Look for energy-building foods for a weight loss plan

How many times have people complained they are out of breath after climbing stairs? For people who have lost some weight, the increase in energy they have gained in its place can often be amazing.

Most dieters find that weight loss and energy gain are typically linked. So while in the process of losing extra pounds, it’s a good idea to know which foods are geared toward weight loss and which help to generate more energy.

Starting with a diet plan, adding garlic as a regular ingredient in meals not only adds plenty of flavor without added fat, but its slimming benefit is due to allicin, a compound that also gives garlic its distinctive smell. It’s believed to keep people from overeating because it stimulates a “full” feeling in the brain.

If garlic is too strong for your taste, try spring garlic, which is milder and sweeter than the more common white bulbs.

Another weight-busting choice is beans, which help people lose pounds in two ways. First, they are high in protein and low in fat. Second, the body needs more energy to break down the fibrous structure of the bean so it’s actually working for dieters while they eat.

Dietary supplements also help control weight. One such aid is Skinny D from Dr. Newton’s Naturals, which allows individuals to replace one meal a day with a nutrient-filled concentrate. Clinically tested to reduce pounds, it adds a mere 10 calories per serving to the daily calorie count.

Building energy

Popeye knew a good muscle food when he saw one. Spinach, the cartoon character’s favorite vegetable, is a good source of iron that builds red blood cells. Compounds in spinach increase the efficiency of our cells to produce energy.

As good as greens are for healthful eating, their spiky-leafed cousins such as artichokes may be even better. They have a large amount of magnesium, one of the minerals known for generating energy.

“If you’re not getting enough magnesium, your muscles have to work harder to react and you tire more quickly,” Forrest Nielsen, Ph.D., of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, told Health.com.

A medium artichoke, at just 60 calories, provides about one-fourth of the USDA’s daily recommended amount of magnesium. Nuts, whole grains and legumes are other energy builders.

The dietary supplement Natural Energy from Dr. Newton’s Naturals helps to keep energy level high by providing nutrients such as vitamin B and antioxidant vitamin C to keep the body and brain in top shape.