A well balanced diet is vital if you're trying to maintain your weight and stay healthy. It's important to include a variety of healthy foods in your diet to avoid diet boredom. A balanced diet should include healthy sources of protein, fat and carbohydrates.
Lean Protein
Lean meats and eggs should be a staple in your diet as they provide protein with minimal fat and carbs. Fish and poultry provide plenty of protein, without much saturated fat, says the Harvard School of Public Health. Avoid fatty cuts of meat with high saturated fat such as steak, pork and fried meats.
Vegetables
Vegetables are low in calories, contain fiber and make great crunchy snacks. Veggies can can be substitutes for high calorie ingredients in your favorite dishes. For example, add mushroom, spinach or tomato to your omelet in place of cheese. The vegetables will add volume and flavor to the dish, with fewer calories than the egg or cheese, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Fruit
Fruit has fiber and natural sugar, fructose, which will satisfy your sweet tooth. The CDC recommends you cut back on the amount of cereal in your bowl to make room for some cut-up bananas, peaches, or strawberries. Also, you can add fruit to your favorite desserts for extra sweetness and flavor. Always try to eat carbohydrates with a protein to balance out the meal or snack and to help slow digestion.
Low Fat Dairy
Low fat dairy products make healthy snacks for some watching their weight because they offer protein, calcium, vitamins and minerals. Consume low fat versions of your favorite dairy products such as cheese, yogurt, milk and cottage cheese. Avoid whole versions as they are high in calories and fat. Low fat dairy products can replace whole versions in recipes as well. Use some low fat frozen yogurt in your favorite smoothie instead of ice cream.
Whole Grains
Complex carbohydrates that contain whole grains will stabilize blood sugar and offer sustained energy. Simple sugars that are found in many processed foods will offer an energy boost followed by a sudden energy crash. Consume whole grains such as whole wheat bread, brown rice or whole wheat crackers. Avoid products that contain white bread, white sugar and added chemicals.
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