If you could eat whatever you wanted and still lose weight, wouldn’t you do it? Unfortunately, that’s not the way the cookie crumbles. You can’t overindulge – especially on, well, cookies – and expect to look fabulous in that bikini. But don’t worry; there’s good news. Here are five delicious foods you can feel great about enjoying – without the guilt.     

Eggs

Think you need to eat dry whole wheat toast and half a grapefruit in the mornings to lose weight? Think again. Eating eggs for breakfast provides you with plenty of protein , meaning you’ll feel full longer and be less inclined to binge eat later. Even better? Each egg has just 78 calories and is loaded with the nutrition your body needs.

Dark Chocolate

You can have chocolate and not ruin your diet, as long as it’s dark chocolate. In fact, dark chocolate actually slows down digestion and makes you feel full longer (notice a theme?). It also has the ability to curb your cravings for all things unhealthy, like salt, sugar and fat.

Cheese

Wine and cheese, anyone? You no longer have to feel guilty about snacking on cheese with that glass of red, as long as it’s the right kind. Goat cheese and feta contain a property called conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) that helps your body burn fat. Grass-fed animals produce cheese with the most CLA, so look for that on the label when you shop.  

Oranges

This fiber-rich fruit is one of the 38 most satisfying foods, according to Australian researchers. In addition to being full of fiber and keeping you satiated, oranges are high in vitamin C and other good-for-you nutrients.

Potatoes

Many dieters avoid potatoes like the plague. Too many carbs, right? Actually, the starch in potatoes assists your body in burning fat. And with only 161 calories, that potato fills you up three times as much as a slice of white bread. So remember that the next time you reach for the bread basket at a restaurant.

Working Fitness Into Your Wellness Plan

Eating quality foods is a great start toward leading a more healthy life, but it’s only part of the equation. To see the best results, you need to add a fitness regimen into your new lifestyle. Personal trainer Ralph Roberts can create a customized plan, based on your specific fitness level and goals, that will get you feeling and looking great in no time.