With all the new diets and fitness trends going around, it’s hard to know which to pick. With the ever-changing fads, we think it’s probably best to stick with tried and true healthy eating habits – guaranteed to both help you lose weight and improve your overall health. Plus, you don’t need to spend a ton of cash to get results this way! Get your grocery list out and get ready to shop and cook your way to major weight loss.
Berries
Craving something sweet? Pop a handful of berries into your mouth – such an easy, delicious, and healthy way to satisfy that craving. Strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, blueberries – mix it up or pick your fave treat. Delicious alone or in yogurt, berries add the perfect kick to your diet. Filled with antioxidants and fiber, they’re a healthy way to satisfy your need for sugar.
Berries
Yogurt
Yogurt tops any list of healthy foods – for good reason. You can eat yogurt for breakfast, lunch, or even dinner. Try it plain, or add some berries and granola on top for an extra kick of flavor. Laden with probiotics, yogurt helps to limit the fat your body can absorb and adds good bacteria that helps your body clean out your intestinal tract. It even helps burn fat – so there’s no reason to not add some yogurt to your daily routine!
Yogurt
Apples
If you’re hungry, put down that candy bar and pick up an apple. Apples are super filling and have a ton of fiber, which keeps you full for longer and fights cravings later on. Don’t fall for the juice trick, though – chewing whole foods is much better for weight loss. The actual act of chewing tells your brain that you’re eating, which lets your body know you should be feeling full. Drinking juice doesn’t have the same effect.
Apples
Chili
Add a little spice to your life! Spicy foods boost your metabolism – helping your body burn fat faster. In just one chili pepper, you can get enough beta carotene for the whole day and TWICE as much vitamin C as you need for the day. Good for your skin, hair, nails, and waistline!
Chilli
Eggs
Eggs are super high in protein, which keeps you feeling full for longer, and helps build muscle, rather than fat. Although many people think that eggs cause high cholesterol, this is just false – studies show that people who eat eggs regularly don’t have higher cholesterol than those who don’t consume them. The protein found in egg yolks releases a hormone that helps to burn belly fat – so if you’re looking to lose weight, add a few scrambled eggs to your diet.
Eggs
Salsa
Salsa can be made from all types of fruits and veggies, but usually it’s loaded with tomatoes, onions, and peppers. All of these vegetables have tons of nutrients and are super healthy. Salsa is also based on water, not milk or oil, which keeps it low-cal – so feel free to snack away!
Salsa
Black Beans
Black beans are chock full of protein and fiber – the two most important ingredients that keep you satisfied for a long time after your meal. The dark color of black beans also means that they contain flavonoids, which some studies show helps to reduce stomach fat.
Black Beans
Grapefruit
We all know the stereotypical picture of someone on a diet starts with half of a grapefruit for breakfast – and don’t you dare add sugar! Well, it’s a stereotype for a reason – it works! Grapefruits are mostly made from water, meaning that they keep you full while also being super low-calorie. Don’t eat toooo many though – all that acid is only good in moderation.
Grapefruit
Lettuce
Lettuce has a reputation for being low in nutrients, and basically for being the inferior sibling to cabbage, spinach, kale, and all the other greens. Well, we’re here to tell you to stop hating on lettuce! If you choose the right kind (as in, not iceberg), it’s filled with nutrients. Romaine lettuce has vitamin B, folic acid, and Manganese – and other dark green and purple lettuce has tons of benefits as well.
Lettuce
Quinoa
Quinoa is one of the trends of the moment – for a very good reason. It’s low in calories, but extremely high in protein – making it an extremely filling addition to any meal, and a great substitute for rice, pasta, potatoes, and other starches. There are several types of quinoa, but there isn’t much of a nutrient difference between them, so choose the one that you like best – or even mix them!
Quinoa
Cranberry Juice
Now, we don’t mean cranberry juice cocktail – that stuff is absolutely loaded with added sugar. Grab some pure cranberry juice, and watch the number on the scale fall. The bitter juice is loaded with vitamin C, and is a diuretic, meaning that it helps your body get rid of excess fluids.
Cranberry Juice
Dark Chocolate
Bet you weren’t expecting chocolate to be on this list! Well, diets aren’t easy, and if you totally deprive yourself, you may end up bingeing and ruining all of your hard work. To prevent that, add a few squares of dark chocolate now and then when you’re really having a dessert craving. Much healthier than other kinds of sweets, dark chocolate contains healthy fats and is lower in sugar than other types of chocolate. Some studies even show that it’s good for the heart! So if you’re having a craving, don’t be afraid to indulge – in moderation, of course.
Dark Chocolate
Almonds
At about 7 calories per nut, almonds are the lowest calorie nut, but are also super high in nutrients. They have a ton of protein and healthy fats (which you actually need to lose weight) –
they are even packed with vitamin E as well!
Almonds
Cinnamon
Well, we’re not suggesting you take the cinnamon challenge (actually, we’d highly recommend that you don’t…), but a sprinkle of cinnamon here and there can help with your waistline. The spice stimulates insulin production, which regulates high blood sugar. It can even make your body more likely to burn fat rather than holding on to it. Good for your health, inside and out –
cinnamon is a real keeper!
Cinnamon
Oats
Looking for a healthy, filling breakfast? Well, look no further – oats are the best breakfast you could choose if you want to lose weight. They release energy super slowly, so you’ll stay full for ages. And even better, there are endless ways to cook and eat your morning oats. Like to start the day with something sweet? Toss in some berries, cinnamon, and even a spoonful of almond butter if you’re looking for some extra protein. Into a savory breakfast? Try spicing your oats with cumin, and tossing a fried egg on top. Oats are even perfect if you are running short on time in the morning – you can make overnights easily by leaving the cereal with water or milk overnight in tupperware in the fridge. Stay away from the instant type though – they’re much less nutritious.
Oats
Bananas
Bananas aren’t just delicious – they’re also super filling and nutritious. Loaded with potassium, they help your body get rid of unnecessary water and fill you up with important vitamins. Headed to the gym? Half a banana with a tablespoon of almond butter is your ideal snack – the perfect combo of protein, good fats, and carbs.
Bananas
Olive Oil
When most people hear oil, they don’t think of dieting – but actually, the healthy fats found in olive oil are crucial to weight loss. Fats have a bad rep these days, but actually, poly unsaturated fats (found in olive oil, avocado, nuts – which are all on this list, so do you see a pattern?) are pretty darn good for you. They prevent hunger pains, and stop you from craving greasy, unhealthy foods with saturated fats (the bad kind). So go ahead – drizzle some olive oil on your salad. Your diet will thank you.
Olive Oil
Peppermint
Ahhhh, mint! It smells amazing, but it can do much more than just please your senses. Peppermint is good for the skin, and for the digestive system – calming your body inside and out. Add a cup of mint tea to your bedtime ritual, and reap the benefits.
Peppermint
Kelp
When was the last time you ate kelp? Well, if your answer is today, then you’re doing great! Otherwise, listen up – we’re here to tell you why you should add kelp to your diet. It has tons of iodine, and yep, that’s super important – because it works to create the thyroid hormones which regulate how fast your body burns fat. Yes, basically how much kelp you eat helps determine how much fat your body burns. Are you eating it yet?!
Kelp
Asparagus
Ok, asparagus might just be king of vitamins. It has vitamins A, B-complex, C, E, zinc, and potassium? What?! How can a single veggie contain so much goodness – and be delicious too! Try it steamed in salads, roasted with a little olive oil and sea salt, or if you want to get creative, you can even try a few skewers on the grill. Yummm – your taste buds and your tummy will both thank you.
Asparagus
Garlic
Mmmmmm, garlic bread… the stuff that dreams are made of! Well, unfortunately, we can’t tell you that garlic bread is diet-approved – but garlic alone certainly is. It’s filled with allicin, which kills off any bad bacteria or viruses you might have. And a healthy stomach is a precursor for a fit one! Add garlic to your stir-fries, omelettes, or heck, who are we to judge, just snack on a raw clove! Definitely brush your teeth afterwards though.
Garlic
Green Tea
Everyone knows green tea is healthy – but not everyone makes a place for it in their diet. Well, it’s time to change that! Green tea reduces bloating, and even speeds up your metabolism, which are both essential to weight loss. Instead of reaching for that third cup of coffee, try subbing it for a tea instead.
Green Tea
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is the natural diet-aid you’ve never heard of. Crucial in the morning, it’s really best to drink a capful with every meal to aid digestion. The vinegar flushes out toxins and rids the intestines of bad bacteria, while also reducing bloating. Successful dieters swear by the stuff – so give it a try, and get excited about the results coming your way!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Cabbage
There are so many vitamins in cabbage, we’re not surprised there was once a famous diet named after the vegetable! However, for the ultimate weight loss, you really don’t need to make it into a soup. Try adding some cabbage to your salad, stir fry, or veggie plate. Like celery, it’s thought to take more energy to digest than you consume by eating it – so by eating cabbage, you’re practically going to the gym! Well, not really, but with all the calcium, potassium, fiber, magnesium, vitamin C, vitamin A, and vitamin K the vegetable contains, it’s definitely extremely good for you regardless.
Cabbage
Fennel
What’s fennel, you ask? Well, it’s pretty much the magic veggie – what can’t it do! It’s completely packed with vitamins and fiber, and has been used to solve digestive issues for decades. It can also reduce bloating and flush out toxins – and fennel tea can even be used to fight hunger!
Fennel
Cucumbers
No diet is complete without a ton of cukes. Cucumbers are mostly water, so they are super low-cal as well as filling – add a cucumber to your lunch each day and see how much less bread you need to eat as a result! Cucumbers also ease bloating and water retention – double score!
Cucumber
Peaches
Peaches – not just a nickname for your loved one! If you have an upset or bloated stomach, peaches are your best friend. In fact, if you are feeling really nauseous and can’t stomach raw fruit, try consuming just a bit of the syrup in canned peaches – it’ll clear your nausea right up. Who would’ve thought that such a simple fruit could provide so much relief?
Peaches
Broccoli
Broccoli is not just one of the most delicious vegetables, but it’s also one of the healthiest. It’s low-calorie, a great source of fiber and calcium, and can even fight cancer! It’s truly a superfood. To preserve all of the cancer-fighting ingredients, steam your broccoli – boiling or microwaving the veggie can make it lose its nutrients.
Broccoli
Brown Rice
Well, we’re sure you’ve heard of brown rice, but do you know why it’s so healthy? Filled with phytonutrients, brown rice can actually decrease your risk of diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Yes, it’s a starch, but it’s full of fiber and it’s relatively low-calorie, so definitely incorporate brown rice into your diet now and then!
Brown Rice
Carrots
We all know the old urban legend: if you eat too many carrots, you’ll turn into one. Well, don’t worry about that – carrots are actually super good for you. They’re extremely high in water and fiber, keeping you full afterwards for quite some time. The orange pigment (called beta-carotene) won’t actually turn your skin orange, but it will help strengthen your immune system and eyesight.
Carrots
Figs
Figs are truly nature’s candy. Dried or fresh, figs are more delicious (and healthier) than the best cakes or cookies. They’re also high in fiber, so it’s not all sugar. Keep a few tucked away for an emergency sugar craving, and you’ll soon be wondering how you could have ever lived without them.
Figs
Garbanzo Beans
Also known as chickpeas, these beans are packed with fiber, good fats, and protein – making them very filling, and the perfect addition to any salad or dish. Chickpeas are also used to make hummus, so if you love the savory spread, by all means, continue indulging – for your health, of course.
Garbanzo Beans
Kidney Beans
Okay, yes, you get it, beans are healthy. Like their garbanzo and black bean siblings, kidney beans are filled with fiber, helping you stay full long past mealtime. These beans are also packed with omega-3’s and calcium, helping you get in your full range of nutrients. You can use these beans in tacos, chili, or even homemade bean salad – get creative!
Kidney Beans
Lemons
When life gives you lemons, please don’t make lemonade – way too much sugar. Instead, use them to add flavor to any and all of your meals – with no calories and a ton of taste, lemons are pretty much the dream diet spice. Squeeze them on chicken, fish, or even over your salad as a dressing. Their tangy, classic flavor will keep your taste buds happy and satisfied.
Lemons
Salmon
Salmon is one of the best diet and plain old healthy foods of all time! Whichever way you cook it – and there are a ton of options – salmon is crazy high in protein and crazy low in calories. It contains both mono-saturated and poly-saturated fatty acids, which actually aid weight loss, and even help to prevent heart disease. So go ahead, have a fish fry, sushi party, or whatever time of salmon you enjoy – you’ll only be helping your diet.
Salmon
Sweet Potatoes
Despite its name, the sweet potato is the regular potato’s much healthier cousin. It contains calcium, potassium, iron, vitamin C, and get ready for this – 438% of your daily vitamin A needs. Um, wow! Try them baked, mashed, broiled…the possibilities for deliciousness (and nutrition) are endless.
Sweet Potatoes
Vinegar
Like lemon, vinegar is a delicious way to add tons of flavor to your meal without majorly increasing the calorie count. Whatever variation you choose, – balsamic, red wine, white, or other – vinegar will increase your meal satisfaction and can even prevent weight gain. Try it as a salad dressing, or even just poured over roasted veggies. Yum!
Vinegar
Oranges
Yet another citrus makes the list! Packed with vitamin C, oranges also have a ton of fiber and very few calories. Oranges keep you full, taste delicious, and even help you fight off sickness! There’s no reason not to indulge.
Oranges
Avocados
The beloved fruit (yes, fruit) of millennials, avocados are worshiped for their creamy texture, fresh flavor, and natural energy. Avocados strengthen eyesight and cardio health, and reduce the risk of some cancers. They contain tons of healthy fats (so eat in moderation), so you’ll have plenty of energy to get through the day. You can add avocados to pretty much everything these days, but there’s nothing like the classic avo toast: mashed avocado on freshly made bread, topped with lemon juice, salt, and a fried egg. We’re drooling just thinking about it!
Avocados
Water
We saved the best for last! We all know we should be drinking 2 liters of water per day (about 8 glasses), but who actually manages to do that? Well, if you’re trying to lose weight, you better start. Water is the absolute best weight loss trick – drinking a glass or two before any meal makes you much less likely to overeat, and keeps you full for longer afterwards. Start carrying a water bottle everywhere you go to increase your water intake – and decrease your waistline. Cheers to that!
Water