OK, you know you have to eat right if you want to lose weight.

Right?

Remember, “you can’t out train a bad diet“.

What was that?  You workout so you can eat what you want.  I going to take a shot in the dark and guess that you don’t look the way you would like.

Am I right?

Even if your goal isn’t to be able to wash clothes off your stomach, a proper diet will also help you stay healthy and kick hunger and cravings to the curb.

So, hear are the top 9 foods that you should have in you kitchen right now.  If you notice something that’s missing, make sure to make a list and go shopping when you are done reading this.

1.)  Blueberries – Summer is a perfect time to stock up on fresh blueberries but frozen is good too.  Make sure to always have some on hand no matter what time of year.  Not only are blueberries a great source of antioxidants and fiber but they also help to reduce inflammation to promote a healthier digestive tract.

They’re Smurfy.

2.)  Almonds - Almonds are the perfect portable snack either by themselves or paired with fruit or veggies.  They are also high in protein and healthy fats which help to keep your metabolism up and running.  It has been shown in studies that you can eat up to 2 handfuls of almonds a day beyond your calories needs and not gain any weight.  So eat up.

Almonds are good for your heart.  As well as your physique.

3.)  Eggs -  Yes, you can eat eggs.  It has been shown in recent studies that the cholesterol in eggs does not negatively increase your cholesterol levels.  Not only does eating eggs help keep you satisfied and energized but they also help build muscle tone ( along with resistance training).  The more muscle tone you have – the higher your metabolism.  And they super easy to make.  I prefer the ones higher in omega-3’s. Why?  Because omega-3s help promote fat loss by improving blood sugar control which reduces cravings and overeating. Mix in your oatmeal.

If “brown eggs are local eggs and local eggs are fresh”.  What are blue eggs?

4.)  Oatmeal – I am talking about real oatmeal not the flavored, instant crap.  Not only does oatmeal keep you satisfied and give you energy but it also helps to keep you blood sugar in check.  When your blood sugar stays level you will store less fat and have fewer cravings.  The vending machines will miss you.

See, it wasn’t just the pool water.

5.)  Apples – Apples are a great grab-and-go food.   Not only are apples high in water and fiber, but the fiber in apples has been shown to help you feel fuller longer by causing your stomach to empty more slowly.  Pair them with almonds  to give fat and cravings a one-two punch.

Blueberry/apple hybrid.  Should be available for mass market next by next summer.

6). Spinach – Not only is spinach a great source of vitamins and minerals (i.e. calcium, beta-carotene, vit. C, folate and magnesium) but it only has 5 calories a cup!  You could eat a whole bag and mot even put a dent in your daily calories.  So put it in whatever.  Omelets, salads, smoothies, wraps, if you can put spinach in it (and not have it be disgusting) do it.

2 Cups-a-day helps keep the stomach at bay.

7.)  Greek Yogurt – Not only is Greek yogurt an excellent source of protein (2x more that regular yogurt) but it also contains probiotics that help aid digestion and promote good gut health.  Stay away from the fruit on the bottom kinds that contain HFCS.  And unless you are really trying to cut calories stick to the 2% variety.

.Now hit blend

8). Wild Salmon - Not only is salmon delicious but it is also high in protein and omega-3s (see eggs).  I recommend buying your salmon frozen so it keeps longer.

Not sure how eating them saves them.  But eating them will save you.

9.) Salsa - Nix the chips though. Salsa is a great low cal way to add flavor to any meal.  You can even use it as a salad dressing.  If you want an extra metabolism boost go for a spicy variety.  Huevos rancharos anyone.

Shrimp a la Diabla

So now that you know what foods to stock your kitchen with, put your computer in sleep mode, get off your but and go to the store to stock up now.  Do this now for a healthier, leaner you.

Your friend and trainer,

Paul F. Sweatt

Wellesley’s Best Personal Trainer

Tags: almonds, apples, blueberries, eggs, Greek yogurt, healthy diet, Nutrition, oatmeal, omega-3 fatty acids, spinach, Wellesley's Best Personal Trainer, wild salmon

This entry was posted on Thursday, June 3rd, 2010 at 12:07 am and is filed under Nutrition. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

Posted by Paul | in Nutrition | 3 Comments