When most people think of dieting, they conjure up images of deprivation, cravings, and overall hunger. They think it's a necessary evil to feel bad just to shed some pounds. It doesn't need to be this way. In fact, if you're in this mental mind frame before or during a diet, you're doomed to fail. Break out of that shell and see the light at the end of the tunnel.

If I could show you a way to add something to your diet to reduce the anguish, you'd listen wouldn't you? Well, here's a simple tip I use with my clients yet easy way to crush your sweet cravings while keeping calories in check.

Your answer... Fresh Fruit and Berries

Yes, it's as simple as the old switcheroo. In meals where you'd normally have some sweets such as ice cream or chocolate, instead indulge in nature's dessert: Fresh fruits and berries.

More specifically, low-sugar, high fiber fruit. Berries are best, but other options like apples, grapefruit, kiwi, etc. are great too. Instead of polishing off an extra 500- 800 calories of empty calories, you can load up on these delicious, healthy snacks.

This caloric deficit will add up over time to help you lose weight fast. Losing weight at it's very core, comes down to creating a caloric deficit. A caloric deficit is where the number of calories you take in (food, drink, whatever) is less than what you're expending in a day.

When loading up on these fruits and berries, you'll also get a nice dose of antioxidants- nutrients (and enzymes) that fight free radicals, which are charged molecules that roam around like rogues, causing muscle soreness and a whole host of other problems.

Here are some of my favorite fruits and berries:

Blueberries

Cranberries

Blackberries

Strawberries

Raspberries

Goji Berries

green apples

Grapefruit

Kiwifruit

Watermelon

Honeydew

Tip to make the berries even tastier: Top with some low calorie whipped topping. It adds flavor and texture.