy snack.

Pears
Pears are a rich source of pectin, a soluble fiber that attracts water to form a gel, which can help slow down the emptying of your stomach and make you feel full longer. Translation: You eat less and keep your calorie intake down. Grab a pear for a snack, or cut it up to put in your next salad for a creamy, earthy taste.

Pomegranates
These are one super superfood, containing a ton of vitamin C, which research shows can help you burn fat. I love that unique tangy-yet-sweet taste of the arils (pomegranate seeds), too.

Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin is the It ingredient this time of year, but don't forget about pumpkin seeds. Monounsaturated fats, which are the type of fat found in these seeds, can help reduce belly fat. Roast them with a bit of sea salt; they're great sprinkled on a salad or eaten on their own as a snack.

Sweet Potatoes
Many people still shy away from eating too many carbs, but studies show that the type of starch found in potatoes—resistant starch—may actually help you burn fat. Plus, sweet potatoes are a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth without packing on pounds. Bake one, and sprinkle on a little cinnamon for a snack or side.

MORE: 10 Healthy Sweet Potato Recipes

Spaghetti Squash
I love that this can satisfy pasta cravings without increasing your intake of refined carbs. Squash also contains pectin, which regulates insulin, helping your blood-sugar levels stay stable so your appetite remains steady throughout the day.

MORE: The RIGHT Way to Cook Spaghetti Squash

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