Losing weight or improving your health is a common goal, and it’s widely known that a balanced diet is the starting point. Eating enough essential nutrients and satisfying foods that keep you feeling full for longer can help curb the urge to snack, particularly on sugary treats.
However, maintaining a healthy and nutritious diet doesn’t have to be challenging or expensive. A weight loss expert has shared how certain everyday pantry items can stop carb absorption, aiding in weight loss without the need for extreme dieting.
Professor Franklin Joseph from Dr Frank’s Weight Loss Clinic says one of these staples is chickpeas, which can be purchased from Aldi for as little as 49p if you don’t already have them in your kitchen. Ideal for stews, curries and homemade hummus, chickpeas are rich in fibre and protein, making them a highly satisfying food, Surrey Live reports.
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In fact, legumes, in general, are an excellent choice for weight loss. The pro explained that other pulses and legumes like lentils and beans are loaded with soluble fibre and resistant starch, which slow digestion and gradually release glucose into the bloodstream.
He lifted the lid on how these natural ‘carb blockers’ work – and which ones you should be eating for effortless weight control.
He said: “Carbohydrates are a vital energy source, but too many, particularly refined carbs, can lead to weight gain and blood sugar spikes. Incorporating foods that naturally inhibit carb absorption can be a simple yet effective strategy for weight management.
“The high fibre content in legumes not only keeps you fuller for longer but also reduces the amount of carbohydrates absorbed. Adding a serving to meals can help regulate blood sugar and aid weight control.”
Adding vinegar to your meals can also act as a carb blocker. The acetic acid in vinegar slows down digestion and lessens the glycemic impact of carbohydrate-rich meals.
Prof Joseph said: “Drinking a tablespoon of diluted vinegar before meals can help moderate blood sugar spikes. It also enhances satiety, meaning you’re less likely to overeat.”
And surprisingly, foods like cooked and cooled potatoes, rice, and pasta contain resistant starch – which resists digestion in the small intestine, leading to fewer absorbed calories and improved gut health.
He said: “When starchy foods are cooked, then cooled, their structure changes, increasing resistant starch levels. Reheating them before eating can still retain these benefits, making them a great addition to a balanced diet.”