If you're trying to lose weight, fibre-rich fruits and vegetables should be the star of your plate. They're filling, and fibre helps regulate blood sugar, preventing cravings. All fruits and vegetables have different health benefits, so aim for variety — the more colours, the better. Here are some of Amy's favourites.
- Blueberries: Amy keeps her freezer stocked with wild blueberries. "They're so versatile to use in healthy recipes, like smoothies or this wild blueberry lemon nice cream," she said. Blueberries get their rich colour from anthocyanins, a type of antioxidant that helps lower the risk of cognitive decline.
- Mango: A great source of fibre and hydrating water, mango makes a great topping for overnight oats.
- Grapes: Eat them as a snack (they're delicious frozen!) or as a topping in a healthy Greek yoghurt parfait.
- Spinach: Spinach is low-calorie and a good source of filling fibre, with two grams per three-cup serving. It's a tasty salad base, but you can also sauté it with scrambled eggs or blend it into a smoothie.
- Tomatoes: "Tomatoes can be used in so many dishes and they add flavour for very few calories," Amy told POPSUGAR. "The nutritional benefits are impressive, too. Tomatoes provide lycopene, which can protect your skin from UV damage."
- Squash: Courgette isn't the only option to replace traditional noodles. "Butternut squash noodles are delicious when tossed with tomato sauce or pesto, or you can use them as a base for a cold salad," Amy said. "I also love spaghetti squash because you can make low-calorie 'pasta' dishes with it."