13 Super Foods to Expedite Weight Loss ...

1. An Apple a Day

Apples are super foods because they are natural fat burners due to the pectin in them. Studies show by eating an apple before your meal you will eat fewer calories at your meal. An apple a day can help boost your metabolism and this is why it’s one of the super foods that expedite weight loss!

2. Have Some Eggs

Eggs are great because they pack protein and lecithin, natural fat burners which will help to trim your waist and keep you satisfied for hours. And eggs are great because they can be prepared so many ways - hard boiled, over easy, scrambled - the possibilities are endless! So make sure you have your super food of eggs to get your daily dose of protein each day.

3. Love My Kale

Kale is low in calories, high in fiber and packed with iron and calcium. Kale can be put in your morning shake, as a side dish, in your salad or baked in the oven to make delicious kale chips. I love kale because it is a super food that tastes great!

4. Oats Are Amazing

Oatmeal is healthy because it is high in fiber, low in calories and very filling. If you have steel cut oats, they're also minimally processed, making them one super food you should definitely add into your current meal plan! Because of the filling effect of oatmeal, studies show by eating oatmeal earlier in the day you will graze less throughout the day.

5. Wild Salmon is Super

Fish fats are great because they keep your heart healthy and increase your metabolic rate. Salmon is loaded with omega-3 fatty acids which help improve insulin sensitivity. Insulin sensitivity helps build muscle and lower belly fat. And the more muscle you have, the quicker your metabolism is and as a result the more calories your body burns. Purchase wild salmon if available at your local grocer because it contains fewer pollutants.

6. Blueberries Are the Best

All fruit is good, but not all fruit is considered equal. Blueberries are the best super fruit because they have the highest antioxidant level and also have a whopping 3.6 grams of fiber per cup! Blueberries also have been said to lower your risk of diabetes, cancer and obesity. This is one yummy super food that can be put in your morning shake, on your cereal, yogurt or whatever else you crave!

7. Quinoa is the New Rice

Quinoa is one great super food because this healthy grain packs both protein and fiber to satisfy your appetite and rev your metabolism. Quinoa also tastes great because of its nutty and rich flavor.

8. Grapefruit is Great

Grapefruit might seem like your regular,run-of-the-mill fruit, but it's a popular weight loss food for a reason. Grapefruits are rich in enzymes that can help our bodies burn fat. It also has a high water and low sodium content so it makes a great snack to rev up your metabolism! A study done by San Diego's Scripps Clinic found that those who half a grapefruit before meals lost an average of 3.5 pounds in 12 weeks.

9. Almonds Are Awesome

If you like to snack on nuts, make almonds your nut of choice. It's packed with healthy fats and protein and they are known to increase your metabolic rate which helps you shed pounds. The next time you crave a snack, reach for a 10-12 almonds. They lower the rise in blood sugar, boost brain activity and help satisfy your craving for something crunchy.

10. Chili Peppers Are so Hot, They're Cool

We don't expect you to go grab a handful of peppers and snack on them, but you might want to sprinkle some pepper on some of your dishes. Chili peppers contain capsaicin which can help your body burn calories at a faster rate and even help reduce your appetite.

11. Don't Forget Avocado

Some might warn against eating too much avocado due to their higher calorie content, however don't write them off just yet. Avocados are not only extremely delicious, you can enjoy them in so many ways! In addition, avocados are high in potassium, fiber, vitamins and they're anti-inflammatory and a heart healthy food.Try a few slices in your salad or mix half of an avocado in your smoothie.

12. Fill up, Not out with Black Beans

Beans are not only a great source of vegetable protein, they're also full of fiber and key vitamins. Black beans in particular contain 15 grams of protein per cup and can be used in lots of different recipes. Have you seen all of the new black bean brownie recipes cropping up lately? They're so versatile!

13. Go Bananas

Bananas are another dynamite super food for weight loss. They're a filling snack, aid in digestion, helps control blood sugar, are high in antioxidants and even helps protect against muscle cramps after a vigorous workout.

Make sure you include these super foods to stave off hunger, increase your metabolism and increase your immune system. What is your favorite super food and how will you include this into your daily eating?

This article was written in collaboration with editor Lisa Washington.