How to Stick to Your New Year's Food Resolution with Berries

Berries are ideal for a weight-loss diet, since they’re naturally sweet and delicious without lots of calories or fat.

Confusing and misleading weight-loss advice seems to be everywhere, leaving consumers desperate for credible solutions to shedding pounds. Of course, there isn’t a magic bullet for quick and easy weight loss and there’s no substitute for hard work. But there are foods that can support healthy weight loss efforts, and berries top the list.

Naturally sweet strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries are packed with pectin, a type of soluble fiber that promotes a feeling of fullness. It also has the potential to help lower cholesterol and improve insulin resistance.

Strawberries are America’s most-popular berry, and a one-cup serving only has 53 calories. While they’re convenient as a snack, strawberries can add zip to hot or cold cereal, jazz up a salad or add substance to low-fat parfaits. And don’t let those ripe strawberries go to waste; they’re perfect for smoothies and fruit drinks.

Other berries including blueberries, blackberries and raspberries are also a fresh and healthy addition to a weight-loss diet plan. One cup of each berry has less than 84 calories, and just like strawberries, each is packed with nutrition, versatile in the kitchen and cholesterol-free.