This is an archived article and the information in the story may be outdated. Please check the time stamp on the story to see when it was updated last.
When you’re trying to lose weight, it’s important to keep in mind that your diet is really what determines your success. You know what they say: you can’t out exercise a bad diet!
“As a rule of thumb, weight loss is generally 75 percent diet and 25 percent exercise,” says Shawn M. Talbott, PhD, nutritional biochemist.
With that in mind, it really is true that you can eat your way to a flat stomach–with the right, fat-burning foods, of course. Fueling your body with healthy ingredients will help you feel good and shed those pounds.
Here’s what foods you should be munching on for weight loss:
1. Eggs
There’s a reason almost every weight loss diet recommends that you eat eggs for breakfast. Eggs are nutrient-dense and low in calories and fat. They are a great source of protein. Not only do they boost the fat-burning process in your body, but they also keep you feeling full and reduce hunger.
2. Fatty Fish
It may seem contradictory to consume fatty fish if you’re trying to burn fat, that’s not the case. Fatty fish is full of omega-3 fatty acids which promote fat loss. Fish also contains protein which aids digestion by boosting your metabolic rate.
3. Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt, if it’s the full-fat kind, can help reduce your appetite and burn fat. It also is a great source of protein and can help you grow muscle while exercising. It’s loaded with probiotics and promotes healthy gut health, too.
4. Cottage Cheese
Cottage cheese can be a great base for a healthy snack while you’re on a diet. Add blueberries, nuts, or seeds to it for a delicious treat. Cottage cheese is important for gut health and digestion, as well as a great source of casein, which keeps you full for longer periods of time.
5. Peanut Butter
Grab yourself an apple and slather on some peanut butter because this delicious treat can actually help you burn fat. Peanut butter is high in antioxidants and vitamins, and contains polyunsaturated fats that can improve how your body metabolizes sugar.
