One of the best ways to start your weight loss journey is to take a look at the types of foods you are currently eating. Many of us go for easy options that often contain bad fats, added sugars, and preservatives. Foods with these can make it easier to gain weight and harder to shed them.

Some of the best foods for kick-starting weight loss are those that are high in antioxidants. Antioxidants do not directly affect weight loss; however, foods with antioxidants can contribute to more energy and a healthier lifestyle.

Antioxidants do provide cells the ability to function in a more effective manner. By scavenging up the damaging free radicals that are in the cells and body constantly, antioxidants make everything work better. In this way, they will allow for better use of energy, better function of muscle, bone and connective tissue, better cognition and indeed, easier weight loss. A body burdened by excessive levels of oxidative stress will be a body unable to lose weight effectively.

How Antioxidants Help You Lose Weight

Antioxidants can help boost your energy, improve your metabolism, and reduce inflammation! We believe that it is important when dieting that you do not focus solely on calorie counting. A well-balanced diet that is high in antioxidants can speed up your metabolism and lower inflammation. Studies have shown that inflammation does have a negative effect on weight loss.

That being said, there are plenty of diets out there that focus on calorie-counting alone; some of these are even physician-directed. Weight loss is personal and a plan should be carefully crafted based on your particular situation. Often, this means a consultation with your wellness/lifestyle coach or physician.

How To Get Rid Of Inflammation And Keep The Weight Off

Your diet should include a wide range of fruit, nuts, vegetables, and whole grains. This cannot be repeated often enough. Whole and real foods that you would be able to find in the wild are what you should eat the most of. If a food like substance does not exist in nature and arrives in a plastic bag, perhaps it should be avoided.

Some options that are packed with lots of antioxidants and other vital vitamins and minerals key in promoting a healthy body and lifestyle are:

Grapes
Red berries (strawberries and raspberries)
Blueberries
Green leafy vegetables (kale, spinach, broccoli)
Legumes (lentils, black beans, black-eyed peas)
Fish high in Omega 3s (Salmon, Trout, Herring)
Nuts (walnuts and almonds)

Supplement With Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA)

Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA) is a powerful antioxidant that has been found to be useful as a weight-loss supplement. ALA can curb your appetite by inhibiting AMPK and Leptin in the body. AMPK and Leptin work in the body to control metabolism and fat storage. Alpha-lipoic acid has been studied extensively for its beneficial effects on glycemic control as well.