Healthy Diet Foods or Meals

Healthy Diet Foods or Meals
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Diet foods and meals do not have to be bland and boring. Colorful fruits and vegetables, flavor-rich meats and dense grains are foods you can eat and still lose weight. Make certain you eat enough calories when losing weight by consulting with your doctor or using an online calculator. Plan your healthy menu in advance to stay on track and enjoy a variety of healthy foods.

Fruits and Vegetables

Incorporate fruits and vegetables into your diet plan. According to HelpGuide.org, the deeper the color of the fruit or vegetable, the more concentrated the nutrients. Many of these easy-to-eat diet foods are transportable and make good snacks. Eat at least five 1/2-cup servings of fruits and vegetables a day. Bake a sweet potato for lunch, take cut-up raw fruit for an office snack and eat an orange at breakfast. Serve salads of dark greens with at least one meal. Be adventurous and try new fruits like mangoes, papayas and plantains.

Grains and Dairy

Foods in the grains and dairy group are healthy diet foods. Grains give you energy and fiber, according to the University of Wisconsin Extension. Low-calorie dairy products are an easy source of calcium, protein and if fortified, vitamin D. Look for whole-grain products such as 100-percent whole-wheat bread, or brown rice. The fiber in the bread helps keep you full. Eat eggs or egg products to help get the proper amount of protein. Make eating fat-free yogurt part of your daily routine, and drink skim or soy milk instead of whole.

Dinner Menu

Keep your dinners healthy and low-calorie by including a generous number of vegetables. Make a frittata with eggs and add fresh parsley, chopped broccoli and spinach. Serve with a side salad and a piece of fruit. Enjoy small amounts of baked chicken atop brown rice, or in a tortilla soup. Eat soup regularly. A 1999 study published in the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" and led by Barbara J. Rolls gave participants the same amount of foods presented in a casserole, a casserole and glass of water and in a soup. She found that the participants ate the fewest calories when eating the soup. Eat a small potato, a piece of lean beef and a vinegar-based cole slaw for a high protein dinner.

Breakfast and Lunch Menus

Make breakfast and lunch healthy and nutritious by including many food groups into both meals. Eat low-fat granola mixed with Greek yogurt for a low-calorie breakfast. Include a piece of fruit with breakfast and lunch. Use whole-grain pita bread, and fill it with romaine lettuce, lean turkey, reduced-fat cheese and a dash of balsamic vinegar. Make waffles or french toast with whole-wheat flour or bread, and top with fresh fruit instead of syrup. Buy prewashed lettuce to take to work to make a quick salad and add a protein like tuna or salmon. Remember to drink water with your meal to help keep you full.

References

Article reviewed by Jessica Lyons Last updated on: Jun 14, 2011

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