by Angie Pollock

Created on: November 08, 2009

Choosing filling foods is vital to many successful weight-loss plans including Weight Watchers. Eating foods that are satisfying yet nutritious is one of the concepts to the Weight Watchers Momentum Program which combines different aspects of the "Flex Program" with the "Core Program".

There are some that will argue that the key to satiety is choosing high-fiber foods while others claim that protein will keep you feeling fuller for a longer period of time. The great part about the Momentum Program is there are both high fiber and protein rich foods on the food list.

The "filling foods" list that the Weight Watchers Momentum Program provides is extensive. A couple of the guidelines include getting five servings of fruits and vegetables and one to two servings of lean protein. To stay satisfied throughout your day, these servings should be "filling" which is where the list comes in to play.

For individuals that find consuming a lot of fiber really helps keep away hunger, simply choose fruits and vegetables like broccoli, spinach, raspberries, pears (with skin), pumpkin, or artichokes. Creating a vegetable soup using cabbage, peas, or other fiber-rich veggies, and tomato paste is not only nutritious but it quite filling. Always make or choose soups that are not creamed based. For those fruits and vegetables that are high in fiber, the Mayo Clinic has an extensive list which includes the amount of fiber per serving.

To have your servings of fruit and feel satisfied, again choose those fruits with a high-fiber content. If you choose canned fruit, drain the juice from the can or opt for fruit packed in water. Fruit juices and dried fruits are not filling foods.

One of the biggest complaints that many on the old Weight Watchers plan had was the limitations of eating protein. Many claimed that they felt more satisfied with high-protein foods over high-fiber foods. Protein can be found in many food sources but the key is eating only lean, non-processed meats. Eggs, fish, chicken (without the skin), and lean ground beef are all included on the Weight Watchers Momentum foods list.

However, protein needs to be balanced out with other foods like fruits and vegetables. Common sense will tell you that you can't be healthy if only eating eggs. Experts warn that there can be long-term side effects to your health when consuming high protein foods for long periods of time. An important factor to remember is that your body cannot store excess protein so only eat the required daily amount.

For a mixture of both protein and fiber, those trying to watch their weight should consider adding legumes or beans into their diet. One cup of cooked split peas can provide you with over 16 grams of fiber and legumes are very filling. Other great choices include lentils, black beans, and lima beans. One cup of beans can provide you with as much as 15 grams of protein yet they are low in fat.

Pasta and potatoes are also included on the foods list. However, choose whole wheat pastas and grains, brown rice, and opt for sweet potatoes over white potatoes. Pasta and rice will provide satiety longer when served or cooked with high-fiber vegetables.

There are two parts to this program; the second part is introduced about six weeks after the first week on the Momentum program. The Weight Watchers Momentum Program uses the philosophy "Don't eat less, eat smarter." This simple rule of thumb can go a long way with anyone trying to shed a few pounds and live a healthier lifestyle.

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