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

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, a trainer and the 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:

SEE ALSO: We tried the science-backed 7-minute fitness routine that's going viral, and it actually works

DON'T MISS: 11 fitness 'truths' that are doing more harm than good

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.