When looking to start a healthy diet, it can be a bit overwhelming. There are so many diet foods to choose from, and the media gives us mixed messages about which foods are healthy. Luckily, a registered dietitian can quickly break down the best diet foods for dieters looking to lead a healthy lifestyle
Nuts
Nuts have plenty of healthy fats called polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats and fiber
- These nutrients help to provide satiety after a meal and keep dieters full longer.
- In addition to keeping you full, nuts have also been shown to help improve your health.
Greek Yogurt
High in protein and low in sugar, Greek yogurt is good for dieting and probiotics
- Unsweetened yogurt is best if you prefer unsweetened, but can be added if you want to sweeten it
- Can help improve gut health and reduce bloating
Lean Protein
This includes things such as chicken breast and lean beef.
- In addition to helping you build muscle, protein is actually harder for our body to digest, meaning that we burn more calories in trying to do so. This is referred to as the “thermic effect of food.”
Berries
High in fiber, antioxidants, and fiber, berries provide many health benefits
- Best to consume antioxidants in whole foods rather than supplements, but fresh or frozen berries offer many more benefits than just the health benefits listed above
- Fiber helps improve blood glucose stability and heart health, while keeping you full and satisfied after meals
Fish
High-protein food that is low in fat
- Fish also provides Omega-3 fatty acids which may help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, glaucoma, and various mental health disorders.
- The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends two to three servings of fish per week.
Dark Leafy Greens
High in Vitamins A, E, C, and K
- Also high in B-vitamins
- These greens are low in calories and carbohydrates, making them a good addition to your diet.
- Perfect for salads and wraps.
Conclusion
If you are looking to start a diet while maintaining a healthy lifestyle, it’s not difficult.
- There are so many healthful foods that many of us are already eating in our daily lives, and if you are not eating some of these foods, it is so easy to start!
- For example, grab a handful of nuts as a snack or make oatmeal for breakfast in the morning. These foods will help keep you full and provide your body with many of the nutrients it needs to help your diet on track.
Whole Grains
Provide fiber, which helps keep you full longer and promotes satiety
- Help maintain a steady blood glucose level
- Vitamins and minerals help supply iron, Vitamin B, magnesium, zinc, copper, and antioxidants
- Try incorporating oatmeal into your breakfast
Legumes
Legumes are a category of vegetable that includes green peas, beans, chickpeas, and lentils
- Regular intake of legumes can lower your risk of type 2 diabetes and improve blood glucose control for those who have already developed this disease
- They have also been shown to improve heart health and may improve weight control for dieters
