When it comes to effective weight loss, there is one rule of thumb that every dieter must know -- use more calories than you consume. There are many ways of achieving this goal. Very few of these methods, however, will give you the full and satisfied feeling that most dieters crave. 

There are so many books, websites, and infomercials out there that claim to teach consumers how to lose weight. Most of these are gimmicks or quickie solutions that won't deliver the long term changes most desire. Some of these plans will leave you hungry, while others are just too restrictive to be satisfying. This often leads to cheating or even to quitting the plan completely. What many would be dieters don't understand is that dieting does not have to mean starving and that there are strategies out there to help you feel full and satisfied. One such strategy is simply to eat your veggies.

Generally speaking, vegetables are full of fiber with a water content that make them ideal for effective weight loss without the dreaded hunger pangs. In addition, most vegetables provide the dieter with a sensation of fullness, preventing them from overeating. Not all vegetables are created equal, however, and it is important to know just which veggies will be most effective in meeting your weight loss goals. The simple act of eating the following vegetables will burn more calories than the vegetable itself contains. Since the rule is to use more calories that you consume, it is easy to see how these vegetables can be highly effective in any diet plan. 

Alfalfa

The most popular way to consume alfalfa is in sprout form. This convenient veggie can be easily added to any sandwich or salad. Alfalfa contains calcium, folic acid, magnesium, and many more nutrients. It also has the added benefit of helping to lower blood pressure and boost the immune system. In addition to alfalfa sprouts, this wonderful vegetable can also be consumed as a tea throughout the day. This helps regulate the metabolism and provides a boost in energy levels. 

Watercress

High in beta carotene and vitamin C, Watercress is a powerful antioxidant and helps to reduce the effects of sodium in our diets. In addition, watercress has zero fat and is very low in calories.

Cucumbers

Cucumbers are 95% water and 5% fiber. They are also high in vitamins A and C. Cucumbers are great for weight loss and intestinal health.

African Mango

African Mango is a low-calorie, zero-fat food that also contains vitamins A, C, and K. In addition to being great for weight loss, this veggie's low glycemic index helps to prevent diabetes and is also associated with cancer prevention according to latest african mango clinical studies. 

Turnip Greens

Turnip greens are low in calories, cholesterol, fat, and sodium. This makes them a great choice for dieters. To preserve the nutrients in turnip greens, it is best to steam them before consuming. Turnip Greens support the cardiovascular system, protecting from heart attacks and heart disease. They are strong antioxidants and aid in detoxification of the cells.

These are just examples of the wonder benefits vegetables can provide during your weight loss journey. Vegetables are a great way of getting the nutrients your body needs and the good health you deserve.