1. Carrots

Among the vegetables for weight loss, carrots are my top priority. I just love the crunch and convenience of carrots. I love them cooked, uncooked and grated in salads. What I love most is that carrots are economical, store well in the refrigerator, and taste delicious.

They are very healthy. Just think of all that beta-carotene and fiber! They make healthy sticks that can be dipped in hummus. Infuses just the right amount of flavor - you don't need to drown the entire carrot stick. And they won't get stuck in your teeth.

2. Mushrooms

Mushrooms are so delicious and versatile that you can put them in almost anything! Add them to a frying pan with chicken or fish and a pinch of mixed herbs, or add them to an omelette with tomatoes and chives. Nothing goes faster than topping that rack of lamb with mushrooms and caramelized onions.

Since they have very little flavor of their own, they blend into anything you're cooking! The best example I know of is using half chopped mushrooms (equal weight) instead of half chopped and then cutting them into burgers or meatballs, or stuffing them with bolognese sauce. No one will notice this because the flavor is enhanced with umami and the texture of the meat is increased without adding kilojoules. Mushroom growers call this "fusibility."

3. Cucumber

Cucumbers have a lot of water and meat, no fat or carbohydrates. Now, it comes in many different lengths and shapes.

There is one for every occasion. I use "bits" cut lengthwise into quarters for dipping and gooeyness, but longer bits like apple cucumbers on salads and sandwiches. Ditto for raw fennel and radish.

4. Celery

Like cucumbers, celery is almost watery and supplies almost no kilojoules, making it great for weight loss. You also get fiber. This is another vegetable that is very tasty yet crunchy.

5. Cauliflower

Cauliflower has really come into its own since low-carb/keto followers started looking for low-carb alternatives to potatoes, rice, and pizza bases. It's easy to see why. It's a low-density food with no fat, plenty of fiber and a delicious taste. It's a fantastic vegetable to use when you're trying to lose weight because it's so versatile. It can replace a pile of mashed potatoes or a bowl of rice and slash the carbs and kilojoules.

You can use cauliflower in everything from pizza to skillet cauliflower steak. Half of the cauliflower goes a long way, so when it's in season why not go big on it?

If you never like it, try cooking it gently - just enough to take the toughness out of it and soften it to a bite. Don't overcook.