Foods to help you lose weight are low in calories and filling so that they help you reduce your total calorie intake. Remember that you need to control your intake even of low-calorie foods to make sure you're not consuming too much. The healthiest weight-loss plan includes a balanced diet with an appropriate amount of physical activity. Your doctor or nutritionist will help you develop a suitable program for your weight-loss goals.
Fruits and Vegetables
Most fruits and vegetables help you lose weight because they are low in energy density, meaning they have very few calories compared to their serving size, according to MayoClinic.com. They are filling because they are high in water and dietary fiber, and you can lose weight by eating them as snacks instead of higher calorie options, such as candy or potato chips. Eat fruit instead of high-sugar, high-fat desserts, and eat vegetables as lower calorie options for side dishes.
Poultry and Fish
Poultry and fish can help you lose weight because they are high in protein -- a filling nutrient, according to the Harvard School of Public Health. Protein slows stomach emptying after a meal and it helps stabilize blood sugar levels so that you do not feel too hungry. Lean proteins, such as skinless chicken or turkey breast, cod, canned tuna in water and pollock, are low in calories and fat. Avoid dark-meat poultry with the skin when you want to reduce your calorie intake.
Dairy and Eggs
Use dairy products and eggs as versatile options to help you lose weight. They are high in protein, and you can have yogurt, cheese, cottage cheese or hard-boiled eggs for snacks. Scrambled eggs or omelets make good choices for breakfast. Choose fat-free or low-fat dairy products to reduce your intake of calories and saturated fat, and opt for plain or no sugar-added flavored yogurt to limit sugar intake. Egg whites are fat-free and they are high in protein.
Beans and Lentils
Beans and lentils help you lose weight because they are high in dietary fiber and protein. There are about 5 to 9 g of fiber and 6 to 9 g of protein in each half cup of cooked lentils or beans, such as navy, lima, garbanzo, pinto, northern or black beans, according to the 2010 USDA Dietary Guidelines. Each serving has 104 to 149 calories.
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