You are what you eat. The bulges and ugly bumps that you are now trying so hard to get rid of through those tiring sit ups, crunches or long runs in the park are just mere manifestations of your unhealthy eating habits. Of course, having a sound exercise routine can help you shed those unnecessary fats but it is also equally important that you follow a healthy diet.

There are so many foods that can help you lose weight. They are packed with nutrients, vitamins and minerals that enable your body to burn fat without sacrificing energy production. Through the ingestion of foods that are rich in fiber and low in calories, you avoid food-cravings and overeating that are the biggest stumbling blocks to fulfilling your weight loss goals. So to answer the question above, we've decided to give you the lowdown on foods that help you lose weight. You should include these superfoods in your daily diet so you don't only shed those extra pounds, you keep them off for good.

• Fruits and vegetables. If you're talking about weight loss, nothing beats the vitamins, minerals and fiber that a rainbow of fruits and vegetables give. They're rich in fiber that fills you up and sweeps your digestive tract clean at the same time. They're also chockfull of antioxidants that protect you from various diseases and decelerates the aging process. So load up on your raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, apples, grapefruits, oranges and pears. Don't forget your asparagus, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, broccoli and carrots the next time you pick your groceries. Aim to take at least 6 servings of fruits and vegetables everyday to optimize your weight loss program.

• Whole Grains. The less processed your breads, pasta and cereals get, the better. Whole grains are full of B vitamins and important minerals that boost your metabolism and aid in fat loss. Not only do whole wheat varieties have low-glycemic indexes, they are also full of fiber that satisfy even your most intense cravings. Stock up on muesli, oatmeal and brown rice.

• Lean Proteins. Beef and pork aren't all that bad for weight loss, provided you trim all obvious fat and go for the lean portions. The thermic effect of protein assures you that as much as 30% of the calories in lean proteins like skinless chicken, turkey and fish are used in the process of digesting it. As much as possible, go for grass-fed cows since they have more omega 3 fatty acids. Eggs also help you lose the fat. Whey protein, meanwhile, is a fat-digesting, muscle-building superfood that comes from milk. Add it to your fruit shakes. They are great energy boosters especially if taken after each workout session. Aside from the fat-burning qualities, whey protein enhances the immune system as well.

• Healthy Fats. Monounsaturated Fatty Acids (MUFAs) actually prevent food cravings even as it lowers your cholesterol levels. Sesame oil, flaxseed oil, olive oil and avocados are just some examples of healthy fats that do not only burn their more unsightly brothers and sisters, they also balance blood sugar levels and prevent insulin spikes.