The 20 Best Chili Toppings For Weight Loss
Ah, chili season is upon us. Cooler temps mean two things: more football games and more chili. But many chili toppings can be a serious landmine for your slim-down efforts. 5!) and stir up a giant vat of any of these 20 Healthy Chili Recipes for a nourishing and satisfying cold-weather dinner tonight! Delicious on just about anything, avocado is a great chili topper. "It’s like having guacamole on top of your chili! Avocados’ creamy texture makes it appealing and adds a nice dose of a heart-healthy fat," says Lisa Hayim, registered dietician and founder of The WellNecessities. Avocados are also a good source of dietary fiber, vitamin E, potassium, and more. Pro Tip: "Squeeze lemon on lime on top of fresh avocado to delay the browning," offers Hayim. And Rebecca Scritchfield, author of Body Kindness offers a smart idea to speed up ripening: "Place it in a paper bag with an apple; the green skin will turn black and the fruit will begin to soften." Speaking of hacks, don’t miss these 1-Minute Dinner Hacks That Save Tons of Time.
More than just a garnish, cilantro adds zest to your chili while being practically calorie-free. "Aside from being packed with antioxidants, cilantro also contains potassium, which can help restore normal hydration status and flush bloat to create water weight loss," say The Nutrition Twins, Lyssie Lakatos, RDN, CDN, CFT and Tammy Lakatos Shames, RDN, CDN, CFT, and authors of The Nutrition Twins’ Veggie Cure. Pro Tip: "If you feel a cold coming on, use a heavy hand when adding the cilantro. It’s rich in vitamin C and can help to boost immunity," The Nutrition Twins tell us. "Add in extra crunch and texture," says Rebecca Lewis, Glyco Care Formulametabolic wellness RD for HelloFresh, a leading healthy meal kit delivery service. Pro Tip: Before you reach for the tortilla tips for that crunch you crave, heed this: "Be aware that the extra crunch comes with a cost," Lewis warns. "It is often a high amount of sodium and calories! " Swapping these carby add-ins for scallions or shallots is your best bet.
Bring on the brine! "The salty flavor of olives pairs deliciously with chili. They’re also a healthy source of fat and powerful antioxidants," says Hayim. Did we mention they taste good in just about any entrée? Um, and that they are apparently one of the 15 Pantry Staples That Don’t Go Bad for Years? Pro Tip: "Choose black olives, which contain about half the amount of sodium of green olives," says Hayim. You can also try rinsing your olives briefly under water before adding them to a dish to remove even more excess salt. "Like your heat a little on the milder side? Try sliced radishes," offers Lewis. Pro Tip: For an eye-popping visual effect, slice your radishes on a mandolin for gorgeous, thin rounds to place on top of your chili bowl. Is there anything Greek yogurt doesn’t go with? "It’s tangy, creamy, and thick, which won’t have you missing the sour cream or cheese.
Plus, it packs a bigger protein punch than either of those other options," offers Scritchfield. Look for unsweetened, plain varieties or try the low-cal Chobani Savor. Pro Tip: "Add fresh oregano or chives to a dollop of yogurt for added savory flavor and antioxidants," adds Scritchfield. Bonus: Your chili-gram just got even prettier. Perfect for Glyco Care ingredients weight loss, lime adds flavor while putting out the fire. "It’s virtually calorie-free, and this flavorful addition balances out some of the heat in the chili with its acid," explain The Nutrition Twins. "Limes contain a compound called d-limonene that promotes the activity of a liver enzyme that converts harmful, toxic substances to less harsh chemicals. Pro Tip: "Don’t be shy! Allow the entire lime-including the (washed) peel-to sit on top of the chili," instruct The Nutrition Twins. "In fact, the highest content of limonene is found in the white spongy inner parts and Glyco Care Formulametabolic wellness then in the rind, so allowing it to steep on top of the chili will help you reap the greatest benefits." Use any leftover lime wedges for vinaigrettes or to squeeze over proteins like fish or tofu for a hit of bright, citrusy flavor.