Let’s face it. Being on a strict diet at school and on a poor college student’s budget is next to impossible. With so many greasy meal options tempting us at every dining hall, yet with no money to spare on buying juice cleanses at Whole Foods, it’s easy to give up on trying to eat clean. But with summer steadily approaching and beach weather already upon us, it’s time to stay motivated and think creatively to find practical and inexpensive ways to diet. If you’re still having trouble figuring out how to eat healthily, here are some of my picks on the tastiest and most accessible diet foods to incorporate into your meals that are sure to help you lose weight quickly.
Grapefruit
Full of beneficial chemical properties and rich in Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and potassium, ruby red grapefruits have been shown to burn fat and reduce insulin levels, which in turn helps boost metabolism rates and ensure weight loss. In fact, according to a study from the Nutrition and Metabolic Research Center at Scripps Clinic in La Jolla, California, people who ate half a grapefruit before each meal experienced an average weight loss of three and a half pounds over 12 weeks.
Added Bonus: High in Vitamin C, grapefruits can help produce healthy collagen and keep your skin smooth and firm.
Cherry Tomatoes
They may be small in size, but cherry tomatoes are loaded with many essential nutrients that your body needs to stay healthy and fit, such as Vitamin B-6 and Vitamin A. Instead of snacking on chips during the day or at night, try carrying around a bag of these low-calorie cherry tomatoes to munch on. Also, if you want to still be able to enjoy carb-rich pasta dishes while dieting, cut these tomatoes in half and toss them in with your noodles to ensure your intake of nutrients.
Added Bonus: Cherry tomatoes contain the antioxidant lycopene, which can decrease your risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer.
Mint
Most often found in the spring, mint leaves are the perfect alternative to sugar or high-calorie flavored syrups found in drinks. Rather than drown your next Norbucks drink with Splenda, try adding mint as a no-calorie replacement to your daily sugar kick. Studies have shown that mint can not only serve as a good sugar alternative, but it can also help curb your appetite.
Added Bonus: Smelling the fresh aroma of mint is the perfect, easy remedy for nausea and headaches.
Apricots
Spring is the prime growing season for apricots, which are perfect fruits for a low-fat diet. Unlike dried apricots, which are high in sugar and calories, fresh apricots are rich in nutrients and can offer up to 60% of a daily-recommended dosage of Vitamin A. Additionally, apricots contain a large amount of fiber, which can lower blood cholesterol levels, allow food to move more quickly through your digestive tract, and help you feel full fast.
Added Bonus: Apricots contain the antioxidant beta-carotene, which has been linked to the prevention of cancers and heart disease.