Time to stock up on these nutrient-rich foods!
If weight loss is your goal, meal prep can be your friend.
Dont let this all-too-familiar image scare you into ditching your goals.
Photo:Getty Images. EatingWell design.
Instead, lean into convenient options that dont require a ton of prep work in the kitchen.
A good place to start?
Canned foods are packed with nutrition and come in handy to make meals happen when time is tight.
Here are their top picks.
Canned Artichoke Hearts
Canned artichoke hearts in water are a staple in many kitchens.
Remember, fiber helps keep you fuller for longer, minimizing mindless munching between meals.
We recommend trying ourCreamy Artichoke Pasta.
Canned beans are a nutrition powerhouse that keep you satisfied long after youve eaten, saysChristy Wilson, RDN.
Canned corn is available packed in water, making the sodium content negligible for those watching their blood pressure.
Canned Lentils
Canned lentils are a game-changer when it comes to making meals happen fast.
If you dont feel like cooking lentils from scratch, its perfectly fine to use the canned variety.
Canned lentils are one of my go-to plant-based proteins because they have protein and are packed with fiber.
However, because they are often canned with salt, they can have a high sodium content.
Bright, fresh and always delicious, I know that canned pineapple is a sure shot.
Canned pumpkin is a staple in my pantry.
Its rich in the antioxidant vitamin A, which is known for its role in eye health.
Incorporate canned pumpkin into your diet with ourPumpkin Overnight Oats.
Canned Salmon
Convenient and ready to eat, canned salmon is a great go-to protein source.
A 3-ounce portion of canned salmon packs 20 grams of protein alongside those heart-healthy omega-3s, per theUSDA.
Upping your protein intake is a good idea when trying to lose weight.
Studies have evaluated the use of high-protein diets for weight loss, and the results are promising.
Maintaining muscle during weight loss can help you keep weight off long-term.
Check out theserecipes created with a can of salmon.
Canned Tomatoes
A close runner-up in popularity to canned beans arecanned tomatoes.
Canned diced tomatoes are a favorite of mine since theyre also versatile, says Natker.
Canned tomatoes also provide lycopene, an important heart-healthy antioxidant.
Plus, its affordable, easily fitting into many weight-loss meal plan budgets.
The best choice to make is the one that meets your goals for weight loss.
