by Leann Zotis

Created on: November 08, 2009   Last Updated: January 06, 2010

One of the fun parts of working with the Weight Watchers program as you strive to lose weight and improve your overall nutritional profile is the various ways they work with you to make these lifestyle changes fun and interesting. Everyone's biggest fear when they begin a weight loss program is that they will have to learn to accept constant hunger as a way of life or they are doomed to failure. One of the ways Weight Watchers works to your advantage is by offering a comprehensive list of filling foods for you to choose from.

Filling foods are those foods which carry a modest point value but fill you up and help you carry that feeling of fullness a little longer. The Weight Watchers website highlights these foods with a green diamond to make them easier for you to find as you search for selections for your next meal.

Filling foods fall under all categories and food groups, but they are generally foods which contain water or fiber. Oftentimes, protein rich foods can be found in the filling foods category. Weight Watchers offers an extensive list of filling foods to choose from. Here are some of categories that are especially appealing:

* Whole wheat pasta, brown rice or grains

Whole grains in the form of cereals should be consumed without added sugar. Anything that can be described as bread cannot be counted as a filling food even if it is made with whole grains. Some of the favorite filling foods in this category include: oatmeal, whole wheat pastas, Shredded Wheat cereal and buckwheat.

* Fruits and Vegetables

In their natural state, fruits and vegetables are the staple for Weight Watchers members. Many fruits and vegetables count for zero or only one point and are incredibly satisfying. Apples, bananas, berries of all kinds and melons top the list of favorites in the fruit category. Just about any vegetable you count as your favorite will work just fine on the Weight Watchers filling list.

* Lean meats

Trimmed of all visible fat, many lean cuts of meat will provide enough protein to give you that feeling of satiety you desire after eating. Lean selections from all meat and poultry groups can qualify as filling foods: beef, pork, lamb, chicken and even game meats.

* Soups

There is an unlimited variety of soups you can prepare and, as long as you use filling foods as the ingredients and do not make them into creamed soups, you are consuming some of the most satisfying filling foods available. Soups and salads provide the best way to consume enough food to kill the hunger and yet remain within the guidelines of the Weight Watchers program.

* Dairy products

Milk products, as long as they are low-fat or fat-free, can fit the bill as filling foods. Products made with soy in place of standard dairy products can substitute as well.

The goal of eating filling foods is to give you both the nutrition and the satisfaction you need to reach your goal weight without succumbing to ravenous hunger and going on an eating binge. Weight Watchers provides the filling foods list as just one more way to help you get there.

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