If fat loss is one of your goals in 2026, what’s in your kitchen matters just as much as what you do at the gym. According to health coach Hunter Stoler, stocking your fridge and pantry with smart, high-protein, blood-sugar–friendly foods can make weight loss feel far more sustainable—and a lot less miserable.
In a recent TikTok, Hunter broke down the nine fat-loss staples he always recommends keeping on hand, focusing on foods that are filling, nutrient-dense, and easy to work into everyday meals. Here’s what made the list—and why they work.
Struggling With Sleep? This Rechargeable Sound Machine Is A Total Game-Changer
1. Zero-Sugar Iced Tea
Hunter kicks things off with a simple swap: ditch sugary drinks and opt for zero-sugar iced teas, like the Swoon brand he recommends. With just five calories per serving and clean ingredients, these teas satisfy cravings without spiking blood sugar—an easy win for fat loss.
2. Rice Cooked in Chicken Bone Broth + Pasta
Instead of cooking rice in water, Hunter suggests using chicken bone broth. This adds protein and nutrients, helping stabilize blood sugar and making a carb-heavy food far more balanced and filling.
For pasta lovers, Palmini pasta is a low-calorie, low-carb alternative that still delivers that comforting pasta texture. It’s especially helpful if you’re trying to reduce refined carbs without giving up your favorite meals.
3. Chia Seeds
Small but mighty, chia seeds are packed with fiber and healthy fats. Hunter notes they’re perfect for yogurt, smoothies, or chia pudding, offering about 10 grams of fiber per serving, which helps keep you full and supports digestion.
4. Grass-Fed, Lean Ground Beef
Protein is key for fat loss, and Hunter recommends 93/7 grass-fed ground beef. It’s high in protein, nutrient-dense, and extremely satisfying—making it easier to stay full and preserve muscle while losing fat.
5. Clean-Ingredient Chicken Sausages
For another protein option, Hunter points to chicken sausages from brands like Bilinsky’s and Applegate. These are convenient, flavorful, and made with clean ingredients you can trust.
6. Sparkling Water Instead of Soda
If you crave carbonation, skip sugary sodas and reach for Spindrift sparkling water. With real fruit and no artificial junk, it delivers flavor without derailing your calorie goals.
7. High-Protein Pasta Alternatives
Hunter also recommends swapping traditional white pasta—which can spike blood sugar—for high-protein pasta options that offer around 20 grams of protein and 13 grams of fiber per serving. These keep you fuller longer while supporting muscle maintenance.
8. Powdered Peanut Butter
Instead of traditional peanut butter, Hunter suggests powdered peanut butter. It delivers a much better calorie-to-protein ratio—about 50 calories and 6 grams of protein per serving, compared to nearly 180 calories in regular peanut butter. He personally prefers cleaner brands like Naked Nutrition or Crazy Richard's.
9. High-Volume, Low-Calorie Popcorn
Last but not least, popcorn lovers can rejoice. LesserEvil Himalayan Pink Salt Popcorn clocks in at just 43 calories per cup, making it a high-volume snack that satisfies cravings without blowing your calorie budget.
If you’re a fan of cheesy snacks, Whisps Parmesan Cheese Crisps are also a smart alternative, packing in 13 grams of protein per serving.
The Bottom Line
Fat loss in 2026 doesn’t require extreme restriction—it starts with smart staples that keep you full, energized, and consistent. By focusing on protein, fiber, clean ingredients, and blood sugar balance, these everyday foods can quietly do a lot of the heavy lifting for your goals. Stock your kitchen wisely, and weight loss becomes far easier to sustain.
