So often we are told "You need to change your diet and eat healthier foods". Whether it is to lose weight or to live a healthier life we are always looking for the "right" foods to eat. The problem is, we don't know what the right foods are. Should we be eating lean cuisine meals, do weight watchers, or just depress our taste buds and just eat tofu and sprouts.
Well now I have the answer. Here are my top 9 foods you need for fat loss, and to just live a healthier life in general.

Number 1 Water

Okay fine so water isn’t “food” but it is the most important substance you can take into your body. 70% of people are walking around at least partially dehydrated in this country and they don't even know it. How could they? This makes me think of so many movies where they show a person peeing in the snow and it's yellow. We don’t want yellow snow, that isn’t healthy.

The goal is to have very light off yellow, almost clear, urine. This is a sign of good hydration. The more yellow, the more dehydrated. Water is 100% essential need to the body, and 100% essential for fat loss. If nothing else, remember this the next time you chug down. How do you think that fat leaves the body? I will give you a hint…it doesn’t just magically disappear into nothing.

Number 2 Eggs

My next choice is eggs, especially egg whites and omega 3 eggs. You know there is just nothing you can’t do with these guys. Scrambled, hard boiled, baking, pancakes, added protein to smoothies (egg whites only for that one guys okay). They have the greatest Biological Value of protein you can ask for, and the omega 3 has good fats. Not only is it an easy food, it is a cheap food. So yeah, number 2 on the list, eggs.

Number 3 EFA’s (Essential Fatty Acids)

Next up is EFA’s or essential fatty acids. Whatever source you choose to get this from is yours. I personally, and I will try not to advertise or name drop here, but go with a supplement oil blend. We not only want good fats, we want a balance of good fats. Now this doesn’t mean not to get any fats from whole foods. Fish, nuts, oils, are all great, but somewhere in the diet getting a pure and solid form of supplemented oil blend is something that I think is key, not only for fat loss, but for health.

Number 4 Oatmeal

Now oatmeal is a personal obsession, it is hard not to put it at one because of my pure love for it. A lot of people get very confused about oatmeal, how to cook it, which brand to buy. Do I get instant, steel cut, rolled? My advice, cost wise and ease wise is to go with the Old Fashion Rolled Oats. Now, do steel oats have a higher fiber source and better process? Of course, but they aren’t as cheap, not as easy to find, and take longer to cook. I find in some areas if you ask too much of people they end up giving up all together. So go into the store, get the old fashion rolled oats, still lower GI than instant, a great source of fiber, and great for the heart. Best of all they are easy to work with and cheap to buy.

Number 5 Berries

Berries, particularly I would choose wild blueberries, raspberries, and cranberries. Some of the best sources of anti-oxidants, fiber, low calories, easy to make anything taste good with. Also if you buy frozen you can save some cash, if you buy frozen and in bulk you can save a bundle.

Number 6 Greens

Greens is classified as turnips, spinach, collard, kale, I would even throw in broccoli into that mix. These are the true super foods. Vitamins, minerals, fiber, antioxidants, low calorie, the list goes on and on.

You know a lot of people fight me on the vegetables, I wasn’t a fan of veggies myself, but let me tell you that you can sneak these suckers in so much you won't even know they are there. Then one day you wake up and not only have you developed a taste for them, but you actually like them and want to have them in your meals. Put them in an omelet, vegetable lasagna, or toss into a shake with berries and protein and BAM you have one heck of a power combo. Don’t neglect your veggies!

Number 7 Whey

Okay now that I am finished with my “eat your veggies” talk we are going to get to Whey Protein. If you are whey intolerant you can go with egg, but basically what I am speaking of is whey protein supplement powder. In general I am really pro whole foods, but in certain times, a protein supplement has its place. Especially post workout, and if choosing a protein powder, whey is number one. If you use it right, and time it right in your diet, but still provide yourself with whole foods, it can be one heck of a protein source and save you some time as well.

Number 8 Fish

Next up is fish, I think that fish is…you know really I don’t like it. I still haven’t come to enjoy any fish that wasn’t a childhood fish stick, but I eat it! I eat it because it is a source of good fats and amazing source of protein. So maybe you are in the same boat as me, and you don’t like getting it down, do it anyway.

Number 9 Sweet Potato

Alright, last one, Sweet Potatoes. Sweet potatoes deemed the “anti-diabetic” food are filled with antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and of all starch foods are the easiest to digest. Did I mention they are really yummy?

So with this list realize that if you ate nothing but what is on this list that you have a complete balanced diet right here. Complete amino acids, good fats, vitamins, minerals, anti-oxidants, all right here in these 9 foods. Mix them up even and have real power meals, put the berries in the oatmeal, put the spinach in the omelets, it is endless. Some people might say “hey you didn’t list this or that”, don’t get me wrong there are definitely some other great foods out there, but as far as I what I feel the average person can easily and should keep in their daily diet, these are my top nine.

This article was written in full by Leigh Peele NASM-CPT.
*You can use this article in Full on your websites as long as you include the above information*

Leigh Peele is certified through the National Academy of Sports Medicine and holds other certificates in both nutrition and in sports specific training.
She hails from North Carolina where she trains everyone from college athletes to doctors. She also works for the facility of Fitness Today as a CPT where she oversee clients and classes.
She has been published both locally and nationally ranging from Women's Muscle to OnFitness Magazine.
Her latest contribution to the fitness community is her recent publication “The Fat Loss Troubleshoot” (http://fatlosstroubleshoot.com). She currently is giving talks around the country in regards to the complex issues of fat loss.
She is also finishing up a metabolic study titled ‘The Metabolic Effects of Timed Caloric Increase on Women with Anorexia Nervosa’ that is due to be released in the fall.
To find out more information on Leigh Peele and her products visit Avidity Fitness (http://www.avidityfitness.net)