High-calorie healthy foods that can make or break your #FitGoals

Losing weight is one of the most popular New Year's resolutions, yet many have a hard time lasting through the first quarter of the year. For many, it's a vicious cycle of signing up at the gym, stocking your fridge with health foods, and working out tirelessly while turning to the scale for a sign of relief.

Then one day, you look up and you're knee deep in a bag of fries, trying to convince yourself that you've worked hard so you "deserve it."

Diet is a key factor when it comes to weight loss, if not the most important. As the saying goes, "abs are made in the kitchen." However, it is easy to forget some foods that are good for you can be packed with calories. With these healthy treats, it's important to remember that moderation is key. 

Avocados

The average avocado has at least 300 calories, but these fruits are also filled with nutrients. They are packed with vitamin E and C, which are great for promoting vibrant skin. The high in fat content (the good kinds) will help you stay fuller for longer throughout the day

Goes great in: a tasty batch of Guacamole, a plate of rice or mayi moulin with sauce pois (shoutout to my Haitians), on a classic millennial slice of toast.

Wheat bread

Wheat read is a tricky food due to the amount of carbohydrates it carries. Although marketed as healthier than white bread, it can have about the same amount of calories, or more! If you can't resist, make sure you read labels for quality 100% whole wheat/grain breads that are filled with fiber and antioxidants for a hearty addition to your weekly diet. 

Pair with: I know you didn't click on this to learn how to use bread. Bread is like... the vaseline of food. You can use it for anything! 

If it's worth it, you better work it, put that whole grain down flip it and reverse it! 

Olive Oil

Two tablespoons of this delectable oil can easily add over 230 calories to your meal in an instant. However, it remains among the healthiest oils to cook with because it is not hydrogenated, meaning it does not contain trans fats (the bad, high cholesterol kind) that will work against you. 

Use it for: a light salad dressing, cooking lean proteins and sautéing your favorite veggies 

Dark chocolate

I admit, it can be an acquired taste, but dark chocolate's benefits are an added bonus to it's unique flavor. While one ounce carries 170-200 calories, it has antioxidants that help fight against high cholesterol and high blood pressure. It's best to consume dark chocolate as a treat in small portions throughout the week. 

To get the most benefit, make sure you eat dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa. 

Put it: in smoothies, melted over a berry of choice, or in your mouth-- straight from the wrapper! (we won't judge) 

xo, Joyce