A Healthy Food Diet To Lose Weight

Working out is only one part of the weight loss equation. Exercising without following a healthy diet will only provide minimal results. Losing weight involves burning more calories than you eat daily. A healthy diet will help you create a calorie deficit and encourage weight loss.

Eat Natural Foods

Follow a diet that revolves around foods in their most natural form. Natural foods take longer to digest, so you feel fuller faster while eating less. Consume low-fat proteins like lean cuts of steak, skinless protein, cottage cheese, eggs, Greek yogurt and fish to aid in tissue repair. Eat complex carbohydrates like whole grains, sweet potatoes, brown rice, oatmeal, vegetables and fruits to provide a fuel source to help increase energy levels. Consume healthy fats like nuts, seeds, avocado, salmon, olive oil and flax seed oil to improve heart heath and aid in essential vitamin absorption.

Drink Water

Increase your water intake to stay hydrated and to minimize weight gain caused by water retention. Drink at least eight cups of water per day to prevent dehydration. Keep a bottle of water at your desk at work to sip throughout the day. Drink plenty of water if you live in a humid or warm climate.

Cut Back on Salt

Consuming a diet high in sodium can cause weight gain and contribute to health conditions such as hypertension. Add flavor to your foods with spices and herbs instead of using the salt shaker. Stay away from high-sodium processed foods like deli-meats, frozen dinners and pre-seasoned foods.

Decrease Your Calorie Intake

Consume fewer calories daily to promote weight loss. Record your meals with an online food journal like LIVESTRONG's MyPlate. Monitor your calorie intake for one week. Add your calorie totals and divide by seven to calculate the average number you consume. Decrease your calorie intake by 500 calories per day to lose about 1 lb. per week.