Eggs & Avocados
"The best foods to eat at breakfast are high in protein and good fats, which keep your blood sugar steady and provide energy from nutrient-dense sources that will keep you satiated,” says culinary nutrition expert, Andrea Wien. Chrissy Teigen had the idea down pat. She relies on eggs and avocados to set her weight straight. The egg is a nearly perfect food and it's a powerhouse in terms of nutrition, clocking in at 7 grams of protein plus a good dose of vitamins, minerals and anti-inflammatory omega-3s. Eggs also have vitamin D to help you burn fat instead of store it, plus they have vitamin B12 to help your body break down fat cells. Pair eggs with avocado for anti-inflammatory and antioxidant healing. They are naturally high in unsaturated fatty acids, fiber, vitamins A, C, E, K, and many B vitamins as well as potassium and magnesium. “While the avocado is rich in healthy oils, it’s not as high in calories as people fear,” says nutritionist Violet Santana. Much of it is composed of water and fiber, and both help keep you feeling full.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Megan Fox and Kate Hudson rev metabolism by doing shots....of apple cider vinegar. It flushes water weight and helps them drop lbs. “Apple cider vinegar is a fermented food that aids digestion and promotes the growth of healthy gut flora,” says Dr. Lisa Davis, chief nutrition officer at Terra’s Kitchen. “Preliminary evidence also suggests that it may help with fat loss.” Having a healthy gut with friendly flora can reduce inflammation and improve digestion! YYou can mix a couple of tablespoons of ACV with water and honey if drinking it straight isn’t tempting. Or try Source Naturals Apple Cider Vinegar Tablets ($7).
Raw Fruits & Veggies
Beyoncé, we’d follow you anywhere, anytime. You are simply fabulous. And so is the raw food diet she’s used to stay bootylicious. Proponents of raw food believe that cooking removes essential nutrients from fruits, vegetables, grains and seeds that your body needs in order to cleanse itself. The goal is to stick to food in its raw state. It sounds too obvious but we think everyone needs to get back to basics. “Reach for a piece of fruit when a slim figure is your goal,” says Rachel Swanson, a RDN at Lifespan Medicine. Research done over a 24-year period found that people who ate fruits high in anthocyanin and flavonoids lost more weight. Swanson says you can find these miracle compounds in apples, pears, berries, prunes and strawberries. Bonus: Vegetables like peppers and celery were also associated with less weight gain in this study! Swap out processed snacks and bring in nature’s bounty – just don’t sauté the broccoli!
Hot Lemon Water
We have friends that drink iced beverages year round when they wake up. But cold drinks slow your body and metabolism. On the other hand, a warm or hot cup gets your body moving at a rapid pace. That means your entire body is engaged in creating and using energy that leads to weight loss. Anne Hathaway opts for drinking LemonAid - a 48-hour detox concocted by celeb trainer David Kirsch that he says he says boosts metabolism and jumpstarts weight loss. The ingredients are lemon, maple syrup and cayenne pepper. Since we’re not that daring a cup of hot water with lemon will do. It’s healthy, has zero calories and spurs your metabolism to get moving. Lemon has vitamin C to aid weight loss. A study found that people who have sufficient levels of vitamin C intake burned more fat than people who were C deficient.
Steel-Cut Oatmeal
Khloé Kardashian makes a mean smoothie when she wants to detox: steel-cut oats, flaxseed powder and almond milk. Each of these ingredients has anti-inflammatory properties that promote weight loss. In ¼-cup of oats there’s 5 grams of fiber and 7 grams of protein. The fiber is part soluble – it slows digestions and makes you feel satiated –and insoluble fiber – the kind that helps you get smooth moves (wink). “Regular and healthy bowel movements reduce belly bloating and improve digestion,” says Abbey Sharp, RD, of Abbey's Kitchen. Khloé wisely chooses steel-cut oats over rolled or instant because they’re not pre-cooked and are processed in a manner that helps them maintain more fiber and protein than other versions. Both flaxseeds and almonds have omega-3 fatty acids to further the anti-inflammatory effects. [Photos: Shutterstock]