Broccoli can help you lose weight if you use it to spruce up and add heft to lighter dishes, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. For example, add a cup of chopped broccoli instead of noodles to a broth soup for lunch, or use it to replace rice or pasta in your favorite dishes. Broccoli maintains its nutrients best when it's steamed or raw, but it also maintains a good portion of those nutrients if you stir-fry it over low heat.