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Whether you want to jumpstart your weight loss journey or need a sustainable diet that works, I’ve got you! This post will guide you on the best foods for weight loss...with some awesome recipes too! I’ve been there and tried everything, y’all. The struggle was real for me back then. If you’ve read my weight loss journey, you know that I went to great lengths to make clean-eating and fitness fun, simple, and yummy... Because that’s just what makes it WORK. Long-term and without needless suffering. So after a few years, a wedding, some (beautiful) babies, and lots of trial and error, I decided I wanted to help more people too. You know, a life purpose of sorts! My goal is to show you that having a healthy lifestyle isn’t painful or boring at all! It actually makes things simpler and cooler. So if you’re here to discover the best foods for weight loss, welcome! I’m here for it and here for you. This post shares my top 5 favorite foods for shedding pounds (consistently, over time) plus super delish recipes you can try! Read on further so we can get you going on the fun fitness wagon. Let’s go! What Are The Worst Foods to Eat When Trying To Lose Weight? When it comes to food: you gotta lose some to win some. I know it feels especially hard at the start (when we feel like we’re giving up more than we're getting) but it's going to make you healthier and happier in the long run. Plus there's often a healthier version for the “bad stuff”. Trust me! It’s why I started this blog. But for now, below are some foods you’ll want to avoid: Potato chips: Duh. But, hello yummy and healthy alternatives (like these perfectly crispy homemade baked pita chips.) Traditional potato chips simply aren't doing you any favors. These empty calories pack a lot of sodium which adds to water weight and weight gain. Processed meat: While I'm a big advocate of protein...highly processed meat (hot dogs, pepperoni, poor quality deli meats) is hurting you more than it's helping. It's high in sodium, additives, and calories which begin tipping to the scale fairly quickly.* Read this post for the Top 10 Best Packaged Deli Meats (And Which Ones To Avoid!) Restaurant Desserts: Hard one, I know. But the servings are usually way too big! And they're often made with highly processed milk and refined sugar. These increase your risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. Alcohol: A little alcohol here and there won't derail your weight loss goals but you need to be mindful about it. A typical can of beer is about 100 calories (light) to 150+ (regular). A rum coke goes for around 185. And a glass of wine is around 130 per glass. If enjoyed regularly, it adds up. Granola bars: We’ve been conditioned to think these are healthy snacks. But most store-bought ones contain lots of added sugar, calories, and artificial ingredients. Some brands contain up to 15 grams per serving! *If you’re looking for a healthier yummy option, try these No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Energy Balls. How Do You Speed Up Weight Loss? One of the most efficient ways to speed up weight loss is to rev up your metabolism. The faster it is, the more calories your body can burn (even while at rest). However, it tends to slow down as we age. But fear not, my friend. There are ways to get it up and running faster. Below are simple ways to boost your metabolism: Eat spicy foodsDrink more cold waterConsume more protein in each mealBuild more muscleTry high intensity workoutsLift weights Drink green teaGet enough sleep Combining some of these simple tips with clean-eating and portion control can truly make a difference. What Foods Burn Belly Fat? Getting rid of belly fat is a common goal alongside losing weight for most people. But sometimes, it can feel like a struggle to achieve this even if we seem to be shedding off some pounds. If you’re looking to flatten that belly once and for all, here are some foods that may help with that: Spinach and other leafy greensMushroomsCauliflowerBroccoliChilliesCarrotsBeansAsparagusCucumbers What Are The Best Foods For Weight Loss? A great way to lose weight and sustain awesome results is to eat better. That means choosing whole foods, healthier ingredients, and portioning your food. All while enjoying it! 1. Chia Seeds Adding a spoonful (or two) of chia seeds in your diet is a great way to get in nutrients and fill yourself up. They’re super low in calories and have many health benefits! I personally love adding them to salads, smoothies, yogurt, and my favourite: pudding! Try this Overnight Chocolate Chia Pudding, it's so rich and decadent you'll forget that it's even healthy! 2. Squash Noodles Did you know that the average American eats around 15.5 pounds of pasta yearly? That’s loads of calories and refined ingredients going into your system. Really, you want to avoid refined foods as much as possible to reduce inflammation and bloating. I LOVE PASTA so that was hard. Luckily, squash noodles are a great substitute that's low carb and gluten-free! Try this Spaghetti Squash is with Pad Thai Sauce. Or these mouth watering Stuffed Spaghetti Squash Bowls. 3. Oatmeal There's a reason why oatmeal has always been a popular alternative to your typical toast. It's PACKED with fiber, which can help reduce cholesterol levels and aid with digestion. Keep in mind that not all oats are created equally. I recommend steel cut oats because they are the least processed of their kind. They’re also chewier when cooked so it’s a win-win. These Strawberries and Cream Steel Cut Oats is my go-to dish whenever I want something warm and filling in the morning. 4. Eggs Eggs are amazing. Love them. They’re loaded with amino acids, antioxidants and healthy fats. And there's absolutely no need to confine yourself to strictly hard-boiled eggs! There are many ways for you to really enjoy eating eggs without actually tipping the scale. My Healthy Egg Muffin Cups (which are also great for meal prep) are easy, healthy, and delicious. And if you're into meal prep, you must try my Egg White Scramble + Sweet Potato Hash. 5. Sweet Potato Sweet potatoes are the bomb. They’re an excellent source of beta-carotene, which promotes healthy skin, boosts immunity, and improves eye health and vision. They also fill you up well. If you’re looking for a yummy snack packed with nutrients and flavor, try these Sweet Potato Nachos. And go all in with How To Cook Sweet Potatoes + 19 Easy Sweet Potato Recipes That wraps up my best foods for weight loss list! I hope it inspired you to explore amazing recipes that don’t make you feel restricted. The key to sustainable weight loss is to enjoy the process. Eating clean and well can also mean more fun and delicious meals for you. Yay! If you're looking for an actual meal plan to jumpstart your fitness journey, check out my 30-Day Healthy Program. You’ll learn how to eat right, feel lighter, and even gain more energy while learning amazing recipes! This post contains affiliate links for products I use regularly and highly recommend.

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