Dieters are often bombarded with information about which foods to eat and which to avoid in order to achieve weight loss goals. But according to a nutritionist, there is one surprising kitchen staple that could boost weight loss and improve gut health.
Lynne Murphy, a meal prep expert at UK-based meal delivery service Nutri Lean, said adding fermented pickles to your pantry offers a range of benefits. She said: “People usually complicate weight loss with expensive supplements or complicated diet plans. But sometimes the most effective solutions are surprisingly simple and affordable.
“Fermented pickles aren’t the same as regular pickles you find on most supermarket shelves.
“True fermented pickles are made through a traditional process that creates beneficial probiotics — the good bacteria that support gut health.”
The tangy, crunchy vegetables can be eaten as a low-calorie snack, chopped and added to salads, sandwiches or wraps for a kick of flavour or eaten as a side dish with meals.
Ms Murphy even recommends taking a shot of pickle juice in the morning. She added: “Clients of ours swear it kickstarts their metabolism for the day.”
The best pickles to choose, according to the nutritionist, are traditionally fermented, “not the vinegar-brined ones that dominate supermarket shelves”. She said: “Look for jars that say ‘naturally fermented’ or ‘contains live cultures.’”
Fermented pickles can help your digestive system work more efficiently, reducing bloating. They can also help to regulate hunger hormones and may even help to reduce visceral fat which accumulates around organs, Ms Murphy said.
She added: “While no food is a magic bullet, research points to probiotics having a specific effect on belly fat.
“This is particularly important because belly fat is linked to more health risks than fat stored elsewhere in the body.
“What I find most exciting about fermented pickles is how such a small change to your diet can make a noticeable difference.
“People who are trying to lose weight tend to mainly focus on big changes — completely overhauling their diet or starting intense exercise regimes. While commitment is important, these drastic changes often aren’t sustainable.
“Adding fermented foods like pickles is the perfect example of a small habit that can support bigger goals.”