Can Eating Strawberries & Blueberries Help You Lose Weight?

Americans spend 30 billion dollars a year on weight loss products, according to MSN Money. While some of these products work, others don't, and some may even be harmful. There's a better use for your hard-earned cash than weight loss pills, shakes or creams. Instead, head for the produce department. While not a magic weight loss food, strawberries and blueberries can help you meet your weight loss goals.

Fiber

Fiber is an important part of any healthy weight-loss program. Not only does it help protect you from health problems such as heart disease and some forms of cancer, it also aids you in losing weight because it takes time for your body to break down, maintaining a sense of fullness. A cup of strawberries provides 4.6 g of fiber, while a cup of blueberries gives 4 g.

Vitamin C

Strawberries and blueberries are high in vitamin C. According to the Doctor's Book of Food Remedies, individuals who consume high levels of vitamin C experience lower levels of fatigue than those who don't get enough vitamin C. Thus, blueberries and strawberries can indirectly help you lose weight by keeping you alert, so you won't be tempted to reach for a doughnut or a sugar-laden, caffeinated beverage when you need a pick-me-up.

Antioxidants

Both strawberries and blueberries are exceptionally rich in antioxidants, including vitamin C. These antioxidants help stave off urinary tract infections, bowel problems and even the common cold, reports "The Doctors Book of Food Remedies." Since it's hard to stick to your diet when you're not feeling well, berries can help you lose weight by keeping you healthy. Also, the antioxidants in berries help maintain your mental acuity, which, like the fatigue-busting features of vitamin C, can help keep you out of the candy bowl when you're having trouble concentrating and need a boost.

Natural Sweetness

Another way strawberries and blueberries can assist you in losing weight is by providing natural sweetness. When you're having a sugar craving, sweet, fully-ripe strawberries and blueberries are a much better choice than sugar-laden baked goods or fatty desserts. A cup of strawberries has a mere 77 calories, while the same amount of blueberries has just 84. For the greatest possible satisfaction, choose in-season berries or, when berries aren't in season, use frozen berries packed without added sugar or syrup.