Right Foods to Eat on a Diet

Right Foods to Eat on a Diet
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Diets can fail due to eating improper foods or depleting the body of needed nutrients. Foods that speed up the metabolism and satisfy hunger for long periods of time work best when dieting to lose weight. Before embarking on a diet, please consult with a nutritionist or medical doctor to work out a plan that is safe for your situation.

Calcium-Rich Foods

University of Texas' Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas explains that foods rich in calcium might aid weight-loss efforts. Calcium-rich foods have been demonstrated to raise metabolism and expend calories, and can reduce fat storage in the body. While calcium supplements are available, it is better to get your calcium from food, such as low or non-fat dairy products. Calcium from food results in more weight loss than calcium obtained in tablets or powders. Other foods that are rich in calcium include calcium-fortified orange juice, soy products and broccoli.

Coffee

Foods that contain caffeine, such as coffee, can help increase metabolism and help you lose weight when you are on a diet. In "Fat Burning During Exercise: Can Ergogenics Change the Balance," John A. Hawley, Ph.D. says that caffeine has positive effects upon fat metabolism and enhances athletic performance. This might give you the energy needed to exercise and burn more calories when on a diet. Drinking too much coffee can cause adverse effects to the body and mind, such as irritability, increase in heart rate and possible addiction. The use of coffee or any other caffeine-rich food in any diet plan should first be consulted with your physician to ensure it is a right match for your situation.

High-Fiber Foods

Food that contain a high level of fiber, both soluble and insoluble, can help you when you are dieting. According to culinary school Le Cordon Bleu, fiber-rich foods rich increase your metabolic rate since your body has to work harder to process them. Soluble fibers absorb fluid while passing through the digestive system, whereas insoluble fibers pass through the digestive system in their original form. More calories are expended in digesting fiber-rich foods than other foods, according to Le Cordon Bleu. They also give you a sense of fullness more quickly and help your digestive system. Cholesterol may also be lowered by eating fiber. Fiber-rich foods include legumes, whole grain cereals, vegetables and fruit.

References

Article reviewed by Jessica Lyons Last updated on: Aug 9, 2010

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