When you decide to go on a diet to lose weight, one of the first issues to consider is what you will eat. Great foods for dieting are typically low in calories, but help fill you up and are nutritious. To make sure you develop a diet plan that meets your needs, talk to a nutritionist who specializes in weight loss.
Vegetables
Vegetables are among the best foods for dieting because most of them are low in calories and high in dietary fiber, so they help fill you up without putting you over your calorie limit. According to Health.gov, a half cup of artichoke hearts has about 7 g fiber and 45 calories, a half cup of green peas or mixed vegetables has about 4 g fiber and 60 calories and a half cup of broccoli has almost 3 g fiber and 30 calories. You can have them raw as snacks or in salads, serve them cooked for side dishes or add them to soups, casseroles or stews.
Fruit
Most fruits are slightly higher in calories than vegetables, but they are also great foods for dieting. They may motivate you to stick to your diet plan because they are sweet, so they make good alternatives to higher-calorie desserts. They are high in dietary fiber, with about 4 g in an apple, pear or half cup of berries. You can add fruit to your cereal in the morning, eat whole or cut fruit for snacks and eat it for dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth after meals.
Lean Protein
Lean protein sources can be great foods for dieting because protein is a filling nutrient, according to the Harvard School of Public Health. Meat, poultry, shellfish and fish are low in carbohydrates or carbohydrate free, so you can eat them on a low carbohydrate diet. To keep the calories low, choose lean sources such as skinless chicken breast or shrimp instead of fatty cuts of beef or dark meat chicken with the skin. Tofu is a good vegetarian option, and fat free yogurt is high in protein but low in calories.
Considerations
Legumes, such as beans, peas and lentils, are great foods for dieting because they have fiber and protein. You will have to choose your own great foods for dieting depending on your personal preferences. Choose foods that you enjoy, so that you can stick to your diet. Also, make sure that your food choices meet your nutritional needs, especially if you have specific health conditions. Talk to your doctor or a nutritionist for help in choosing good diet foods.
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