Lose Weight

…Without getting hungry. Here’s how…

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If you need to lose weight in order to reduce your heart risk, a dietitian will advise you to choose foods that are high in nutritional value and low in fat. But many who follow this advice find their good intentions sabotaged by hunger.

“We know what we should eat, but the number one complaint from people trying to lose weight is, ‘I’m always hungry.’ By choosing low energy-density (ED) foods, you can manipulate your body into thinking you are eating a lot more food,” says Cleveland Clinic dietitian Melissa Ohlson.

What ED Means

The ED concept is simple: Foods that are higher in water and fibre are lower in ED. Low-ED foods make you feel full and satisfied without adding a large number of calories. Think salads, vegetables, soup and fruit. 

On the other hand, foods that are lower in water or fibre are higher in ED. High-ED foods tempt you to ingest huge numbers of calories before you feel full. Think cheese, crackers, bacon, onion rings and chocolate-chip cookies.

“Low-ED foods are good for women with coronary artery disease, because they are generally high in antioxidants and phytonutrients,” says Ohlson.