Losing weight in a healthy way means cutting calories while still getting the nutrition you need. Good foods for losing weight help you reduce your overall calorie intake while allowing you to enjoy your weight loss diet so that you are motivated to stick to it. A nutritionist can help you determine the best foods for your individual situation.
Vegetables
Most vegetables are good foods for losing weight because they are low in calories and high in fiber, so you can fill up on them without going over your daily limits. Have greens and other raw vegetables, such as cucumbers, tomatoes and onions, in low-calorie salads. Broccoli, cauliflower, green beans, eggplant and zucchini can be low-calorie side dishes or additions to recipes, such as soups, stews, stir-fries and casseroles, to make them more filling. Raw carrots, cherry tomatoes, bell pepper strips and celery sticks are low-calorie snacks.
Lean Proteins
Lean proteins are good foods for losing weight because protein slows down digestion to make you less hungry, according to the Harvard School of Public Health. Lean proteins can save you calories when you eat them instead of high-fat options such as ribs, fatty steaks, full-fat cheese and bacon. Instead, choose skinless chicken breast, fish, shellfish, lean beef, reduced-fat cheese and egg whites. Have lean proteins for your entrées, on salads or for snacks to stave off hunger between meals.
Fruits
Most kinds of fruit are good foods for losing weight because they have a low calorie density, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Whole fruits, such as apples, pears, oranges, tangerines and nectarines, are easy to carry, so you can eat them for snacks instead of higher-calorie options. Berries, grapes and cut melon are good on their own or as additions to cereal or yogurt. Olives and avocados provide heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, but they are high in calories, so only eat small amounts of them when you are trying to lose weight.
Diet Foods
Diet versions of regular products can be good for losing weight because they allow you to stick to your diet while eating your normal foods. Using light salad dressings and sauces can save you hundreds of calories compared to high-calorie versions, which may be high in fat or sugar. Sugar-free pudding and fat-free frozen yogurt may satisfy your sweet tooth on a diet. Diet products can help only you lose weight if they save you calories, so monitor your portion sizes.
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