8 Slimming Superfoods to Get You Ready for the Jersey Shore

While not necessarily a "snack" or "food", water is actually one of the most essential items to losing weight and staying healthy.  Even though we've all heard the "8 glasses a day" speech, it's often soda, alcohol and sugary drinks that often keep us from losing the extra pounds. Water flushes toxins and is vital for healthy skin and a balanced body.

High in calcium, yogurt is loaded with belly-busting vitamins and nutrients such as protein and potassium. Yogurt is also known for it's all-around benefits in preventing high blood pressure and boosting the immune system.

Whether you prefer it grilled, baked or thrown in a salad, salmon provides excellent source of Omega-3 fatty acids that are great for the skin and for maintaining a healthy heart. Choosing lean sources of protein like salmon instead of red meat is a huge step toward weight loss and overall better health.

Did you know that an apple a day can also keep the belly fat away? Besides boosting your immunity, apples are packed with healthy nutrients that can lead to lower cholesterol and weight loss. Not only does the high fiber content in apples create a full feeling for a longer amount of time than other foods, but it also helps burn calories and increase muscle.

When eaten in appropriate portions, nuts are loaded with protein, heart-healthy fats, high fiber and antioxidants, serving as an excellent healthy snack option. Almonds are known for their beauty benefits in boosting skin health and studies have shown that the monounsaturated fats in almonds help in weight loss and reductions in Body Mass Index.

One of the most common go-to items when it comes to dieting is eating salads. They key to great health and weight loss is to eat salads consisting of leafy greens high in nutrients such as kale, spinach and red leaf lettuce. These greens are packed with fat-fighting fiber, essential vitamins and minerals that aid in heart health and fighting diabetes.

Eggs provide an abundant source of protein that is essential for building muscle and losing weight. Eggs are low in fat, easy-to-make and have also been reported to curb your appetite.

The benefits of berries plentiful. High in antioxidants and packed with vitamins and nutrients, berries help regulate blood sugar and boost metabolism. Berries such as blueberries, acai berries and strawberries are a great source of fiber, which aids in weight loss and fighting belly fat. Plus, berries satisfy the sweet cravings that many of us get when it comes to dieting!