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“You can’t out exercise a bad diet,” says every nutritionist ever. And it’s true! While the two do go hand in hand, the foods you eat to nourish and fuel your body are even more important than your fitness routine when it comes to losing weight. This is because most of our fat comes from unhealthy eating habits.
It doesn’t matter how many crunches you can do if you still can’t see your abs under a layer of fat. That’s why developing healthy eating habits should be at the top of your priorities list if you’re trying to lose weight.
When it comes to healthy eating — and most importantly, healthy snacking — you need to make sure the calories you’re consuming are good for you, not filled with fat and processed ingredients.
Here’s a list of diet-friendly foods you can eat and still hit your weight loss goals:
1. Eggs
Good fats help blast away belly fat that’s being stored around your midsection. Eggs are a great food to eat while trying to lose weight because they’re nutrient-dense and lower in calories and sugar, but high in nutrients like protein, iron, and essential vitamins and minerals. With just 78 calories and five grams of fat per serving, you can’t go wrong with this protein-packed food. Eat them for breakfast or boil them for a midday snack!
2. Berries
Berries have the highest amount of fiber and the lowest amount of sugar of all the fruits, making them great for weight loss. Raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries are all loaded with important antioxidants and vitamins which help relieve inflammation, too. You can add them to your yogurt, oatmeal, salad, or eat them on their own for a delicious snack.
3. Nuts
Eating healthy, good carbs will help keep you feeling full and satisfied while on a diet. Dr. Josh Axe recommends eating carbs that are nutrient-rich like nuts and seeds. They're loaded with good fats and other vitamins and minerals that your body needs, without any artificial ingredients.
4. Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt is much better for you than regular yogurt. It’s low in fat, filled with calcium, and potassium, and a great source of protein. Look for options that are low in sugar and then add your own berries to up the nutritional value.
5. Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are great to include in your diet because they’re incredibly versatile. You can eat them for any meal of the day and cook them in a variety of ways. “These slow carbs are versatile, naturally sweet and our bodies digest them slowly,” said Andrea Wise, a Chicago-based nutrition coach.
