By Nick Hall

This weeks Best Foods for Weight Loss are powerhouses is terms of the nutrients they provide not only for weight loss but also improving your health overall. If you are wanting to shed some extra kilos, or simply wanting to increase your protein, omega 3 or bump up your antioxidants, look no further than the next three foods. Salmon, Kale and Avocado. Three very versatile foods for weight loss.

Salmon
Salmon is a good source of protein and contains around 20g of protein per 100g serve. Protein assists with muscle repair and maintenance which is essential for keeping your metabolism firing. Salmon also contains the essential fatty acid omega 3. Increasing your omega 3 to omega 6 fatty acid ratio is necessary to help reduce inflammation, and also to improve kidney and thyroid function. Omega 3 fatty acids also improve digestion and help lower blood pressure.

Smoked salmon with avocado on pumpkin bread

Salmon is a great food for weight loss as the high protein and omega 3 content helps slow the digestion process and assist in maintaining more stable blood sugar and insulin levels.

Salmon can be grilled, pan fried, made into salmon patties, baked, poached or smoked. Where possible, choose wild salmon over farmed varieties. Salmon is also an excellent source of the Vitamins B-6 and B-12.

Kale
Kale is an amazing vegetable. What makes kale a great food for weight loss is the low calorie content and high nutritional value. Like salmon, kale is also a good source of omega 3 fatty acids. Kale contains almost twice your recommended daily intake of vitamin A which is essential for healthy skin and improved vision. Kale also contains twice your daily intake of vitamin C. Kale is high in calcium and contains up to 6 times your daily intake of vitamin K which is essential for healthy healthy teeth and bones and prevention of osteoporosis.

What makes kale a great food for weight loss is it contains nutrients that can help lower cholesterol and help reduce fat absorption. Kale contains a healthy dose of fibre which will help aid digestion and give you the feeling of satiety. Kale is also contains around 8% of your daily iron intake.

When cooking kale, steam or stir fry as opposed to boiling which can diminish the nutritional content.

Avocado
Avocado contains up to 25% of your daily vitamin C intake plus and is also high in vitamins B-5, B-6, vitamin K and folate.

Avocado contains high amounts of fibre, potassium and monounsaturated fats which help give you the feeling of satiety and also help to slow digestion and maintain levels of blood sugar and insulin which is essential for weight loss.

Avocados have been shown to lower cholesterol levels and may also prevent liver damage. Avocado also has numerous anti-inflammatory properties.

You can consume avocado as a side, in salad or as an addition to your breakfast of eggs and smoked salmon.

Guacamole

A healthy metabolism thrives off protein, plant food and omega 3 fatty acids. The best foods for weight loss are whole foods, closest to their natural state which provide slow release energy that maintain steady blood sugar and insulin levels.