8 healthy vegetables which will help you get in shape

Not all vegetable sources are green, as in the case of Chia seeds, which are incredibly popular among vegans and vegetarians. These little seeds are rich in vitamins and minerals. They also have high levels of fiber and Omega-3s.

If you’re looking for extra energy, add two to four tablespoons of seeds to a glass of water, stir, and let them sit for 20 to 30 minutes. Drink this juice and you’ll notice an increase in your energy. You can also have some before eating a meal to help you feel more full.

You probably only use mushrooms as a pizza topping or an ingredient in risotto, but white mushrooms and portobellos can be eaten in many ways. They can be the basis for a soup or creamy puree, exquisitely seasoned with parsley and garlic, or you can just slice raw mushrooms and add them to a salad.

They contain vitamin D, which helps improve your mood and prevent depression, vitamin B, which boosts your immune system, and selenium, an antioxidant that should be a part of everyone’s diet.

Although technically a fruit, tomatoes are regarded as the king of all vegetables. Their versatility in the kitchen is undisputed and they’re one of the primary ingredients used in the Mediterranean diet. And, unless you are allergic to them, they’re an excellent dietary source of essential antioxidants.

They have high levels of water and potassium, making them ideal for reducing fluid retention, while also helping to eliminate toxins. If you’re looking to lose weight, you can eat them as a snack or prepare them into a side dish to go with any of your meals.

Zucchini can be one of your greatest weight-loss allies thanks to their high levels of manganese, which allows the body to effectively process carbohydrates and fats. Research indicates they can even help lower cholesterol. You can cut them into slices and grill them, or if you want to make a lighter version of a lasagna, you can substitute layers of pasta for thin zucchini slices.

Peppers have a lot more to offer than just their beautiful colors, they also contain vitamin B, vitamin C and capsaicin, a natural substance works with the liver as an enzyme to help process fats. This results in an acceleration of the metabolism, a reduction in appetite, and can even help eliminate body fat.

You can eat them raw or cooked, in numerous and delicious ways. When selecting which ones to buy, remember that peppers with four lobes are sweeter – better for eating raw– while those with three or fewer are best for stews or other cooked dishes as they aren’t as sweet.

In addition to being very decorative, asparagus has diuretic properties thanks to its anti-inflammatory compounds, which can help you lose those extra pounds. If that weren’t enough, it’s low in calories and can help prevent diabetes and certain types of heart disease. This delicious vegetable provides magnesium, phosphorous, calcium and vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, C and E.

An entire generation grew up with the Popeye comics, where he got his strength from spinach. You won’t get the muscles of the famous sailor by eating it, but you will get iron, fiber, protein and potassium – an element that has anti-inflammatory properties. A lot of green smoothies use spinach as a main ingredient, and it is perfect for serving with eggs or mixing into salads. It’s even more delicious when you add in some low-fat cheese.

Now more popular than ever, kale is set to continue to be a staple in many diets. It has earned its top spot by being a low-calorie source of fiber, protein, iron and calcium. Its neutral flavor actually allows it to be paired with almost any vegetable and even most fruit. Just be sure you chew it well. In addition to making you feel full, this will also help ensure you benefit from all of its nutrients.

Now you’ve got a list of your veggie ‘allies’ that you can add to your meals, use in smoothies, soups or just enjoy on their own as a snack. These vegetables will not only provide loads of nutritional benefits, they’ll also help you achieve your weight loss goals.