Ever had to lose weight in Nigeria? That’s probably one of the hardest things to do because most of the meals consumed are super rich in carbohydrates and fats.
However, with the availability of local and unprocessed foods, it’s a lot easier to lose weight than you can imagine.
It’s no news that in other to lose weight, changing your diet and cutting out certain unhealthy meals and junks is as important as exercising.
While you may have to give up certain processed meals like noodles, pasta, chocolate, ice cream and a host of other high-calorie dishes, starving yourself and completely going for “uninteresting delicacies” isn’t necessary as you’d be surprised at how interesting you can achieve your weight loss goals without going through a burdensome and hectic process.
It is, however, important to know that, while you might not necessarily need to follow any particular food table in order to lose weight, certain things will make your weight loss journey easy like cutting down on sugar intake, reduced carbohydrate intake and increase protein intake and a couple of other things.
If shedding off those extra kilos and dropping the extra fat in your body is your aim, incorporating these Nigerian delicacies in your meal plan as you take out some will definitely put you on the right path to lose weight.
Here are 5 Nigerian foods that can help you lose weight easily:
1. Brown rice
The first advice (or instruction in some cases) you are likely to get when you want to lose weight is to stay away from carbohydrate.
However, it isn’t advisable to do so because carbohydrates are energy giving food and the body requires energy to function. Eliminating carbohydrate from your meal plan isn’t a healthy way to lose weight.
It is, however, better to consider replacing your white rice (which is higher in starch content) with brown rice or ofada rice (which are lower in starch content) if you want to lose weight. That way, you do not rid your body of its adequate nutrient to perform its daily activities.
2. Oatmeal
Like other fibre-rich foods, oatmeal makes you full and keeps you full longer. That way, you don’t have reasons to go about looking for junks to nibble on, therefore aiding your weight loss journey. Oatmeal is also a good choice to incorporate into any healthy diet. It will improve your heart health and overall health. If done properly, the oatmeal diet can be an effective way to lose weight.
3. Beans
Beans is a rich source of plant protein which is important in body building as well as muscle building which helps in increasing your metabolism rate, thereby helping you lose weight effectively and in a healthy manner.
4. Wheatmeal
If losing weight is really your aim, then it’s time to let go of the akpu, fufu, amala and pounded yam. But not to worry, you can replace them with another swallow (as we like to call them); wheat.
Wheat, like oat is also high in fibre content which makes you stay fuller and curb overeating all day long.
5. Chicken
Eating chicken breast or thigh without the skin helps you eat fewer calories and even burn extra calories to lose weight effectively.
However, to lose weight effectively with the chicken diet, avoid frying the chicken because you don’t need the extra fat in the oil.
To lose weight in Nigeria is probably not as difficult as you imagine, right? All you need to do to lose weight is to replace the unhealthy meal choices with these. Know that consistency is key.
If you found this tip useful, don’t forget to share with your friends, loved ones and family. You could also drop your thoughts and experience in the comment box below.
