It’s that time of year—bathing suit season! Not one of us (me included) is immune to “bathing suit anxiety.” You know. The feeling you get when you try your bathing suit on for the first time all year.

I want to make that first reveal a little less stressful for you. There is a plethora of books and articles telling us what not to eat for weight loss. These nutritional powerhouses will help you get bathing suit ready—but more importantly, help you to build health for life.

My strategy has always been and will always be to never ever diet. When we diet, there is always a time in our mind when we can stop. Eating for health has no ending date—there is no wedding or reunion as our weight loss goal. It is about incorporating foods into our lives that will build health. These foods have the added side bonus of taking weight off if that is what is beneficial to the body.

I love all these foods, but number ten is my all-time favorite for health AND weight loss.

1. NUTS

So many of us fear nuts because of fat and calories, but studies reveal just the opposite. Because of the healthy fats, protein and fiber, we feel satiated and our blood sugars are stabilized. Walnuts are especially high in anti-inflammatory omega 3’s.

TIP: If you are going to a party or out to dinner, eat a handful of almonds or mixed nuts before you go.

2. ORGANIC BERRIES

Berries are rich in nutrients, low in calories, high in fiber, and are low on the glycemic index (how fast a food raises blood sugar). What more can I say? When something is low on the glycemic index, insulin isn’t spiked. Insulin is our main fat storage hormone.

TIP: Berries are highly pesticided and it is best to enjoy them organic. Frozen organic berries are a wonderful choice when not in season.

3. GRASS FED BEEF

You may think I’ve lost my ever loving nutritional mind on this one. My sensibilities are intact because grass fed beef is not what we primarily find in grocery stores or restaurants. That is conventionally raised beef and it has a host of problems.

Grass fed beef has none of the bad (antibiotics, steroids and chemicals) and much more of the good than commercial beef. Grass fed contains 20 times more Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) which is helpful for weight loss. It also contains more omega-3’s fats for heart health.

TIP: Most grocery stores carry grass fed beef. Buy in bulk on sale and store in the freezer. Also, look for a local farmer who raises grass fed beef and pork.

4. BROCCOLI

Well known for its cancer preventing powers, broccoli also contains a lot of filling fiber, calcium, protein and is low in calories. Broccoli also contains a compound called sulforaphane which stimulates enzymes to burn fat and detoxifies the liver.

TIP: Many times frozen vegetables are as or more nutritious than fresh. Frozen organic broccoli florets can be purchased at most grocery stores. Enjoy steamed in broth and drizzled with grass fed butter (like Kerrygold) or parmesan cheese. Good fats help with nutrient absorption.

5. DARK LEAFY GREENS

This list includes kale, spinach, chard, watercress, romaine and collard greens. These greens contain waist slimming minerals deficient in the American diet—mainly potassium and magnesium. Please view my YouTube video on the “The Incredible Benefits of Potassium.”

Kale possesses the highest antioxidant rating of any vegetable and also contains sulforaphane.

TIP: Enjoy organic mixed baby greens in a smoothie. This is how I get about 3 cups in a day.

6. SALMON AND OTHER OILY FISH

These include mackerel, trout, herring and sardines. These fish contain unusually high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids which are not only heart healthy and anti-inflammatory, but waist slimming.
Fish also contains significant amounts of iodine which is important for thyroid function and is deficient in our diets. Always purchase wild caught fish and seafood.

TIP: If you think you don’t like sardines, have you tried the new ways they are packaged? I love the ones packed in spicy mustard. Because they are so small and low on the food chain, they’re remarkably free of chemical contaminants (primarily mercury and PCB’s).

7. GRAPEFRUIT

A compound in grapefruit is known to lower insulin (fat storage hormone) which leads to weight loss. It also contains beneficial fiber and vitamin C. Studies reveal people who consume more vitamin C rich foods (NOT juices), tend to weigh less.

TIP: Along with almonds, eat grapefruit before a meal to help with fat loss.

8. CABBAGE

Cabbage is also rich in vitamin C, potassium and fiber. Remember, the “Cabbage Soup Diet?” There is some validity to that old fad. Cabbage is also high in sulforaphane.

TIP: Throw it into soups, lightly saute or put it in salads.

9. RAW APPLE CIDER VINEGAR

There are many reasons ACV helps with weight loss. It decreases blood sugar levels which means less insulin is triggered. ACV also aids in digestion and stimulates HCL which helps to break down fatty acids and carbohydrates. ACV also has some probiotic properties which creates a healthy gut.

TIP: The brand of ACV doesn’t matter, but the best kind is raw, organic with the Mother. This type has the most probiotic properties.

To learn more about the “Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar,” please watch my YouTube video.

DRUMROLL PLEASE! My all time favorite healthy food that also possesses the added benefit of weight loss:

10. AVOCADOS

Avocados are a fatty food that helps you melt fat. They are full of healthy fats—mostly monounsaturates. They are also packed with fiber, over 20 phytonutrients and protein that help you slim down. An avocado contains twice the amount of potassium than a banana without the added fructose sugar. Potassium is a studied waist slimmer.

TIP: Eat an avocado a day to keep the pounds away. Enjoy on a salad, in guacamole or in a smoothie.

Try eating 3 servings more of this waist slimming, health giving list each day. Not only will you feel more confident this summer, but you will feel better and enjoy greater health.