Organic Foods To Help Men Under 30 Lose Weight

Weight loss depends on two main factors -- your overall physical activity and your diet. When it comes to weight loss for men under 30, diet needs to revolve around a wide range of foods from each of the major food groups, including fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and meat and dairy for those who aren't vegetarians. Choosing organic sources of these foods can provide additional benefits, depending on the source of the food and the way it's raised or harvested.

Organic Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables should make up most of your diet due to their high fiber and low calorie and fat content -- all of which contribute to weight loss. Men under the age of 30 are recommended to get at least three to four cups of vegetables everyday and 2 - 2 1/2 cups of fruit, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. However, many produce companies use pesticides on their crops that can be harmful if ingested. The United States Department of Agriculture reports that certified organic fruits and vegetables have significantly lower levels of these residual pesticides. It's wise to buy organic, especially if you plan to eat the skin of the produce, since much of the pesticide residue accumulates on the skin.

Organic Dairy

Low-fat dairy products can be used in your diet as both a protein and calcium source, without ingesting too many extra calories. In fact, the USDA suggests that all men between the ages of 19 and 30 include 3 cups of dairy each day into their diet. To be certified organic, dairy products must be produced by cows that: haven't been treated with Bovine Growth Hormone, or BGH, to increase milk production; haven't been exposed to antibiotics; and haven't been fed with animal feed grown with the use of pesticides.

Organic Meats

Unless you choose to follow a vegetarian diet, organic meats can also play a role in a healthy weight-loss diet for men under 30. The USDA recommends that men in this age group aim for the equivalent of 6 and 1/2 ounces of meat each day. Choose meats lower in fat content, such as chicken, or lean cuts of beef or pork. Fish is also an excellent source of animal-based protein and provides high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, which help promote a healthy heart. Choosing organic meats reduces your risks of being exposed to prion-related diseases, such as mad cow disease, which are protein-based infectious agents that infect the brain. Organic meat also reduces your risks for arsenic exposure from products like chicken, suggests the USDA. This is due to more rigorous raising guidelines and a more thorough inspection before the meat hits the market as certified organic.

Organic Grains

Whole grains should also be included in your weight-loss diets. Whole grains are a primary source of fiber, as well as complex carbohydrates for energy production, which helps you feel fuller for longer. The USDA recommends that men under the age of 30 include the equivalent of 8 ounces of grains each day. Choosing organic grains provides reduces your risks of exposure to pesticides, as well as helps guarantee your food didn't come from genetically-altered grain products.