Let’sface it, as busy moms, we have a lot on our metaphorical “plates.” From diapers to dishes, laundry to little league- busy moms need all the help we can get when it comes to balancing hunger, managing cravings, and giving us energy to get through our busy days. 

That’s why what we put on our actual PLATES is so important…

Fat Loss power foods, and really all fat loss friendly foods in general, have more protein and/or fiber compared to carbohydrate and have a higher fiber content compared to total carbohydrate.  Among other benefits, these foods help to stabilize blood sugar and dramatically decrease hunger and cravings.

Here are some of my favorite fat loss power foods that are particularly useful for busy moms:

1) Whey protein powder: With the same low sugar content and less sodium than egg white powder, whey proteins are naturally high in BCAAs that are easy to digest. It immediately supplies the muscles with high quality protein, which directly correlates to an increase in physical performance and enhanced body composition.

Keep whey protein powder hand and simply stir a scoop into 8 ounces of unsweetened almond milk or water for a quick and easy fat loss power snack.

2) Unsweetend cocoa powder-  The ultimate craving killer!  With virtually zero calories and lots of fiber, cocoa raises energy, blunts hunger and reduces cravings like you won’t believe! Cocoa contains phenylethylamine (PEA), a compound that helps you feel satisfied and directly affects the pleasure centers in the female brain.

Add 1 tablespoon to a mug with an optional non-calorie sweetener (stevia, truvia, xylitol,etc) of your choice, pour hot water on top, stir and volia! You have the worlds best diet aid!

3) Fibrous veggies– When it comes to high fiber veggies, you can’t eat too many!  In addition to providing your body with lots of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, cruciferous vegetables (like broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale) are known for being estrogen detoxifiers.  When looking to balance insulin and estrogen levels in women seeking fat loss, fiber is a great tool to help lower insulin and aid in removal of possible estrogen metabolites.

Steamed, raw or roasted, fibrous veggies are great power foods that you can keep cut up and ready for snacking and cooking. 

4) Fish – Studies show that the unique fats in fish, especially fatty fish like salmon are able to lower the level of unhealthy fats in the body.  In addition to aiding fat loss, fish oils improve immune function, reduce inflammation, and decrease blood pressure.  Fish is an especially important power food for moms who are pregnant and nursing as the Omega-3 DHA is a critical component in the development of your baby’s brain, spinal cord, eyes, and nervous system. Adequate amounts of DHA help to prevent allergies in children who are at risk for them, and also increases birth size and weight. Studies show the healthy fats from fish may even increase your baby’s coordination and motor skills.

When available, choose fish as your protein source of choice, and consider supplementing with fish oils if necessary.

By ditching the diet and eating MORE of the “right” foods instead, you’ll not only balance hunger energy and cravings to feel good- but you’ll look great as well! 

Try one (or all) of these 4 power foods for moms and report back… let us know what you think!

P.S. Want a 30 second recipe combining TWO of my FAVORITE fat loss power foods?  Check out this quick & easy microwave chocolate cake…