Weight-loss and dieting are everyday topics of conversation. You most likely see diet strategies and ideas every time you surf the Internet or read a magazine. Many healthy diet plans focus on eating whole foods, such as vegetables, fruits and lean meats. There are times when you cannot prepare a meal from scratch but need to rely on store-bought foods. Make wise choices and buy foods that will help you meet your diet goals.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal is easy to prepare, has fiber to keep you full and reduces the amount of bad cholesterol in your blood. Buy quick oats, cook the oats in the microwave and top with fresh fruit for an easy, healthy breakfast. If you enjoy the convenience and taste of flavored oatmeal, buy the lower sugar individual packets of oatmeal. Add oats to baked goods for added fiber and nutrition.
Rotisserie Chicken
Buy an already cooked rotisserie chicken on your way home from the office. Pair the chicken with quick-cooking brown rice, 1 cup of cooked vegetables and a serving of fruit for a healthy meal. Shred the leftover chicken, and use it to top your lunch salad the next day. Buy an extra rotisserie chicken, take the meat off the bone and freeze the meat for later. Defrost the chicken in your refrigerator during the day, and toss with cooked whole-wheat pasta. Three oz. of skinless, roasted chicken breast has about 150 calories.
Canned Beans
Beans are good for your heart, your blood sugar and your digestive system. Dry beans are less expensive than canned beans, but dried beans take many hours to prepare. Purchase a variety of low-sodium canned beans. Use the beans as either a main or side dish. Combine the black, pinto and kidney beans together with some tomatoes and serve with lettuce, salsa and low-fat cheese. Add beans to soups for added fiber. Season the beans with onion and garlic and serve as a side dish.
Veggie Burgers
Walk right past the frozen hamburgers and dinners and buy a box of veggie burgers. Made in many varieties to suit most taste buds, veggie burgers are convenient and low in calories. High in fiber, veggie burgers fill you up and help you eat less during a meal. Eat the veggie burger on a whole-wheat bun. Pair the burger with a fresh salad for a well-balanced meal. Pack a veggie burger in a small cooler and cook it in your office microwave.
Whole Wheat Wraps
Wraps are convenient and versatile. Fill a wrap with veggies, fat-free salad dressing and shredded chicken for a portable meal. Heat your wrap in a 350 degree oven for three minutes. Top with a spoonful of spaghetti sauce, a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese and vegetables. Cook for another three minutes, and eat your low-calorie pizza. Choose spinach wraps, high-fiber wraps or whole wheat wraps for the most nutritional value. Put seasoned refried beans in a wrap, and microwave for one minute. This makes a healthy, quick snack for you and your family.
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