11 Summer Foods for Weight Loss

Did you know the first day of summer is tomorrow? Kind of hard to believe considering it was around 60 degrees last night and rainy. So, with the heat hopefully coming soon, what are some of the best foods to eat this summer that will aid in weight loss? According to iVillage, here are eleven of them!

1- Strawberries: Who can resist a bowl of juicy red berries? Pop ’em freely, because they’re the perfect summer snack: filling, light on calories and laden with nutrients from omega 3 fats to cancer-fighting polyphenols. Just half a cup of strawberries provides over 70 percent of your daily Vitamin C, plus fiber and an array of antioxidants

2- Blueberries: Brimming with good stuff, blueberries improve circulation and fight free-radical damage to cells and tissues, says Keller. They’re super low-cal, yet so delectable—in color, texture and taste.

3- Plums: Whether eaten whole, dried or pureed into sauces, plums are low in calories and a good source of both dietary fibers and Vitamin C, Dried plums (also known as prunes) are the perfect grab-and-go healthy snack, and they make a rich, sweet dessert when stewed into compote. Plus, they can help suppress appetite thanks to their low glycemic load.

4- Squash: From pattypan to zucchini, summer squash delivers major vitamins and nutrients (including magnesium, potassium and copper), to the tune of a mere 80 calories per half cup.

5- Bell Peppers: Sweet red peppers are such a good source of beta carotene, and top the charts of vegetables for that important antioxidant. Green bell peppers also contain generous amounts of Vitamin C.

6- Mango's: Dense with antioxidants—plus protein and omega 3 fats—mangoes are a delicious, low-calorie way to bulk up meals with exotic flavor, ensuring "healthy" fare doesn’t fall into a rut.

7- Beets: One of the real gems found in beets is the B vitamin folate, a key nutrient for women. Beets help protect against heart disease, birth defects and certain cancers, especially colon cancer.

8- Buffalo Meat: No need to give up red meat when you’re grilling. Bison (or buffalo) burger is naturally lean, far lower in fat and calories than beef, chicken or pork. Plus, it’s a great source of iron and omega 3 fats. Try the patties open-faced with half a bun, and hold the cheese and mayo while piling on the mustard, relish and salsa.

9- Figs: Figs pack fiber, potassium, folate and vitamins for heart health into one incredibly sweet, low-cal fruit. And with 6,000 years of staying power, figs might have even kept Cleopatra trim. For a snack that sticks with you, try the black mission style—the seeds release even more nutrients, plus omega fats.
10- Peaches: Why pass up dessert when the “stone fruits” of summer (think peaches and nectarines) can make for a guilt-free sweet treat? Tossed on the grill, peaches and nectarines get even more flavorful as the heat caramelizes their natural sugars. Top with low-fat ice cream, and you won’t feel one bit deprived.

11- Eggs: Overweight adults who ate two eggs for breakfast lost 65 percent more weight (and felt more energetic) than those who started the morning with an equally caloric bagel, recent studies show. Other findings reveal that egg eaters consume 300 fewer calories per day, adding up to a loss of three pounds per month. “Eggs help level out blood sugar, provide energy-boosting protein and are full of nutrients,” says wellness coach Jessica Smith. “If you can’t stomach eggs in the morning, eat them for dinner instead.”

So there you go! And now I'm hungry! Happy summer everyone!