Slimming Diet Food

Healthy dietary changes can play a vital role in managing your weight and lowering your risk for serious health conditions linked with obesity, such as heart attack, stroke, Type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Aim for a balanced diet, based upon nutritious foods, and regular physical activity. For best results, seek specified guidance from your doctor or dietitian.

Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables provide antioxidants, which support a strong-functioning immune system, and significant amounts of water and fiber. Because water and fiber provide no calories, fruits and vegetables are low in energy density, meaning they have fewer calories per serving compared to other foods. Replacing high energy-density foods in your diet, such as crackers, cookies and bacon, with fruits and vegetables may play a role in managing or reducing your weight. Avoid sweetened canned and dried fruit and fruit juices, which contain less fiber and more calories than fresh varieties. Fruits and vegetables particularly low in energy density include berries, kiwi, tomatoes, cucumbers, broccoli, leafy greens and brussels sprouts.

Whole Grains

Eating more whole grains and fewer processed foods may help you, and your abdominal area in particular, slim down. In a study published in "The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" in June 2003, researchers analyzed the dietary habits, weight and waist circumference of 459 adults and found that people following diets rich in white bread and sweets were significantly more likely to gain abdominal inches and weight than people eating diets rich in whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Because whole grains contain more fiber than refined grains, such as white flour, they may help you stay fuller longer between meals. They also have a milder impact on your blood sugar levels, which may help delay hunger cues. Examples of nutritious, whole grains include bulgur, barley, whole wheat, brown rice, wild rice and air-popped popcorn.

Lean Meats and Fish

Lean meats and fish provide more protein per serving than most other foods. Protein-rich foods promote fullness, according to coauthors of "The Volumetrics Weight Control Plan: Feel Full on Fewer Calories" Barbara J. Rolls and Robert A. Barnett, who recommend incorporating lean meats and fish into nutritious, balanced meals for enhanced weight-loss results. Avoid high-fat meats, such as beef, lamb, bacon, dark-meat poultry, luncheon meats, and fried meats and fish, which are higher in saturated fat and calories. For added benefits, use low-fat cooking methods, such as baking, broiling and poaching.

Nuts and Seeds

Nuts and seeds provide heart-healthy, unsaturated fat and valuable micronutrients, such as the antioxidant vitamin E. Nuts and seeds are "highly nutritious" according to Rolls and Barnett, and because they provide protein and fiber, they may help stave off food cravings when you eat them in modest amounts. Nuts and seeds also provide healthy alternatives to saturated fat sources, such as butter, high-fat cheese and potato chips, which are linked with obesity and heart disease. Varieties particularly rich in fiber include almonds, peanuts, Brazil nuts, pistachios, sunflower seeds and flaxseed.