Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Recommended Diet Foods

Keep your diet rich in fruits and vegetables.


By dieting, you can achieve total well being. It's essential to eat the right foods and to make sure that the calories you consume are put to good use and that you aren't getting too many empty calories. Paying attention to the foods you select is a good starting point in achieving routine healthy eating habits.


Fruits and Vegetables


A diet that is rooted heavily in fruits and vegetables is a good option for those watching and monitoring what they eat. Fruits are a good source of vitamins and can satisfy sugar cravings. Vegetables are rich in vitamins and antioxidants that are essential for helping the body absorb and best utilize nutrients. Substituting hearty vegetables in place of meats and high-calorie proteins can help with both weight loss and maintenance. For example, if you are eating whole-grain pasta for dinner, try substituting grilled eggplant in place of meat to make the meal more filling. Avoid starch-laden vegetables like potatoes if your diet is geared towards weight loss.








Whole Grains


Begin substituting all processed grains, such as white flour, with whole-grain options to help make your food intake more nutritious. A wide variety of healthy grains is readily available and can be incorporated into your daily diet. Oats, legumes, beans, rice and wheat are all good choices. Some good ways to get more whole grains in your diet are to replace traditional breakfast cereals with whole-grain versions, and to replace all flours and baking items with similar products.


Protein








Protein can be found in nuts and meats, but if you are trying to control your weight, be aware of the calorie count associated with high-protein foods. Make sure to balance you diet accordingly so that you eat enough proteins to keep you satisfied and maintain an active lifestyle.


Fiber


Fiber is an essential element in any diet that keeps you feeling full while helping your digestive system work. Choose high-fiber foods, such as peas, beans, artichokes and rasberries. By replacing low-fiber foods with higher-fiber options, you can eat less because the fiber fills you up faster. When adding additional fiber to your diet, increase your total water intake as well to help keep the fiber moving through your digestive tract.

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