6 Foods All Nutritionists Eat

  Even the experts can't come to a consensus on the best diet tips to follow. (Eat like a caveman! Fast two days a week! No fruit! Only fruit!) But these are the picks every dietitian stashes in her kitchen for energy, health, and a great-looking body.

Avocados

 " Every dietitian I know agrees that avocados are a must-eat food. They are a great source of healthy fats, which help fill you up so you'll be less likely to want a snack later on. Plus, they taste really decadent. I love putting avocado slices on my salad; research shows that it helps your body absorb nutrients. And they are the perfect food if you're on the go. When I fly, I stash an avocado in my carry-on. I cut it in half, sprinkle on a little salt and pepper, grab a few crackers, and I've got a perfect plane snack."—Carolyn Brown, a registered dietitian at Foodtrainers in New York City.

 Almond milk

 

 "No matter what we think about dairy, most of us agree that it's too easy to overdo. Yogurt, cheese -- even that whey protein in an energy bar is dairy. It sneaks into more than you might expect. That's why R.D.'s love unsweetened almond milk. It has a consistency similar to cow's milk but half the calories -- and you still get vitamin E. I love using almond milk in smoothies, and I also swap itD for milk when I make oatmeal and pudding." -- Carolyn Brown, a registered dietitian at Foodtrainers in New York City

Extra-virgin olive oil

"Dietitians love it when good taste, nutrition, and health meet -- and extra-virgin olive oil is a triple win. It's teeming with antioxidants and good-for-you mono unsaturated fats, and it's delicious. I always buy it in a dark-colored bottle; light can oxidize the oil, minimizing some of the health benefits." -- Kate Geagan, a dietitian in Park City, UT, and author of Go Green, Get Lean 

Dark berries

 "A bowl of berries is what most nutritionists have when they're craving something sweet. Berries are jam-packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants -- crucial for aging well. We favor super-dark berries, like blueberries and blackberries, because they have the highest doses of those powerful antioxidants." -- Keri Glassman, a dietitian in New York City and author of The New You and Improved Diet  

 

Nuts

 

 "Too many of my clients steer clear of nuts because they're high in fat, but dietitians eat them because we know that monounsaturated fat, in moderation, can help you maintain your weight or even lose. Almonds and walnuts are my favorites. They satisfy a crunchy craving, and the fat-fiber combo fills me up. Nuts are also loaded with protein, antioxidants, and a variety of vitamins and minerals." -- Keri Glassman, a dietitian in New York City and author of The New You and Improved Diet 

 

 Water with lemon

 

"A lot of my dietitian friends start their day by drinking water with lemon, and it's my morning ritual as well. Unless you're eating mostly whole, plant-based foods, the pH balance in your digestive system is probably on the acidic side. Lemons can have an alkalizing effect that helps bring the body back to an ideal balance, which is important for overall health. Plus, downing a big glass of water right after you wake up is a great way to get your digestive system moving." —Carolyn Brown, a registered dietitian at Foodtrainers in New York City