Weight loss in Africa is a difficult task because of the carbohydrate-rich nature of African foods.
Even though the continent is filled with many diverse healthy foods, it takes some effort and maybe even a little trial and error to find the right weight loss foods.
While no one food magically melts the fat off, eating low-calorie, nutrient-rich foods can help.
Here are 5 foods you can eat without fear of adding weight and still gives you that extreme level of satisfaction.
Garri
Garri, otherwise known as Cassava Flakes, is one of the main sources of carbohydrates and a popular staple food in Nigeria. It is a local delicacy eaten across Nigeria, usually mixed with sugar, milk, etc and eaten however you desire. If you are trying to lose some weight, go for garri. Although garri is a starchy food, it is low in calories and with high fibre contents that will help you stay full for a longer period. Hence, reducing the urge to always eat in large quantities. Garri also helps to absorb toxins that go into your intestines. This, in turn, can help improve your digestive health. You can soak garri in water with milk to have a combined effect. That is, the vitamins from milk mixed with that in garri, makes for a great combination.
Egusi Soup
This is perhaps one of the most popular Nigerian dishes, enjoyed equally by many ethnic groups. Egusi soup is another delicacy that you can enjoy on a keto diet. Made primarily from melon seeds in Africa, this soup is delicious and nutritious. Besides its great taste, egusi also has a high nutritional value, with a high oil content of up to 50%, potassium, protein, calcium, and much more. It is also a rich source of vitamin B1, B2, sulphur, dietary fibre, zinc, magnesium, and a lot more. All these make egusi one of the healthiest foods you can eat.
Egusi is one food that stimulates and aids digestion and helps regulate bowel movement to the presence of soluble dietary fibre and vitamin B1. Savour the richness of this soup by pairing it with a keto fufu dish.
Unripe Plantains
The green unripe plantain is high in resistant starch and is better for weight loss than the ripe, yellow plantain.
One study discovered that consumption of resistant starch is associated with reduced abdominal fat and improved insulin sensitivity. It is a perfect example of African foods to lose weight. It promotes a feeling of fullness and helps you to eat less. So if you are trying to lose weight, load up on healthy carbs like unripe plantain.
Obgono Soup
This is one soup that is enjoyed in many regions in Nigeria. This delectable soup is made from ground African mango seeds. This soup can be enjoyed on a low-carb diet due to its high protein and high fat content. Although many eat obgono in Nigeria, only few are aware of it’s health benefits, some of which includes promoting weight loss, reducing inflammation, raising the levels of high-density lipoprotein (good) cholesterol and so much more. Obgono seeds are also nutritious because they are rich in calcium, phosphorus, iron and zinc. This tasty and nutritious soup goes so well with keto fufu recipes.
Okra Soup
Okra is a popular vegetable in Africa that is good for weight loss. The plant in itself is rich in protein, vitamin C, vitamin K, and soluble dietary fiber- a type of fiber that protects the heart and prevents obesity.
Interestingly, 100 grams of okra contains 3 grams of fiber and only 33 calories. A 2016 study by a team of international researchers says that the fiber content of okra can help improve digestion. The study found that the high amount of fiber in the vegetable helped improve the absorption process in the large intestine and stimulated peristalsis in the body. This may also help prevent constipation. [8]
