I'm a Personal Trainer, and These Are the Foods I Always Tell My Clients to Eat

Photographer: Cera HensleyEditorial and internal use approved. OK for Native and co-branded use.
POPSUGAR Photography | Cera Hensley
POPSUGAR Photography | Cera Hensley

Whenever I take on a new client, one of the first things we discuss is nutrition. I like knowing what they're eating and how we can improve upon their current diet to make them feel and look their best. By assessing their diet, I can pinpoint problems like not eating enough protein or eating too many calories for their fitness goals, and help them get back on track. While I've learned that the average person tends to work well with a diet that consists of minimally processed whole foods, these are the foods I advise my clients to try to always have on hand.

Proteins

  • Chicken
  • Fish
  • Legumes and beans
  • Eggs
  • Lean red meats

Vegetables

  • Kale (or any dark leafy green if they don't like kale)
  • Spinach
  • Broccoli
  • Carrots
  • Onions
  • Sweet potatoes
  • Cucumbers
  • Asparagus
  • Bell peppers

Grains

  • Ezekiel bread or a whole-grain bread
  • Quinoa
  • Brown rice
  • Rolled oats

Fruits

  • Blueberries
  • Avocados
  • Grapefruits
  • Lemons
  • Apples

Snacks and Condiments

  • Almonds and/or mixed nuts
  • Saltine crackers
  • Nut butters
  • Honey (or another natural sweetener)
  • Coconut oil
  • Extra virgin olive oil

While this list doesn't include every item I love, it's a great place to start if you have no clue as to what you should be eating to be healthier.