If you're trying to lose weight, you're probably counting calories, reducing your fat intake and watching your portion sizes. The right foods help you drop pounds by revving your calorie burn and curbing cravings.

A healthy weight-loss diet should include a wide variety of foods from all groups in the United States Department of Agriculture's food pyramid: fruits, vegetables, grains with a focus on whole grains, low-fat and nonfat dairy products and lean proteins. These 10 super weight loss foods can help you reach your goals and give your body the quality fuel it needs.

1. Nuts, Although they're high in calories, small amounts of raw or dry-roasted nuts are low in sugar, good sources of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, and contain protein, fiber and a variety of vitamins and minerals. Almonds are best known for vitamin E and omega-3 essential fatty acids (cross link), while almonds are favored for being a natural source of selenium.

2. Millet: A well-balanced diet should consist of whole grains instead of refined grains like white rice and pasta, and millet is a beneficial and delicious staple of this category of food. This non-glutinous grain is over 10-percent protein, has high amounts of fiber and B-complex vitamins.

3. Kale, Long sidelined as a lowly garnish, this green belongs center stage on your plate. One raw chopped cup contains 34 calories and about 1.3 grams of fiber, as well as a hearty helping of iron and calcium. But kale's earthy flavor might take some getting used to.

4. Pomegranates: Eating a balanced diet to lose weight should include eating fresh fruits, and pomegranates are a wonderful example of a healthy, nutritious fruit that has antioxidant properties and will help prevent cancer.

5. Blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, blackberries and cranberries are all packed with antioxidants and flavor and add natural sweetness to just about any meal. Rich in zinc and vitamin C, berries can be added to oatmeal, smoothies and even salads.

6. "Oatmeal has the highest satiety ranking of any food," Grotto says. "Unlike many other carbohydrates, oats—even the instant kind—digest slowly, so they have little impact on your blood sugar. This is the best healthy weight loss methods.

7. Beans, soybeans, peas and lentils are all excellent sources of protein and fiber. High fiber diets are associated with reduced risk for developing diabetes, heart disease and certain kinds of cancer. But it's the fiber content that's going to help you shed those extra pounds.

8. Green Tea: It has been found that consuming large amounts of coffee and caffeine can lead to food cravings, increase one's appetite, and induce stress-related eating. Green tea is a wonderful alternative to coffee in that it does provide a little caffeine but also contains beneficial antioxidants.