The sun is shining and the temperatures are above 20 degrees. Already looking forward to the summer season and therefore I wanted to share my top 21 foods for a sexy and lean bikini body.
Looking for a way to lose/maintain weight the healthy way? CLICK HERE for more info.
1. Leafy Greens
Leafy greens are amongst the heartiest food sources on Earth and they help you to lose weight as well. They are low in calories and packed with fibers to give you a full feeling and keep your weight in balance. Leafy greens can be added to your diet in several ways. Start your day with a filling green smoothie, have a salad for lunch or cook a good serving of filling broccoli for dinner.
Scroll down to download my FREE green smoothie eBook for some great tips, tricks, and recipe.
2. Soup
Having a cup of soup before your meal will help you to eat less at main meals. They are low in calories and packed with fat-fighting nutrients. Keep their calories low and avoid adding cream or butter.
ALSO READ: 6 Delicious Green Cleansing Low-Calorie Soup Recipes
3. Beans and Lentils
Beans and lentils help you to keep blood sugar levels stable, they give you a stuffed feeling and improve digestion. They contain your daily need of protein without adding more fat to your diet. So if you’re not a vegetarian try and swap your meat with beans and lentils a few times a week.
4. Quinoa
Another diet-friendly whole grain that is rich in protein and fiber. They add few calories to your diet, keep you satisfied for hours, and will prevent overeating. So instead of calorie-rich foods as potatoes, rice or pasta, have quinoa instead.
ALSO READ: Health Benefits Of Quinoa (one of my favorite quinoa recipes included)
5. Banana
Bananas fill you up and boost your metabolism or fat-burning mechanisms. So when you feel hungry in between meals opt for an energizing banana or add them to your morning smoothie for more energy. Although bananas are great for people who want to lose weight, they are high in natural sugars as well. So stick to one banana a day.
6. Berries
All berries are good for people who want to lose weight. You can actually eat as much of them as you like. Not only will they give you a sexy bikini body, they will give you a smooth and glowing skin as well.
1 cup berries has between 60 to 80 calories and contains lots of fiber to give you a full feeling and keep craving under control, making them the perfect snack in between meals. To supercharge your morning smoothie try to add a few tablespoons of goji berries.
7. Chiles
Capsaicin, a compound found in hot peppers help you to generate heat and help your body to burn more calories. So spice up your dishes and create some fat-burning heat.
8. Pomegranate
Pomegranate and pomegranate juice get all the hype these days for its antioxidants and disease-fighting nutrients. But not only will they improve your overall health, they are low in calories and high in satisfying fibers that will help your sweet cravings.
9. Asparagus
Asparagus helps your body to eliminate toxins and other waste from your body. When there are too many toxins our body creates fat cells to tuck them safely away. So adding more detoxifying, low-calorie foods like asparagus to your diet will definitely help you to lose weight.
ALSO READ: Detox Your Body Naturally With These 20 Power Foods
10. Mushrooms
Mushrooms are low in calories and full of weight loss promoting nutrients. There is a wide range of delicious mushrooms available, so instead of eating your daily dose of meat, you could opt for mushrooms instead.
Scroll down for more foods you can incorporate into your diet for a healthy looking bikini body.
11. Tomatoes
Tomatoes help you to keep weight off. They are low in calories and contain a healthy dose of fibers that keep things moving.
12. Avocados
Many people on a diet think that fats will ruin their efforts. But did you know that the opposite is true? As long as you add the right fats, like coconut oil and avocados, to your diet. The oleic fatty acids, protein, and fiber reduce the feeling of hunger and help you lose belly fat and keep you satisfied over longer periods. Avocados are great in a green smoothie, salsas, guacamole, salads, dressing, healthy desserts, etc.
ALSO READ: Discover the Health Benefits of Avocado and 5 Easy Recipes!
13. Organic Lean Meat Or Fish
If you’re not a vegetarian and can’t go without adding meat or fish to your diet a few times a week, then always opt for organic lean meat, such as skinless chicken or turkey, or omega-3 rich fish, such as salmon and mackerel. They are a great source of protein but without adding lots of unhealthy fats.
Omega-3’s help your body to build muscles and decrease belly fat. If you buy salmon, opt for wild salmon as it contains fewer pollutants.
Why organic? Conventional meats are full of hormones, antibiotics and other questionable ingredients that may harm your body. Same story as above. When there are too many toxins entering your body fat cells are created to prevent damage to your cells and tissues.
14. Seeds and Nuts
Nuts and seeds are a good source of healthy fats, without adding many calories to your diet and they boost metabolism. They are the perfect snack that will help you eat less at main meals.
Best nuts and seeds for weight loss:
- Almonds
- Pine nuts
- Chia seed
- Flaxseed
- Walnuts
- Pecans
Great as a snack or to add to your salads or smoothies. Personally, I like chia seed pudding as a healthy dessert or snack when I crave something sweet.
15. Apples
Apples are low in calories, high in fiber, and blunt appetite. They help you to eat less a main meals and speed up your metabolism. If you eat apples, buy them organic and eat them with the peel, because that’s where the most phytonutrients and fiber are hiding.
A quick treat: chop up an apple and sprinkle with ½ tsp. cinnamon and/or allspice and microwave for 1 to 2 minutes. This sweet treat can help you conquer sugar cravings.
16. Citrus Fruits
Citrus fruits are low in calories and are almost 90% water. They are packed with vitamin C and other phytonutrients that lower insulin levels. Insulin is a fat storing hormone that can lead to weight gain.
Grapefruit and lemons are best! Go easy on the oranges, they contain more natural sugars than grapefruit and lemons (or limes). Studies show that people who eat half a grapefruit before a meal eat less and burn more!
If you are not already doing this, make lukewarm lemon water your daily pre-breakfast routine! Click here for more info.
17. Pears
Pears are often overlooked and pushed aside for apples. Did you know that one pear contains 15% of your daily need of fiber? Just as apples they will help you to feel full and their fibers are slightly different from apples. Studies claim they are even more effective for people who want to lose pounds. And again eat them with peel to get the most out of them.
18. Oats
Oats are loaded with fiber and only one serving in the morning will help you to feel full throughout the day. It’s a healthy source of carbs and will help you to boost your fat-burning mechanisms and prevent overeating at other meals. Always opt for the least refined or processed oats.
ALSO READ: Are Oats Good For Your Health?
19. Spices
Many herbs and spices add heat to your body and boost your metabolism. They give your food an interesting and delicious flavor and help you to stay slim and healthy.
Best herbs for weight loss:
- Ginger
- Cardamom
- Turmeric
- Cumin
- Black and cayenne pepper
- Mustard
- Dandelions
- Cinnamon
20. Green tea
The antioxidants or catechins in green tea help you to burn more calories and shed fat. Some studies report that when you drink 4 to 5 cups a day, you’ll lose pounds twice as fast. Always opt for green tea. Other true teas are more processed and lost more of their healthy phytonutrients.
Note: green tea contains theanine, which is less strong than caffeine but has similar effects.
21. Dark Chocolate
Last but not least, dark chocolate can help you to keep full and reduces cravings. They contain healthy fatty acids and boost metabolism to burn more calories and fat. But keep in mind, moderation is still key or you’ll end up gaining more pounds instead of helping your body to lose them.
ALSO READ: Raw Chocolate Benefits, A Delicious Guilt-Free Treat
Thanks for reading. I hope this information was helpful. Until next time!
Amy Goodrich
Crazy cat lady, life and food lover, certified biologist, and holistic health coach.
