7 Healthy Foods to Lose Weight

We asked nutritionist Robyn Flipse, M.S., R.D., for her favorite fridge-fillers that keep her satisfied and slim. Here are her tips for what snacks to keep on hand to help you lose weight so you can feel lean and sexy! For more motivation and inspiration, try our Virtual Weight Loss Simulator.

1. Melons: Throughout the summer, stock up on an array of seedless watermelon, cantaloupe, and honeydew to cube and have on hand when you feel the urge to "pick." Their high moisture content dilutes the calories per serving and provides you with more water - a great way to hydrate and feel fuller sooner.

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2. Fat-Free Yogurt: Protein-rich dairy foods have been shown to aid in weight loss, so try starting your day with a yogurt parfait. Layer your favorite fat-free yogurt (try Fage 0%, which is thick and super-creamy) with berries and crushed nuts or granola. Bonus tip: This makes a great dessert, too!

3. Summer Vegetables: You'll benefit from keeping vegetables such as zucchini, yellow squash, and red, green, and orange peppers on hand to make meals more flavorful and filling, with fewer calories. Use them in wraps or to fill out pasta dishes, serve them as a side dish, or keep it simple and pile them high on a plate sprinkled with freshly grated cheese.

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4. Low-Fat Dips, Dressings, and Spreads: Potentially dangerous food fatigue is brought on by eating boring food. A varied selection of low-fat dips and dressings in your fridge will keep your taste buds stimulated and make it easier to get those five servings a day of fruits and vegetables down. Try any of the Sabra Mediterranean dips, spicy salsas, or a yogurt-based dressing to get started! Hint: Try a spicy wasabi dip for veggies, or a sweet yogurt and sugar-free jam dip for fruit!

5. Rotisserie-Cooked Turkey or Chicken Breast: Keep a Tupperware container filled with precooked chicken or turkey breast in easy reach. These are convenient sources of protein that keep your blood sugar from dipping and your appetite from rising. Eat them cold or reheated; sliced, diced, or cut into strips; alone or on salads and in fajitas.

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6. Mini Versions of Your Favorite Drinks: Just because you're cutting back on calories doesn't mean you have to cut out everything you love. Just look for smaller-sized versions of your favorite drinks. For soda lovers, Coca-Cola offers a new 90-calorie Coca-Cola Mini can as an option.

7. Water, Water, Water: When you're trying to lose weight and exercising more, water should become your new best friend, but it's not always easy to drink the required eight glasses a day. Experiment with calorie-free flavored waters like Vitaminwater zero. They can satisfy your taste buds and keep you hydrated on your way to the beach!

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Reprinted with permission of Hearst Communications, Inc.