For people losing weight is the road to staying healthy. Not only do we benefit our health by knocking off excess weight, most people think it makes for a better physical appearance. Diet and exercise is the tried and true way to lose weight, and these foods may help dieters speed up the process as bit.

Chocolate

Dark chocolate improves your mood also

Do not get too excited, because it is dark chocolate, the one that lacks the candy-sweet taste of milk chocolate that benefit dieters in two ways. Researchers say that it helps in boosting metabolism and is also associated with low concentration of belly fat.

Eggs

The whites are rich sources of selenium, vitamin D, B6, B12 and minerals such as zinc, iron and copper.

Though eggs are considered as contributors of high cholesterol levels, recent studies point that people who eat an egg for breakfast lose twice as much weight as those who choose other carb-heavy foods such as cereal or toast.

Beans

Beans also fight cancer

Beans are a super healthy, super versatile and super affordable food. Beans are high in antioxidants, fiber, protein, B vitamins, iron, magnesium, potassium, copper and zinc. Eating beans regularly may decrease the risk of diabetes, heart disease, colorectal cancer, and helps with weight management. Beans can are the least expensive source of protein, especially when compared to fresh meat.

Prunes

A prune is a dried plum

Prunes are high in dietary fiber, with just one prune providing 3 percent of the recommended daily intake of fiber. They also contain a high amount of a natural sugar, sorbitol, that functions as a laxative because it pulls moisture into the digestive tract and facilitates bowel movements. Prunes are a sweet way to add fat-free laxative fiber to your diet.

Oats

A steaming bowl of fresh cooked oatmeal is the perfect way to start off your day

Oats are rich in a specific type of fiber called beta-glucan. This particular type of fiber is known to help lower levels of bad cholesterol. One cup (81g) of dry oats contains 8.2 grams of fiber1, the recommended daily intake of fiber is 25g for women and 38g for men.

Nuts

Sprinkle a handful on your morning oats for belly-busting benefits

Their superior antioxidant content means walnuts are useful in the fight against cancer. They’re also a good source of mono-unsaturated, heart-friendly fats, and studies show they help to lower the bad form of cholesterol (LDL). Eating nuts on a regular basis may lower your risk for diabetes. Research has shown that when people snack on nuts, they tend to eat less later on. Nuts are a snack that should be eaten in moderation, since they do have fat in them, which can sabotage dieting if you eat too many.

Apples

Apples are one of the healthiest foods a person can eat

Apples are extremely rich in important antioxidants, flavanoids, and dietary fiber. The phytonutrients and antioxidants in apples may help reduce the risk of developing cancer, hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease.

Avocado

Also known as an alligator pear or butter fruit

The super fruit is filled with fats that are good for you, specifically monounsaturated fat, which helps to lower bad cholesterol. This is because avocados are high in beta-sitosterol, according to Cohen, which is a compound that lowers blood cholesterol levels.

Peanut Butter

Peanut butter isn’t just for school lunches

Peanut butter has protein as well as potassium which lowers the risk of high blood pressure, stroke and heart disease. It also contains fiber for your bowel health, healthy fats, magnesium to fortify your bones and muscles, Vitamin E and antioxidants.

Hummus

The chickpeas used in hummus are high in iron, folate, phosphorus, and B vitamins

One of the healthier options for dips is hummus, a Middle Eastern dip made with chickpeas, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice and tahini, which is a sesame seed paste. It provides you with protein and a number of essential vitamin and minerals, and while it can be high in fat, it is mostly heart-healthy unsaturated fat.