Eat These Summer Foods to Ramp up Your Weight Loss Efforts ...

1. Blueberries

Researchers at the University of Michigan discovered a diet rich in blueberries may alter how our bodies store and process sugar for energy and, at the same time, reduce belly fat (excluding those blueberry muffins you wolf down every day for breakfast). Include in your summer weight-loss regime and use these blue beauties as a healthy snack between meals.

2. Cabbage

Cabbage is rich in minerals and water; eating the stuff regularly helps your body to release excess fluid, which in turn reduces water retention and weight. Prepare cabbage slaw for your BBQ party by all means, but leave out the diet-busting mayo. Opt for a cabbage and hemp salad instead. Tasty with burgers and other barbequed meat.

3. Zucchini

Zucchini are low in calories and high in fiber and in the summer, a cheap ingredient for a multitude of healthy meals. Versatile, zucchini can help you to cut carbs and calories with classic pasta dishes, in salads or even as iced soup.

4. Cucumber

Just like human bodies, cucumbers comprise mostly (95%) water. They are a natural diuretic, helping our bodies to lower water retention and reduce bloating. Why not serve a delicious side dish of a sweet and sour cucumber salad at your next summer party? Or as a classic iced soup?

5. Eggplant

Low on the glycemic index, eggplants are also low in calories and carbs, but high in essential nutrients. In plentiful supply when in season, they are cheap and versatile. Make a dip with plenty of garlic and fresh coriander, ideal fodder for vegan party guests.

6. Mango

They may be difficult to peel but they are ever so tasty when included in salsas, tossed into salads or served up lightly grilled with goat cheese and lambs lettuce. Fortunately, this wonderfully treat has been proven to lower our blood sugar in obese adults, because of their fiber content and naturally occurring compounds. With a balanced blood sugar our bodies are able to burn fat more easily and regulate our hormones better.

7. Pineapple

High in the enzyme bromelain, pineapple assists in breaking down protein and supporting digestion. Doing something for your digestive system will help you with all your weight-loss goals and eliminate that infuriating bloating. Use fresh pineapple only, as the canned variety comes with syrup. Great in salads and lightly barbequed with chicken or turkey.

8. Raspberries

Raspberries boast the flavonoid anthocyanin, which assist our bodies to produce adiponectin, a hormone linked to curbed cravings, boosted metabolism and a reduction in glucose levels. A great bloat-buster, these berries help digestion in fresh and frozen form, as they are a great source of fiber. Sprinkle a few over your breakfast cereal, add to fruit salads or turn into a delicious drink with ice.

9. Watermelon

Consisting of 92% water, the watermelon is one of the most refreshing foods you can eat on a hot day - it also helps keeping that awful bloating feeling at bay that comes with dehydration. Naturally sweet, watermelon keeps your dessert cravings at bay, which in turn helps you keep your weight down. Try watermelon cubes and Parma ham or goats cheese as a starter instead of munching garlic bread prior to a slice of (healthy) cauliflower crust pizza.

10. Acai

According to Dr. Nicholas Perricone, acai is the new No. 1 superfood. The tropical berry boasts a very high concentration of anthocyanin, which helps our bodies to produce adiponectin, a metabolism boosting hormone. Rich in healthy fats and fiber promoting our digestive and cardiovascular health, the little berry also tastes scrumptious in a breakfast bowl.

Do you change your eating habits in the summer? To lose weight or to just enjoy summer produce?