Summer is just around the corner. You probably have been preparing to get the summer body goals for months. However, everyone has a different purpose in going on a diet. It can be to get healthier, build a good eating habit, or solely get rid of those body fats and lose some weight. Whatever it is, when the temperature rises in the summer, you want to consume foods that are juicy and tasty yet high in nutrients to help you get the dream body.
On the scorching summer days, consuming thirst-quenching yet nutritious fruits such as pineapple is a brilliant choice. Moreover, this yellow-colored tropical fruit can help you to lose weight! So, incorporating pineapple into your daily diet in this hot season is super exciting and beneficial.
How pineapple helps in losing weight
1. Low in calories
This tropical fruit has a sweet and sour taste, making it perfect for your snacking between meals. When eating pineapple, let yourself be stress-free about the calorie intake. Pineapple is delicious yet low in calories. Every slice of pineapple (84 g) has 42 calories, a great food choice for weight loss. So, instead of spoiling yourself with refined carbs, better grab a bowl of tasty pineapple slices to satisfy your sweet craving.
2. Restrains appetite
Pineapple can also help to keep you full for a longer time. This juicy and energizing fruit contains lots of water (72 g of water per slice), quite a filling to curb your hunger. If you suddenly feel the urge to eat a snack, slice a pineapple to satisfy your craving because it is high in fiber, juicy, delicious, and filled with water. It will retain your stomach distracted for a while. Fruits rich in fiber can help restraint appetite and give satiety. Pineapple will aid you in cutting down excess calorie intake and support your weight loss.
Pineapple indeed can restrain your appetite and help to control your meal consumption, but an excess of anything is harmful to your health. Since the fructose presence in pineapple can boost your blood sugar level when consumed too much, it is advisable to eat any fruit in moderation.
3. Hydrates your body
We are still talking about the luscious and rich in water pineapple. Therefore, this fruit will keep you hydrated for extra hours. Pineapple is one of the best summer fruits since it will help you to stay chill from within. Also, if your body is well-hydrated, the losing weight process becomes more practical. Try to drink a glass of pineapple juice after your intense workout. You can also start the habit of having pineapple as your snacking companion.
4. Improves digestion
You can have pineapple that contains lots of fiber to improve your digestive health. It will save you from stomach diseases. This type of carbohydrate is excellent for boosting human metabolism. Fiber can help you lose weight because it makes you feel full for a longer time. The bromelain in pineapple serves as a digestive aid. It breaks down protein to support digestion and nutrient intake. Great digestion helps decrease bloating and discard some weight. Bromelain is an anti-inflammatory protein, so it is also excellent for those with joint and body pain.
5. A source of manganese
This exotic fruit is rich in various nutrients that powerful enough to enhance overall body function. One of them is manganese. This mineral helps in effectively regulating the raised blood pressure and sugar level in our body. Manganese also plays a role in controlling fat in the blood, aiding weight loss. Overall, this chemical element is crucial for a holistic enhancement in your health. Knowing this benefit, you can start enjoying slices of pineapple and pineapple juice as your after-breakfast drink or afternoon snack to shed some weight.
6. High in antioxidants and vitamin C
Pineapple has plenty of antioxidants and vitamin C, which are essential nutrients for a healthier immune system. Vitamin C prevents illnesses such as flu. Antioxidants help in reducing free radicals in the body and limiting oxidative stress.
7. Contains proteolytic enzymes
The proteolytic enzyme bromelain discovered in pineapple has lipolytic and proteolytic outcomes, which help burn the body fat. It also aims at your stomach area when joined with diet, lifestyle adjustments, and workout routines. Bromelain helps break down protein molecules and has anti-inflammatory qualities. Bromelain in pineapple juice supports weight loss by controlling insulin levels and serum leptin.
Best recipes for a healthier pineapple consumption
1. Pineapple fresh smoothie
Use ripened bananas for this creamy yogurt, pineapple, and spinach smoothie blend. Chia seeds can also add fiber, healthy omega-3 fats, and protein for an additional nutrition boost. Add yogurt and almond milk to a blender, continue with spinach, pineapple, banana, chia seeds, and sweetener if you use it. Blend them all until smooth.
2. Simple pineapple coleslaw
The simple pineapple coleslaw is a new take on the regular coleslaw recipe. It contains those natural savory flavors with a touch of sweetness brought by the pineapple. If you like a more acidic slaw, do not hesitate to add a tablespoon of lemon juice.
Start your mix by whisking mayonnaise, lemon juice, vinegar, and seasoned pepper in a big bowl. Seasoned pepper is a mixture of pepper with other flavors, such as flakes of bell pepper and paprika. Combine carrots, cabbage, broccoli, and pineapple, then toss them all. Cool for at least 30 minutes ahead of serving. You can serve it later by covering and refrigerate it for up to 1 day. Toss to refresh.
3. Pineapple and avocado salad
This energizing easy salad recipe carries the tastes of the tropics. Enjoy it alone, or you can serve alongside a larger healthy meal like spicy chicken or pork, rice, and beans.
4. Pineapple chicken
This slow-cooked chicken with pineapple has a taste of ginger and sesame. You can prepare this meal with simple ingredients you do not realize are already there in your pantry. Go for peeled and cored fresh pineapple to make mixing even more manageable. Serve with rice to complement the savory and sweet sauce.
