When you begin a weight-loss or diet program, you should choose foods that are healthy and provide your body with the nourishment it needs. It is important to remember that dieting requires a lifestyle change so you need to choose foods that are good for you, but also enjoyable to eat. When dieting, it is essential to eat several small meals throughout the day, so stock your refrigerator with healthy choices so you have what you need.
Broccoli
You may remember broccoli as the food you refused to eat as a kid. As an adult, you may find that as your body grew up, so did your taste buds. Broccoli is loaded with beta-carotene and plenty of vitamin C. A 1-cup serving of chopped broccoli gives you 3 g of fiber and has just 25 calories. Broccoli is especially recommended for women dieters as it contains sulforaphane, a weapon your body uses to protect it from breast cancer, according to "The 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth." To flavor your broccoli without sodium, squeeze some fresh lemon on top.
Salmon
Fatty fish help you lose weight in your stomach while keeping your heart healthy. Salmon is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids. According to "SuperFoods Rx," these acids improve your body's sensitivity to insulin, helping you to build muscle and burn fat in your belly area. As you build muscle, your body will be able to burn more calories naturally. Salmon is also a naturally flavorful fish so you won't need to do much to make it tasty other than cooking it in a hot pan with a little lemon or garlic cloves.
Blueberries
Every type of berry is healthy, but blueberries may be the healthiest of them all, according to "Healthy Foods: Fact versus Fiction." Not only do blueberries contain high levels of antioxidants, but 1 cup is loaded with nearly 4 g of fiber. Blueberries can be eaten plain or used as a topping for whole-grain cereal, oatmeal, fat-free yogurt or low-fat cottage cheese.
Beets
Beets are a diet food that many people overlook or fail to consider. Beets have a sweet flavor that is unlike any other vegetable available. They are low in calories, so you can enjoy them without hurting your diet. Beets are also good sources of betaine and folate. Avoid beets that come in a jar as they may contain additives and extra sugar. Instead, eat them fresh and raw. Even the stems and leaves are loaded with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.
References
- "The 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth"; Jonny Bowden; 2007
- "SuperFoods Rx"; Steven G. Pratt; 2006
- "Healthy Foods: Fact versus Fiction"; Myrna Chandler Goldstein; 2010
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