15 Foods That Will Help You Lose Weight

The yolk of the egg was once thought to contain unhealthy amounts of cholesterol, but more recent research has shown that eating both the white and the yolk of the egg can help you lose weight. Eggs contain lots of protein and few calories. Combine that with the fat that helps you absorb all the nutrients they contain, and you'll be ready to go with a breakfast that won't have you craving junk food before lunchtime.

High in protein, fiber, and fat, these little nuts are a great snack that will fill you up with nutrients and give you the energy you need for a great workout later. They're fairly high in calories, but as long as you eat them in moderation, you'll probably find yourself among the many people who have lost weight with the help of these crunchy foods.

When your sweet tooth starts giving you a hard time, reach for one of these crisp fruits instead of the cookie jar. Apples are a great way to satisfy your craving for something sweet while still giving you plenty of nutrients. Plus, the fiber they contain will help keep you full, unlike that candy bar you've been eyeing.

Fad diets are pretty much always a bad idea, but the famous Grapefruit Diet did have some merit. Research has shown that people who are overweight have had weight loss success while eating grapefruit, and those who were at risk for diabetes saw significant (and beneficial) health changes after eating the fruit. Just make sure grapefruit doesn't interfere with any of your medication before adding it into your weight loss plan.

You've probably noticed a trend between high-protein, high-fiber foods and weight loss, and beans are no exception. Some beans and legumes, which include black beans, lentils, and kidney beans, have been shown to help people lose weight thanks to their high protein and fiber content.

Avocados are actually a type of fruit, but they taste much better in a vegetable salad than a fruit salad. They're packed with healthy fats, the same kind found in olive oil, so they can help you absorb all the other nutrients that you consume with them. Those same fats will also keep your heart healthy and your stomach full so you're less likely to munch on something that could derail your weight loss plan.

If you're a fan of spicy foods, I have good news for you: chili peppers contain a substance called capsaicin, which has been shown not only to reduce appetite, but also to burn fat. If you're not a fan of the flavor, you can take capsaicin in supplement form to get the same effects without the burn.

I know, I know — water isn't technically a food, but then again, that's what makes it so essential if you want to shed pounds. Our brains frequently confuse thirst for hunger, so before you chow down, drink a glass of H2O to encourage yourself to eat less without consuming any extra calories. Even if you aren't trying to lose weight, you'll still want to keep chugging this stuff; our bodies are 70 percent water, so staying hydrated is essential to maintain your overall health.

They may not look like much, but these itty bitty seeds pack a punch. They're incredibly nutrient-dense, they're high in fiber, and they actually expand to form a gelatinous substance once they get wet (meaning they'll fill up your stomach). Add a spoonful to your cereal or yogurt in the morning, or make chia pudding for a dessert that will kick your sugar cravings to the curb while still keeping you on track.

Replacing your other cooking oils with coconut oil is one of the best things you can do for your diet. Not only is this substance high in medium-chain triglycerides (a.k.a. healthy fats), but unlike other oils, it doesn't become toxic when exposed to high temperatures. Multiple studies have shown that consuming this oil can actually help reduce belly fat and contribute to higher satiety after meals.

This healthy fish is a popular choice among athletes thanks to its high protein content, but it's also low in calories and fat. This is a great food for help building muscle and staying full, but be picky about what kind of tuna you consume — mixing it with mayo or choosing the kind that comes in oil instead of water will add calories and fat.

We've already seen that water is great for losing weight, and soup is a wonderful way to get more liquid in your diet without constantly refilling your water bottle. The vegetable and protein options that you can add to your soup are nearly endless, too, meaning that you can pack a ton of nutrients into a single meal without actually feeling like you're eating an entire vegetable garden. Prepare your own soup at home rather than buying it in a can to avoid unwanted sodium, and avoid the creamier varieties to keep out extra fat and calories.

Virtually any leafy greens are great for weight loss, including kale and collards, but spinach is probably the easiest to implement into your diet. These kinds of vegetables are high in fiber and nutrients, but low in calories and carbohydrates. Spinach is super easy to add to virtually any food — it tastes great in salads and omelettes, and you can mix a handful into your morning smoothie without even tasting it.

Despite its association with lumpy thighs, cottage cheese is actually a great food to help you lose weight. It's high in protein, but low in carbohydrates and fat, and it also contains calcium, which has been shown in multiple studies to have potential to help in the battle of the bulge.

Not only are lemons perfect for adding flavor to your food and drinks, but they also contain pectin fiber, which some studies suggest might help fight cravings. Add a squirt to your water or on top of your salad, but stay away from sugar-laden lemonade to keep the weight away.

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