Did you eat a little too much this week, or over the last few weeks? To figure out how to get back on track, we turned to celebrity nutritionist JJ Virgin to find out what she eats when she is looking to lose weight.
Wild Salmon
Virgin says wild salmon is an excellent source of crave-curbing protein, important nutrients like selenium, and anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids, which can help keep your weight in check. “Try throwing some salmon on top of a salad for an easy, healthy meal in minutes.”
Organic Green Tea
It’s time to start sipping! “Green tea boosts fat burning, lowers your stress hormone cortisol and comes loaded with heart-protective and free radical–fighting polyphenols. After water, it’s my go-to drink for fast, lasting fat loss,” says Virgin.
Organic Spinach
Your mother was right when she told you to eat your vegetables. Virgin suggests, “Any non-starchy veggie would work here, but I chose spinach because it’s so versatile. Sautéed with coconut oil and garlic or eaten raw as a salad, spinach fills you up with fewer calories and is an excellent source of nutrients, phytonutrients and fiber.”
Coconut Oil and Coconut Milk
According to Virgin, coconut oil and coconut milk contain mostly medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which studies show help your body burn fat rather than store it. Try cooking your vegetables with coconut oil or adding coconut milk into a morning protein shake but, Virgin says to make sure you opt for the unsweetened variety, as some brands come loaded with added sugar.
Avocado
“Avocados are a rock star fruit—yes a fruit—that’s loaded with a filling, health-boosting monounsaturated fat called oleic acid,” says Virgin. “They also come packed with fiber (11–17 grams each) and hard-to-get nutrients like lutein and beta-sitosterol. Add some sliced avocado on top of your salad or enjoy kale chips with guacamole.” This tasty snack just got better!
Coffee
Can’t start your morning without a cup of coffee? “Coffee drinkers might already be reaping some serious rewards, as long as they aren’t pouring in cream and sugar. Research points to evidence that black coffee is linked to lower weight, improvements in insulin sensitivity and lowered risk for diabetes,” suggests Virgin.
Protein Shake
Looking for the perfect breakfast swap? “Protein shakes are my number-one needle mover for fast, lasting fat loss, but the trick is to design it correctly. Start with a non-dairy, non-soy, animal or plant-based protein powder, preferably one that contains fiber, nutrients and antioxidants, to make it an all-in-one meal replacement. Then blend with unsweetened coconut milk, freshly ground flax seeds, avocado, frozen berries and maybe some cacao nibs or almond butter to keep you full, focused and fat burning for hours,” Virgin recommends.