Keto Means
Photo by Annushka  Ahuja Pexels Logo Photo: Annushka Ahuja

What is the best squash for weight loss?

Butternut squash is another low-calorie, high-fiber food, which makes it a no-brainer when it comes to weight loss. A 2009 study in The Journal of Nutrition found that for every gram increase in dietary fiber intake, women lost 0.55 pounds and their body fat decreased by 0.25%.

Are ketones visible in urine?
Are ketones visible in urine?

Ketones are usually formed in the liver and are broken down so that very small amounts of ketones appear in the urine. Oct 14, 2022

Read More »
Do cucumbers speed up your metabolism?
Do cucumbers speed up your metabolism?

Metabolism Booster #2: Cucumbers The natural diuretic effects of this vegetable containing potassium and vitamins A and C, flushes out toxins and...

Read More »

One of the most exciting aspects of the seasons changing is that you get to partake in a whole new bounty of produce—and fall undoubtedly brings some of the tastiest foods. As an added bonus, many of those foods happen to be good for you. No, we're not talking about apple pie and stuffing—although those are delicious, they're not exactly the best choices when you're trying to lose weight. That's why we rounded up all the foods to eat during the fall for quicker weight loss. So you know exactly which seasonal ingredients to focus on when you're trying to slim down. Whether you're looking for nutritious snack options to pack for work, or new veggies to add to your weeknight dinners, be sure to add the following fall foods to your shopping cart to make your weight loss journey a bit easier. Then, be sure to check out our list of The 7 Healthiest Foods to Eat Right Now.

1 Pumpkin

Registered dietitians agree that pumpkin is an autumn staple that you don't want to miss out on. According to Jinan Banna, PhD, RD, it's not only packed with essential nutrients, but it's also high in fiber, which helps you stay full so you don't overeat between meals. "Pumpkin may be beneficial for weight loss because it's largely made up of water (about 90%), making it low in calories while remaining rich in health-promoting vitamins and minerals," says Mackenzie Burgess, RDN and recipe developer at Cheerful Choices. Burgess strongly recommends choosing 100% canned pumpkin puree, rather than pumpkin pie mix which is generally made for baking and therefore, filled with unnecessary added sugar. Try adding pumpkin puree to soups and smoothies, or mixing it with rolled oats and nut butter to make no-bake pumpkin energy bites. By the way—if you're carving up any pumpkins this season, be sure to save the seeds for roasting. "These seeds may be small, but their benefits are mighty," says Kate Wilson McGowan, RDN, founder of Bittersweet Nutrition. "Pumpkin seeds are rich in nutrients known to support weight loss, such as fiber, protein, and unsaturated fatty acids. A handful of pumpkin seeds contains a substantial quantity of healthy fats, 7 grams of protein (the same as an egg), iron, magnesium and zinc. Since pumpkin seeds are rich in magnesium, and zinc, they help boost immunity and reduce inflammation. Healthy magnesium levels are important for your blood pressure, blood sugar levels, as well as heart and bone health." McGowan suggests sprinkling pumpkin seeds onto salads or tossing them into a trail mix, but they also make a stellar snack on their own.

What does urine smell like with ketones?
What does urine smell like with ketones?

Eating a lot of protein As a result, the ketone level in the blood will rise. When these ketones leave the body in the urine, the urine may smell...

Read More »
How do you outgrow picky eating?
How do you outgrow picky eating?

Here's some better advice for growing out of picky eating offer your child a variety of foods, even if they don't eat them. keep mealtime's...

Read More »

RELATED: Get even more healthy eating tips straight to your inbox by signing up for our newsletter!

2 Apples

Whether you pick your own at a local farm or pick some up at the supermarket, apples are another phenomenal fall food to stock up on when you're aiming to shed some pounds. One large apple with the skin has a whopping 5.4 grams of fiber, or 19% of your daily value. Not to mention, Banna notes that apples have been linked to many other health benefits, like helping to prevent certain chronic diseases, like cancer, cardiovascular disease, asthma, and Alzheimer's disease. Try dipping apple slices into almond butter for a healthy but satiating snack, chopping them up and tossing them into a kale and walnut salad, or adding thin slices to a turkey sandwich for some sweet and satisfying crunch.

3 Brussels sprouts

"This cruciferous veggie is the perfect weight-loss food," says Lisa Young, PhD, RDN, author of Finally Full, Finally Slim, and a member of our medical expert board. "It is high in fiber and low in calories and pairs really well with lean proteins like fish or chicken."6254a4d1642c605c54bf1cab17d50f1e If you don't like the taste of Brussels sprouts, Jen Hernandez RDN, CSR, LDN of Plant-Powered Kidneys, strongly recommends ditching the traditional method of steaming them and roasting or air frying them ​​instead for more flavorful results. "The charred and browned areas give more texture and slight sweetness, which pairs well with a balsamic reduction," she explains. "They're a great substitute for potatoes."

4 Butternut squash

"Satisfying your hunger with this nutrient-rich food is a great way to aid in weight loss and immune support simultaneously," says Trista Best, RD, MPH with Balance One.

​​

Butternut squash is another low-calorie, high-fiber food, which makes it a no-brainer when it comes to weight loss. A 2009 study in The Journal of Nutrition found that for every gram increase in dietary fiber intake, women lost 0.55 pounds and their body fat decreased by 0.25%. Butternut squash contains not only insoluble fiber but also soluble fiber—which research has shown may help to reduce your appetite, thus causing you to consume fewer calories. Butternut squash is super versatile—Best recommends using it in soups and stews, or adding roasted butternut squash to a fall-themed salad with sunflower seeds and cranberries. She says you can also use it in a healthy whole-grain muffin recipe—this squash pairs especially well with nuts and spices.

Is canned tuna better in oil or water?
Is canned tuna better in oil or water?

Both water-packed and oil-packed tuna are good sources of protein and low in saturated fat. However, canned tuna packed in oil tends to be higher...

Read More »
What is the best sweet snack for weight loss?
What is the best sweet snack for weight loss?

Low calorie sweet snacks Fresh fruit is great for a low calorie snack. ... Ghirardelli Dark & Sea Salt Caramel Chocolate Squares. ... Nature's...

Read More »

5 Acorn squash

Butternut squash isn't the only squash that can come in handy in regards to weight loss. While acorn squash may be slightly less popular, it's just as healthy of a choice. "The fiber in acorn squash adds more volume without adding calories so it can help us feel satisfied," says Emily Rice, RDN and staff dietitian at the Comprehensive Weight Management and Metabolic Surgery Program at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. It also keeps the food in the stomach longer, helping us feel fuller longer which may result in less snacking and reducing portion sizes of nutrient-poor foods. Dr. Joan Salge Blake, RDN, LDN—a nutrition professor at Boston University and the host of the nutrition and health podcast Spot On!—recommends baking acorn squash with cinnamon and a dash of honey to satisfy your sweet tooth. "Keep cooked squash in a covered container in the refrigerator," she says. "When you have a craving for sweets, microwave a scoop of the squash." You can also roast acorn squash with savory herbs and spices for a filling side dish to roasted meats, or stuff half of a roasted squash with lentils and other veggies.

For even more weight loss tips, read these next:

How do you satisfy your hunger on keto?
How do you satisfy your hunger on keto?

One of the keys to not feeling hungry on keto is to eat more nutrient dense foods. ... Healthy keto fats that will help you to not feel hungry on...

Read More »
Why does junk food taste so good?
Why does junk food taste so good?

Additives in fast food, such as monosodium glutamate (MSG) or sodium, suppress the hormone that tells your body that you're full. And a snack or...

Read More »
What food doesn't stop ketosis?
What food doesn't stop ketosis?

Healthy fat is the lynchpin to success on the keto diet. If you've kicked yourself out of ketosis, the best way to get back in is to feed the body...

Read More »
How much weight can you lose in a month eating no carbs?
How much weight can you lose in a month eating no carbs?

After the first couple of weeks on a low-carb diet, people may lose between 1/2 pound and 2 pounds a week, which is considered a more sustainable...

Read More »