What you should eat before and after you exercise to lose weight, according to a top fitness trainer

If you're looking to shed some pounds, certain foods promote weight loss more than others

Thursday 16 June 2016 11:15 EDT

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Everyone knows that combining a healthy, balanced diet with regular exercise is good for your body.

However, if you're looking to shed some pounds, certain foods promote weight loss more than others.

We spoke to Russell Bateman, the trainer, and creator of the 'Skinny Bitch Collective' — a workout regimen followed by models and celebrities like Ellie Goulding and Suki Waterhouse — to find out the best foods to eat before and after exercise.

Here's what Bateman recommends:

Before exercise: Nuts

"Nuts are wonderful sources of healthy fats,” Bateman told Business Insider over email. That's because they help keep the body's blood sugar levels stable for a long period of time, he said.

Before you exercise, the trainer recommends snacking on a handful of organic almonds or macadamia nuts with an organic espresso; caffeine stimulates the central nervous system and can improve athletic performance.

Before exercise: Eggs

Many dieters only use the white when they're cooking with eggs because the yolk is fattier, but Bateman advises eating whole eggs before a workout.

“Throwing away the yolk is a big no no,” he said. “It's packed full of essential nutrients.” Like Vitamin D, which can help promote weight loss, some studies have shown.

After exercise: Whey protein

Many people may associate protein supplements with weight gain, but Bateman says whey protein can help your body repair after a tiring workout.

“Liquid whey protein is ideal post-workout because it is digested quickly,” he said. “Whey supports protein synthesis and tissue repair.”

It's also good for gaining muscle, if you're aiming to tone as you lose weight.

After exercise: Salmon

“Salmon is one of the best things to eat,” Bateman said, especially if you want to stay lean and healthy.

Whether you eat it grilled, baked, or smoked, the oily fish is a rich source of protein and Omega-3 fatty acids, which help protect the body's cell membranes and keep disease at bay.

After exercise: Green vegetables

To go with your salmon, make sure you eat plenty of green vegetables like kale, broccoli, and spinach.

“Dark green leafy vegetables are, calorie for calorie, probably the most concentrated source of nutrition of any food,” Bateman said.

They're also high in minerals and packed with enzymes, which the trainer says are “primed to help you lose fat and feel great.”

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